The National Kitchen & Bath Association's Trend Study

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Looking to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the world of kitchen and bathroom design? If you are still in the planning stages of your remodel, you might want to check the latest National Kitchen & Bath Association’s trend study: 300 member designers were polled for the latest trends and news about bath and kitchen designs and remodels and below are the results.

Curious to see what’s HOT this season?

GRAY COLOR SCHEMES – that’s right, shades of gray are growing in appeal for both the kitchen and bathroom, and been growing in popularity since 2010.

“Among the overall trends identified for this year, gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly over the past year, according to a written statement about the study. “Used currently in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms, shades of gray are growing in appeal, creating chic, sophisticated spaces that many consumers desire.”

The appetite for sleek shades of gray in kitchens and baths might be linked to the colors popularity in fashion over the last few years. NKBA stopped short of linking the color’s popularity to the steamy best-seller “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James.

Despite gray’s recent appeal, white and off-white are still most popular, used in 73 percent of kitchens and 71 percent bathrooms. The neutrals of beige and bone come next in popularity, followed by grays and browns, according to NKBA.
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QUARTZ – second most popular counter-surface material used in kitchens and baths last year, and is closely gaining popularity to granite on the top spot.

WHITE CABINETS – this is a popular trend for kitchens, it has been a top choice since last year.

GLASS BACKSPLASH – this trend has grown in popularity in the last 3 years, it’s no surprise.

TOUCH-ACTIVATED FAUCETS – at Plumbtile you will find many of these trendy faucets, we love them!

For the complete trends for the bath and kitchen, you can view the full list here. Call 1-866-369-8180 and ask your friendly Plumbtile consultant about the latest trends, they’re always ready to help!

Updating the Most Used Kitchen Item – The Kitchen Sink

It is Remodel Thursday and we have a great  tip for you. Today, we are all about the kitchen sink. Are you ready?

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Elite - Kitchen 24

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the sink handles most of the daily chores. That’s because it’s the only working area used to both prepare meals and clean up after them. Although quality sinks can last 15 years or more, they do wear out. Their finishes start to dull or chip, and annoying leaks appear mysteriously around the rim and drain.

When replacing the kitchen sink one could get overwhelmed with so many options — single bowls to multiple bowls of different sizes, shapes and depths — you need to consider the size of the room and how you’ll use the sink. Large multi-basin models, which are popular right now, will overpower a small kitchen.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association, an industry trade group, suggests a standard 22X24-in. single-bowl model for kitchens less than 150 sq. ft. For larger kitchens, you can consider the added convenience of double and triple bowls that allow you to stack the dishes in one bowl while you rinse off vegetables in the other.

Kohler - Cordial(R) cast iron entertainment sink with two faucet hole drillings

Many designers specify one main sink and a smaller bar sink for large kitchens. The added smaller bar sink, like the Cordial Cast Iron Sink by Kohler, works out well when there are 2 cooks in the household. It also works well if there are children in the home.

Whatever size and bowl configuration you choose, you’ll also need to select the type of mounting you want. This is both an esthetic and a practical decision as described above.

You’ll also need to specify the number of holes in the sink deck. This number will range from one to five, depending on the faucet and the number of accessories you will have like spray hoses and soap dispensers you add.

Call us at 1-866-369-8180 and we will have one of our specialists speak with you.  We are now accepting PayPal.  For any orders that are over $99.00 you can choose to “Bill Me Later” and get 6 months interest free.  We look forward to assisting you with any of your kitchen needs here at Plumbtile.

Stylish Kitchen Sinks

When you think of a kitchen sink, your first though is not likely style.  Quite often, the sink simply blends in with the rest of the architecture and decor.  But your can set aside your bland stainless steal or ceramic sink and make way for more stylish kitchen sinks from Plumbtile.

Check out these great options:

   

   

   

 

How to Replace Your Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink sees constant use on a daily basis, and eventually will need to be replaced. Sometimes, you may want to replace the sink simply to upgrade, or to conserve more water. Whatever the reason, it is good to have a few tips in mind before you replace your sink. Here are some of Plumbtile’s top tips, as well as a how-to video for replacing your kitchen sink.

First, it is very important to take into account the type of function you wish to have, as well as the amount of work you are willing to do. If you currently have a single bowl sink and are looking to get a double bowl, there is going to be some work involved in cutting your counter top. This may even have to be done by a professional.

Of course, design is always a factor to consider as well. Many water-conserving sinks and faucets these days come in luxury finishes and designs, so it should not be hard to find one that fits your kitchen perfectly. You may even find that this upgrade makes your life much easier, with so many new developments in faucet design!

Once you have chosen the sink you want, you must know how to install it (if you are doing so yourself.)  We have found this video to be very helpful in showing you exactly what needs to be done.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/awEi4xoScn0]

If you’re still having trouble deciding which sink style and brand fits your needs best, be sure to speak to a trusted retailer to get expert advice and guidance. You will probably have this sink for many years, so make sure it is perfect for you!

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