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"We opened the shower up and put 10- x 4-foot slabs [of Trend Stone] over the existing tile," she said. "It is non-porous and easy to clean."

StoneWorld: Reflecting on current kitchen and bath trends  

By Jennifer Adams

 

 April 2012

  

With kitchens and baths still cherished spaces among homeowners, designers are finding that their clients are taking their investment seriously, and they are willing to spend on premium stone and tile products

 While styles and product choices may come and go, one aspect of residential design that remains constant is that kitchen and bath spaces rank high among homeowners. Meticulous thought and planning are taken to design just the right space that satisfies both functional needs and aesthetic appeal. And many homeowners are favoring stone and tile to create the kitchen and bath design of their dreams.

It is safe to say that the kitchen is the star of a home. Typically the central location of a residence, the kitchen has evolved into much more than a room for preparing meals. It has become a gathering space of sorts - a place for everything from cooking and entertaining to children doing their homework. As a result, large center islands and top-quality stone and tile products have become popular choices among homeowners.

Designer Christopher Grubb, President of Arch-Interiors design group, inc. in Beverly Hills, CA, finds that his clients are savvy, but also cautious, when it comes to designing their kitchens. "Most of our kitchens are a six figure investment - depending on the size and the appliances the client desires," he said. "It is one of the biggest investments they will make in their home. I always feel a responsibility when designing to show the client a variety of materials at a variety of price points. I joke that they inevitably pick the more expensive ones.

"I'd say clients have waited a bit longer to start projects with the economic climate as it's been," Grubb went on to explain. "I think they want to feel a bit more financially stable - even if it's just psychological. Like all projects though, I'd rather a client waits until they are comfortable with their budget than compromise. Labor is always the most expensive versus a product, and I explain to them that considering the years in which they will use a space, I never want them to say, ' Why didn't I wait so I got what I really wanted?' instead of wanting to save a bit on their budget."

One noticeable trend Grubb is witnessing in kitchen design is that homeowners are requesting decorative panels to cover their appliances. "It seems most of our clients want to hide the appliances whenever they can," he said.

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 Sincerely,

Tyler Ryals

President