Kitchens and baths reflect one's tastes, personality and lifestyle.

Today's kitchen represents the hearth and heart of a home. Centrally located, it's a natural gathering place, not just for cooking and sharing meals, but for sharing time with friends and family at any time of the day. Against this backdrop, design trends are changing along with our lifestyles. Interior design trends move along both form and functional lines that span traditional, contemporary, and cultural styles, from Latin to European.

Three major macro design trends we see:

1. Expanding Universe.

To accommodate more -- time, people, and larger appliances -- designers are combining dining and kitchen areas into one contiguous space. They are also expanding space by exploding walls, vaulting ceilings and adding windows, window boxes and skylights.

In areas where space is limited or such changes are not possible, designers work to expand space in other ways. Counter space can often be added with smaller or space-saving appliances. Built-in dining islands with high stools can also make space serve double duty. Designers can also visually expand space through proper lighting and other techniques.

This same trend can also be seen in expansive baths and spas with hot tubs, twin sinks, vanities and well-appointed cabinets with extra storage space.

2. Comfort Zone.

Creature comforts and special amenities are evident in both kitchens and baths

Today's bath and spas are symbols of elegance, comfort and indulgence. Bathroom renovations may include full-body wall spray showers, whirlpool baths, luxurious cabinetry, special lighting and mirrors, vitreous china basins and tubs, and specialty faucets that make an art out of presenting water.

In the kitchen, the comfort zone is evident with many large or expanded kitchens incorporating professional ovens and cooking areas with indoor grills and venting systems, stoves with extra burners, microwave/convection combinations. It also flows through raised dishwasher or less bending, elegant cabinetry with special curios and lighting packages, and crown molding that smoothly frames the picture.

Talk to us about details and amenities --you'll be amazed at the options

Increasingly, kitchens are also the natural center for home automation systems that can control ovens, coffeemakers and other appliances, as well as home lighting, heating and entertainment systems. And it can all be controlled through an easy-to-program flat panel display. So with a bit of forethought, a special dinner can be in the oven waiting for you and your guests when you arrive. Of course, someone still has to set the table.

3. Mixed Materials:

Various combinations of hardwood, stone, tile, stainless steel, antique brass or other materials can be comfortable together in today's bath and kitchen environments. Different functions, such as appliances and cabinetry can naturally give rise to different metals and finishes. In addition, individual materials such as two species of hardwood, or contrasting tiles can be artfully combined into interesting patterns for satisfying effect. Floor medallions, accents and a variety of fixtures and finishes also reflect the spice of mixed materials.