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KBIS 2013: What’s Hot in Kitchens

by H. Camille Smith May 1, 2013 15 Comments

If you saw Kayla’s bathroom trends post then you know that we recently spent a few days in the Big Easy for the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show checking out the hottest new products before they hit shelves. Trendspotting at a trade show is always fun but unlike other shows we attend where design is the only focus, kitchens and baths are spaces where form and function are equally important so technology is key. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen, or just thinking about a few upgrades, here are the freshest trends/technologies to make your kitchen really cook!

Wondering what color to paint your cabinets? I polled a few manufacturers and while white cabinets continue to be tops, gray is the shade they’re betting on to break white’s top spot. This kitchen by Wellborn pairs soft gray cabinets with richly stained wood — combining cabinet colors is another kitchen trend that’s holding strong:
Wellborn Cabinets Kitchen in Soft Gray

Not only is the color of kitchen cabinets changing, but hardware manufacturers like Blum are changing the way cabinet doors and drawers function. These hydraulic, easy-close doors fold up and out of the way with the touch of a button: Blum Hydraulic Kitchen Cabinets

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HGTV’s Color of the Month is Quietly Cool

by Liz Gray May 1, 2013 17 Comments

The weather isn’t the only thing warming up this month: Our color team meeting got a little heated when we struggled to decide between our top two contenders for May. Votes were split between Lili’s orange-red poppy and Camille’s soothing whisper gray. After all, don’t they look amazing together?

Design by Sarah Richardson

You can (and should!) combine these colors, but we had to chose just one. Read on to find out our decision.

Find Out HGTV’s May Color of the Month

KBIS 2013: What’s Hot in Bathrooms

by Kayla Kitts April 30, 2013 6 Comments

Last week, the HGTV.com, HGTVRemodels.com and DIYNetwork.com crews headed to New Orleans for The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Put a bunch of industry nerds around beautiful new kitchen and bath products and, well, we gawk. As someone with contractor-grade bathrooms in a rental, I was swooning over the newest bathroom trends. Just the thought of a rain shower head makes me giddy.

From smart technology to chic new hardware, check out my favorite bath discoveries at this year’s KBIS.

Ann Sacks. Just … Ann Sacks.

Ann Sacks Design at KBIS 2013 Ann Sacks Tile & Stone

The Ann Sacks Scribe Collection featuring the etched herringbone tile backsplash was like walking into my dream bathroom. The backsplash was then paired with a black Italian marble vanity and flooring for a classic, glamorous look that was irresistible in person.

Ann Sacks Design at KBIS 2013

The Ann Sacks Chinois by Robert Kuo Collection feels soft and traditional, but the glazed tiles actually feature lines and patterns inspired by the Song and Tang dynasties.

Ann Sacks Design at KBIS 2013

If you’re seeking crisp lines and geometry, the ASC Modern Collection is for you. Circles, diamonds and squares all encompass these glazed tiles that feel balanced and simple.

Discover More Bathroom Trends

Defend the Trend: Do You Fawn Over Chevron?

by Briana Mowrey April 26, 2013 8 Comments

BRIANA: Chevron has long been on my list of trends to tackle, but I’m bringing it up now because I see signs of its reign starting to wane. Could straight stripes and punky polka dots be poised to take the throne once again? Or are you still a loyal subject of the zigzags? Discuss.

JESSICA: You know the seagulls from Finding Nemo? They were me – only instead of wailing “Mine!” I was screaming “Chevron!” in every single department store. But as time went on, I realized that chevron was just a novelty to me. I didn’t really love chevron – just the idea of it. All those crazy zigzags just aren’t stable enough for me at this time in my life. We’re on a break.

DAVID HAYNES: Just the idea of chevron? Jessica, that is deep. I’m going to have to think on this for a while.

LEANNE: Enough with those harsh zigzags. Make 2013 the Year of Sensuous, Life-Affirming Swirls. Like in this Gustav Klimt.

MORE SHOUTING ABOUT CHEVRON

Top Trends at High Point Market

by Farima Alavi April 25, 2013 3 Comments

Liz and I went to High Point Market this weekend to spot the hottest trends in home design. Some trends have made a comeback — like gold furniture — while others, like mid-century modern furniture, are still holding strong. We saw many new ones, including leather furniture, lounge chairs and clever storage solutions, but three trends really stood out.

Bar Carts

Spring Trend: Bar Cart Clockwise: Baker Furniture; Four Hands; Sauder Furniture; Leslie W. Moore Designs

It’s all about entertaining these days — especially with summer days ahead. What better and easier way to serve drinks than a bar cart? From extravagant wood carts to retro-style, glass-topped ones, there was a cart to fit every person’s design style and budget.

See More Trends

Easy Dipped Wooden Utensils

by Kayla Kitts April 24, 2013 1 Comment

Mother’s Day is always a struggle for me. I always want to get my mom something special but she says she wants a leaf blower or a new filter for something or some kind of tool that I have to Google before I get to the store. This year, I’m putting my foot down and honing my crafting skills. Mom, sorry, but you’re getting something handmade and from the heart. If you’re in the same boat as me, then you’re in luck. We have tons of beautiful, DIY gift ideas that Mom will love, from jewelry boxes to tote bags. And for the culinary Mom, try customized utensils in her favorite hue.

Easy Dipped Wooden Utenstils at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

This project is so fast and easy, you’ll want to make a set for all your friends (including yourself). All you need are wooden utensils, craft paint, painter’s tape, a foam paintbrush and a food-safe sealer and shellac. For the paint, I chose to paint each handle a different shade of pink to create an ombre look among the six utensils. You can mix in white paint, however, if you want to create an ombre look on the handle itself. Get the Full Step-by-Step Instructions >>

Easy Dipped Wooden Utensils at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

More DIY Mother’s Day Ideas:

Block-Print Napkins With Simple DIY Stamps
Make a Simple, Floral Mother’s Day Centerpiece
Hand-Painted Wooden Bracelets for Mother’s Day
Make a Fingerprint Table Runner for Mother’s Day
Make an Easy-to-Sew Lined Tote Bag
Easy-to-Craft Handmade Jewelry Box

Decorators’ Show House at Tuffeau Estate

by Grant Dudley April 23, 2013 5 Comments

The 43rd annual Decorators’ Show House & Gardens at Tuffeau Estate in Atlanta is open to the public now through May 12th. An array of the Southeast’s most brilliant designers have showcased their talents by transforming more than 30 design spaces in the estate into spectacular pieces of art.

If you are in the area in the coming weeks, this is a must-see destination. Over the weekend, some of our bloggers had the privilege to get inside and check out this home — and, wow. Below are several of our favorite rooms.

**All Photos Courtesy of Jeff Roffman Photography, LLC**

Upstairs Master Bedroom Designed by Fernandez + True Interiors

Butler’s Pantry Designed by Kellie Griffin Interiors, Inc.

Even More Stunning Images

Mood Board Monday: Pattern Mixing

by Kayla Kitts April 15, 2013 4 Comments

Years ago, pattern mixing was just downright messy. Now, it signals smart fashion and design know-how (if you do it right, of course). Sure, sometimes it looks like someone picked up every patterned pillow at West Elm, threw it on the sofa and bam — an eclectic mix of patterns that magically work. But trust me, things can go wrong very quickly. (Think 90s patchwork-style shirts on a large scale. Nobody wants that.) Check out this stunning pattern mixing done right, and follow our tips to bring the look into your own home.

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Defend the Trend: Would You Fiddle Around With a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree?

by Briana Mowrey April 12, 2013 13 Comments

BRIANA: Even if you’re not a botanist, you may recognize the fiddle-leaf fig tree from its appearances in design magazine spreads and on blogs. Many, many design magazine spreads and blogs. Fiddle-leaf fig trees are basically the plant equivalent of that Cabinet of Natural Curiosities book, in that people staging spaces love to throw one in the mix. But does its ubiquity make it tired? Or is it just evidence that it looks good everywhere? Would you fiddle around with a fiddle-leaf fig tree in your home?

MARIANNE: Derp derp. Guilty as charged. I grew mine from a wee one-leafed seedling and it is basically my second child.

Do you love or hate fiddle leaf fig trees? Cast your vote now on HGTV's Design Happens blog!
MORE TRASH TALKIN’ ABOUT TREES

Daily Delight: Wedding Cakes

by Grant Dudley April 9, 2013 5 Comments

Are you a bride-to-be looking for unique wedding cake ideas? Look no further than Pink Cake Box! Listen, I’m a dude with no wedding on the horizon and even I can’t stop looking at these cakes.

Unique Wedding Cakes