Kitchen Bath Design Concepts

Apply the Right Colors

• Learn about current trends in colors. Use the correct wall paint colors, colors of bath fixtures or kitchen appliances and cabinetry. Outdated design concepts for combining floor and wall colors, for example, will hurt the look of your kitchen or bath. Stick with neutral wall colors for the kitchen, such as pale taupe or light green. Use white, light gold or earth tones in tile for a bath, as possible choices.

Choose High-Quality Materials

• The right products and materials can improve a kitchen or bath. Adding countertops in granite tiles, for example, is an affordable choice that looks upscale. Using white main fixtures with high-quality faucets and glass shelving will upgrade an outdated bathroom. If you plan to install high-end kitchen appliances, such as a restaurant-quality range or stainless refrigerator, ensure the cabinets look high quality as well. Plan to install ceramic tile flooring with a luxury whirlpool tub and tiled shower versus vinyl flooring.

Enhance Space Visually

• Look for ways to add roominess and light. Any kitchen or bath looks larger with more natural light. You might install a wall of glass blocks to add light, or a skylight can open the space somewhat. Using cabinets with a light finish on the upper walls of a kitchen will add roominess, too. A bath space will look bigger if the shower has light-colored tiles and a glass door. Sliding frosted doors on a bulky premade shower can make a bath look much smaller.

Leave Some Breathing Room

• In a floor plan layout, less can be more. Do install high-quality base cabinets and upper wall cabinets in a kitchen; however, don't fill the kitchen with as many cabinets as possible. A cluttered look gives the room a self-designed look versus a professionally-designed appearance. Leaving room for foot traffic and artwork on the walls is the sign of detailed planning. A bathroom might require a hall closet for toiletries and supplies instead of forcing a closet to fit the floor plan.

Add Inexpensive Touches

• An individualized look is achievable with decorative items. For instance, you might add bright red towels to a glass shelf area in an all-white bathroom. Stainless steel shelving in a kitchen might hold brightly-colored bowls. These decorative touches can be relatively inexpensive. For example, you can purchase bowls in primary colors at a dollar store. Buy a lime green rug for a kitchen or bath to add some visual appeal.