This trend is something that we have seen in all our markets. Whether it is in your kitchen or bathroom, everyone wants to achieve that clean, crisp look. Marble is a material that has been around for centuries, and it truly stands the test of time. It is a classic, timeless look and all we can say is keep it coming!

Gold is making a huge comeback in home design, and the kitchen and bathrooms are not being left out! From hardware to faucets, gold is definitely in style! And we aren’t talking about your run of the mill brass from your grandmother’s house. Finishes include matte gold, brushed bronze, champagne bronze, polished or brushed nickel…the options are endless!

Comfortable outdoor spaces are an extension of your home. Not only do they provide an extra space to entertain during the warmer seasons, but outdoor kitchens also add value to your home. Enjoy a mini vacation in your backyard with an outdoor kitchen, pool, fire pit or grilling area! Temps outside are warming up…finally!

Color adds life and energy to a space, so we love when it is incorporated in kitchen designs. All white kitchens will remain classic, but adding a touch of color gives the space personality and style. Whether you want to go bold with a tiffany blue cabinet, or choose a more subtle design, like the quartzite island pictured above, we think adding color is an easy way to add character to your kitchen.

Patterned cement tiles are in, but what are they and how do you maintain them? Cement or “encaustic” tiles come in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns. These hand crafted tiles add interest to any design. They can be installed on floors and walls and can easily become the focal point of the room. While these tiles are made of cement, they must be cleaned with mild, non-abrasive detergent, and sealed once they are installed. Incorporate cement tiles into your next project to add eye-catching character!

Black and white color motifs will never go out of style. We love the elegance a claw foot tub can bring to a space, but add in the high contrast color pallet and we have total tub envy! A classic favorite, the white subway tiles are the perfect backdrop for the black tub & make the focal point of the space really pop!

Remember your black desk in Chemistry class? It was likely made of soapstone, a natural stone with an ultra-low absorbency rate. It can be found in a variety of colors such a white, black, and charcoal, making it suitable for many design applications. The honed, non-polished, surface can be left as is, or oiled periodically to deepen the color and veining, depending on the desired look. We love the versatility of this stone and are excited to see its use increasing in popularity!

Textured and 3-dimensional tiles are a very avant-garde way to update and enhance your kitchen. We are loving this trend! It brings depth to any space, and creates a unique aesthetic. Try this trend on your kitchen backslash, an accent wall, or shower.

Sometimes the most difficult part of the process can be choosing the appropriate backsplash to best compliment your stone. Using your countertop material may be the perfect solution. A full stone backsplash is dynamic and easy to clean. Work on the layout of your backsplash with your fabricator to emphasize the movement and pattern of the stone. This can truly give your kitchen an elegant look!

An alternative to the traditional polished finishes, and the newly popular honed finish, leathered countertops are making a bold statement. This trend first made an appearance in outdoor kitchens. Lately, we have seen this trend everywhere from kitchens to bathrooms, and we love the organic look and feel that it gives the space. Try a leathered finish in your next project, as it adds texture and depth.

Lately, we have seen honed finishes on everything from countertops to backsplashes, and we love it! This is an easy way for your kitchen or bathroom design to stand out from the rest. The velvety, matte finish is both inviting and enticing. In our opinion, honed finishes are here to stay.

Wood look tile is something that has slowly grown into a major trend, and it is definitely something that we will be seeing for a long time to come. Because of the advances in technology, the manufacturers are able to create extremely realistic wood looks, achieving the beauty of wood with the durability of tile. And this also allows you to have “wood” in high traffic and high moisture areas such as bathrooms, shower walls, and kitchens!