Bath Design

• Using a glass tub and shower enclosure enhances the feeling of openness in a surreal bathroom.
• Try turning an antique credenza into a sink and storage vanity by drilling two holes to accommodate plumbing and adding a glass top to protect its surface.
• Television sets can now blend technology with art, using camouflage that's both attractive and smart. A painting surrounded with a frame of your choice can now, with a touch of a button, roll up like a window shade, revealing a state-of-the-art big-screen TV.
• Pay attention to proportion and scale when selecting bath fixtures. Overpowering size of colors can send the design off balance.

Chef's Corner

• Selections of industrial-style stainless steel appliances is still a popular choice. An alternative to stainless steel is integrated appliances with surfaces matching cabinetry. This conceals all appliances.
• With the openness of many kitchens attention to sound becomes important. Whisper quiet dishwashers are in high demand.
• The introduction of a microwave drawer below-the-counter, cleans up counter space.
• Chocolate, java, mocha - any shade of dark brown, continues to be the buzz in cabinetry, especially in contemporary kitchen designs when the rich dark shades are paired with a stunning bright lime or aqua.