WHAT'S hot in bathrooms and kitchens? The National Kitchen & Bath Association surveyed more than 100 designers, and the results identified seven kitchen and four bathroom trends:
Kitchens
1. Shake up your cabinets. Traditional Shaker-style cupboards are making a comeback. They are timeless yet can work in a contemporary kitchen.
2. White kitchens are so last year. Dark finishes are gaining in popularity on cabinets and countertops.
3. Unchilled wine storage is growing in popularity. No need for a wine fridge; a rack built in to the end of your island will do.
4. If you're still using a freezer-on-top (or bottom) refrigerator, it's time to get with the food storage program. Side-by-sides are where it's at.
5. Induction cooktops are closing the gap on electric and gas ranges. It seems people like this energy-efficient, no-mess option.
6. LED lights are taking over from incandescents in the kitchen.
7. People are putting more thought into their trash. Designers are installing garbage and recycling pullouts that look like another set of drawers.
Bathrooms
1. Quartz counters are gaining on granite in new bathroom designs.
2. Perhaps in a bid to be spa-like, more homeowners are going green in the bathroom. As in the colour on walls and finishes.
3. Under-mounted sinks are still the most popular in bathrooms, though more people are choosing vessel sinks (formerly found only in the powder room).
4. Satin nickel looks to overtake brushed nickel in the faucet finish department.
Wedding registry
Since registering for a major home appliance is no longer considered gauche, why not up the ante by registering for a house? That's the idea behind homeforthehoneymoon.com, a new Canadian website and online registry put together by a team of real estate professionals.
Essentially, it offers wedding guests the option of giving a portion of a home's down payment as a gift.
Engaged couples set up their wedding site at Home for the Honeymoon. There, they can share news about their home search. Couples are free to use their own real estate agent, or let the website pair them up with one in their area.
Wedding guests can then just make a direct deposit into a PayPal account, with funds going toward the down payment.
The smart key has arrived
Weiser has a new key that it hopes will revolutionize home security.
The SmartKey system uses a patented sidebar locking technology that is tougher to crack than a traditional pin-and-tumbler lock design. It also comes with a handy feature that lets homeowners re-key the lock without removing it from the door or having to use a locksmith.
This innovative advancement allows you to give a key to a babysitter or house cleaner, for example, knowing that when the kids are grown or when you change services, you can re-key the lock without worrying about copies that might be floating around.
The Weiser SmartKey is available in a range of finishes and styles; go to weiserlock.com.
Must-haves for dorm living
Back To University: Bed Bath & Beyond has come out with its 2011 We Heart University Look Book, full of great dorm ideas for students.
In addition to the usual bedding and linen suspects, the store goes beyond (sorry) the obvious to highlight five items every book-hitting coed should have:
1. Quirky Pivot Power Surge Protector
It's a step above traditional power bars, as it pivots into a semicircle or circle to accommodate oversized plugs common on electronic devices.
2. iHome alarm clock
iPod dock meets alarm clock. Makes getting up early slightly easier.
3. Fresh Wave room fragrance
This is appreciated by roommates when your pile of dirty laundry reaches epic proportions.
4. Tervis Tumbler
Hot coffee-or cold beer-to-go mug. Your choice.
5. Real Simple slimline hangers
Small dorm closets call for drastic measures, such as thinner hangers.
Small is beautiful
Dorm rooms are notoriously small, which is why IKEA has come up with some small-space organizing solutions that are good-looking too, so students can study in style. Here are some highlights:
-- Billy bookcases are sleek and affordable ($49) and come in a number of finishes.
-- Forget the dorm desk chair and opt for a cute Skruvsta swivel chair in a bird and floral pattern ($199).
-- Don't forget task lighting with the Barometer work lamp ($49.99)
-- Finally, stock up on the small things that will help you meet deadlines in a tiny but tidy room including a Dekad alarm clock ($8.99), Kassett magazine files ($7.99 for two) and a Dokument trash basket ($5.99).
Keeping it crisp
Oh, your poor produce, left to languish in the fridge until it is limp and worrisomely smelly. Such a fate needn't befall it, say the refrigerator gurus at Samsung. Here are some tips to ensure your perishables don't wilt in the crisper:
1. Refrigerate the right foods: Some produce is better suited for on-counter storage. Think bananas.
2. Take advantage of your fridge: Like a cool, dark cellar, it can prolong the life of perishables.
3. Store fruit and vegetables separately: Veggies should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator (bottom drawers).
4. Know your ideal humidity: Leafy greens crave high humidity, while crisp fruits need low humidity for maximum freshness.
5. Have a clear view: It is much easier to grab a healthy snack when it's in your sightline.
-- Postmedia News
