Courtesy Adobe Stock/Dariusz Jarzabek

White, gray, and stainless steel seem to dominate kitchen and bathroom design, writes The Washington Post’s Michele Lerner. But new trends are emerging as homeowners opt for more variety, high-tech appliances, and low-maintenance features.

“Homeowners like flexibility and personalization,” says Elle H-Millard, industry relations manager for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). “They’re looking for things that can be used to customize their home but that don’t date the home, either.”

Lerner lists five emerging bathroom trends, particularly for master-bath renovations:

  • Smart toilets with built-in bidets, cleaning functions, and night lights
  • Sliding barn doors that maximize space
  • Free-standing bathtubs with a sculptural look
  • Variety of tiles and textures
  • Voice-controlled technology for smart mirrors, mood lighting, or music

According to Lerner, these five kitchen features are growing in popularity:

  • Column refrigerator units
  • Connected kitchens with smart appliances
  • Drawers and organizers to help declutter
  • Low-maintenance materials like quartz kitchen counters
  • Bold color accents like brass finishes and black stainless steel
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