Upgrades happen for all kinds of reasons, but one of the most common purposes of a home renovation is to make essential spaces like kitchens and bathrooms more modern. Modernizing your spaces isn’t just about the aesthetic, although that is a major advantage, especially when it comes to resale value. Updating your kitchen and bath is also an opportunity to introduce new technology and enhancements that improve the function of these high-traffic rooms.
Smart Technology
In the kitchen, you can add smart technology in numerous ways, from appliances and climate control to lighting and window treatments. For example, touch-to-open and push-to-open doors and drawers create a sleek, modern design while opening and closing with either a push or touch of a button for convenience.
For bathrooms, you can also incorporate connected health and fitness tech, touch-less toilets, mirrors that double as information centers, and towel warmers. You can even have a shower that automatically adjusts to your preferred temperature.
Multipurpose Sinks
While your sink has some obvious functions, you can upgrade the space for even more practical use. Some of the latest sink design innovations include built-in features such as cutting boards, colanders, bowls, drying racks and compost areas. In addition, motion activated wastebaskets with separate compost or recycling containers provide hands-free access to reduce unwanted messes.
Touchless Faucets
Public restrooms aren’t the only place you can benefit from a touch-less faucet. At home, the feature may come in handy when your hands are full or filthy. An automatic water flow is convenient and can help keep germs and grime under control. For the most on-trend, modern look, coordinate your faucets with other bathroom elements finished in gold hues, such as a laminate veneer vanity in a high-gloss gold finish.
Cabinetry
Collectively, cabinets are the biggest component of most kitchens. Since kitchens tend to be the hub of the home, it’s important to maintain a homey feel while adding the luxury of modern features. Using warm colors, gold-toned hardware and sleek door styles can deliver a glamorous yet welcoming design. Practical features like push to open and soft close drawers are considered upgrades in many of the newer kitchen designs.
Free-Standing Tubs
A luxurious soaking tub is a top demand for many homeowners, and trends are moving toward free-standing options that create a focal point in an oasis-like bathroom. You may be envisioning an old-fashioned claw foot style, but there are numerous modern takes on the traditional version that can fit seamlessly into your modern design scheme.
Flooring
Natural wood floors were once the gold standard, but thanks to improvement in the quality and appearance of laminate and vinyl products, you can find alternative flooring in even high-end homes. Laminate and vinyl planks give the same look as wood (or stone, if you prefer) to complement a modern aesthetic, usually at a lower price point and with greater durability over time. Before putting new flooring down, consider adding a cooling and/or heating element. This is a popular Smart feature for bathrooms especially.
In summary, home design trends change each year and thanks to Smart Technology, new features that can not only simplify our lives, but can also help the environment are readily available. You simply need to know about them. What home upgrades are you interested in having for your home? Read Stacy Cate's article on page 22 of Prosper Life & Luxury Magazine for more details.