Late fall’s sunshine can spotlight the lackluster areas of our homes. And if you find that you want to improve the aura of your dated kitchen and bath, it may be a good time to rejuvenate those spaces. For an inside scoop on the latest trends in bathroom and kitchen design, we talked to Jean-Claude Desjardins, owner of Edina’s Maison Kitchen + Bath.
“The major trend in homes is that people are going clean,” says Desjardins. Stemming from the popularity of open-concept homes, where the kitchen and living areas are combined into one large space, blank canvases and simple designs are in. “The kitchen is now part of the living space,” says Desjardins. The desire for integrated appliances is also big right now. Customers want appliances that blend into the décor so that the transition from kitchen to living space appears seamless.
According to Desjardins, healthier, greener cookware is also on the rise. Induction cooktops that rapidly heat up through magnetic stimulation are among these options. There is far less wasted energy with an induction oven than a conventional oven. According to Desjardins, “There is no loss of heat on the cookware and the surface does not stay hot.” Desjardin predicts that as price points continue to fall, induction ovens will only gain in popularity. Steam ovens are also on the rise. Steam ovens retain the essential nutrients in your food, plus the steam itself can make the need for butters and oils unnecessary. Food can be reheated using a steam oven, minimizing dependency on microwaves.
A well-designed bathroom can be operationally efficient, as well as an oasis. Marble is the most wanted material right now, says Desjardins. And there are a lot of options that allow homeowners to get the marble look without the marble maintenance. One of these newly coveted alternatives is called Dekton. Fresh out of Spain, Dekton is 10 times harder than quartz and is scratch-resistant. Plus, because of its “ultra-compaction” properties, Dekton can cover large surfaces with minimal material.
Some bathroom bells and whistles include multiple-jet shower heads and heated floors for added luxury. As consumers become more savvy, these indulgences, once only available at five-star hotels, are now accessible in our own homes. Also, “there’s a lot of technology now,” says Desjardins. Gadgets such as Bluetooth-speaker showerheads provide a little music for those who like to sing in the shower.
All these options might make you eager to overhaul your kitchen and bathroom, but before you dive in, it’s important to consider your budget. “People can be misled by television,” says Desjardins. The popularity of do-it-yourself home remodeling shows has perpetuated the misconception that it’s possible to do it all on a dime. However, Desjardins warns that more often than not these shows are getting many of their products for free. Prior to embarking on a costly home improvement project, talk to a professional and get the real numbers. Seek advice from experts who specialize in what they do. If you’re planning to renovate a kitchen or bathroom, Desjardin advises you to seek the knowledge of someone who designs kitchen and bathrooms all day long. This way, you have a realistic idea of the cost, and your finished space will be a marvel to you and your guests.
Visit Maison Kitchen + Bath’s new showroom in Edina, 7537 Washington Ave. S. or visit online at the website here.
