October is Kitchen & Bath Month

Looks We Love in the Kitchen & Bathroom

The last few years have proven that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and at the same time, the bath is our wellness sanctuary.

As we celebrate October as National Kitchen & Bath Month, let’s explore what’s on trend, along with a few of our favorite looks from the two most popular rooms in the house.

Kitchens

Kitchen design is more important than ever before since so much time is spent in this favored space. Some key trends in kitchen design include a clean, contemporary aesthetic that is simple yet extremely functional. Think sleek lines, light colored wood, natural materials along with a neutral palette. Kitchen design is also finding inspiration from the outdoors with a natural, organic mood that combines earth tone colors, woodgrain, stoneware, and luxury materials such as marble or brushed metals.

Another trending kitchen aesthetic that is gaining popularity is the updated traditional cottage style that is a transitional look, pairing modern and vintage pieces together to create a warm and rustic environment that is timeless and cozy. Tile backsplashes are still wildly popular and often the statement area in the design, providing effortless durability and an easy clean.

Bathrooms

Homeowners are investing more in their baths than ever before, seeking clean, natural design with a larger and more open layout.

Nature and sustainability are key drivers in bath design and promote an organic look to create calming environments. For tile specifically, large format styles for both porcelain and ceramic continue to gain popularity, allowing for clean and seamless appearances on both floors and walls.

Additional characteristics include large subway tiles for shower walls, mosaics in interesting shapes and materials for added dimension, and warm color palettes that speak to a transitional design aesthetic.

Dramatic Dimension

The variation found in Connect™ glazed porcelain tile captures the beauty of stone with all the benefits of tile.

Add texture and intricacy while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look with Souvenir™ glazed porcelain mosaic tiles, designed in kit kat style.

An option with warmth and depth is Exhale™ glazed porcelain tile which celebrates extending the backsplash all the way to the ceiling.

Fall in love with joyful design and the sunshiny yellow of Raku™ glazed ceramic tile.

The way that light can play with tile can enhance your color choices, as seen with the use of green and Inhale™ glazed porcelain tile.

Or pursue a more delicate palette with rosy Passion™ glazed porcelain tile.

 Nature Inspired

Hues™ glazed ceramic tile seamlessly blends two desired aesthetics – contemporary styling with an appreciation for nature, including more complex colorways.

Warm and earthy neutrals are a staple in nature-inspired bath design, as seen with Exhale™ glazed porcelain tile.

Classic Beauties

Timeless design is equal parts elegant, simple, and functional. Shown on the diagonal, Catch™ glazed ceramic stands the subway tile on its end. A new classic!

The pinwheel pattern, seen here with Spin™ glazed porcelain mosaic tile, first celebrated its popularity over 100 years ago. The vintage vibes and appreciation for geometry remains just as current today.

Majestic Marble

Marble looks are synonymous with luxe design. Emora™ glazed ceramic combines all the functional benefits of tile with the aesthetically pleasing look of marble.

Combining large format tile with the look of marble, as with Parkview™ glazed ceramic tile, makes for a dramatic and seamless installation in the bath

Take a standout chevron shape and blend with glossy finishes and unique layers of textures. The end result? A new take on sophisticated wall design. Shown here, Intrigue™ porcelain, glass, and stone mosaic tile.

Sought-after Shapes

Often thought of as the shape most efficient in nature (think beehives!), the hexagon stands taller in dramatic Omni™ glazed porcelain tile in Navy blue.

 

 

 

The arabesque shape dates back centuries, a long-time classic around the world. Today the curvy wonder remains a staple in interior design, especially popular in tile backsplashes like Mythos™ glazed ceramic.

Giddy about Grout

Shown, Emser’s Exclusive Designer Grout

Selecting the right grout which is available in an array of colors can make all the difference when you are completing your kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls. Although it is often an overlooked component until the very end of the project, it serves as not only a way to bind the tiles together, but it also adds a final design detail that should not be left to your contractor to decide.

White is the most popular grout choice and stands out on tiles that are darker but blends in with light, white tiles for a monochromatic visual. White grout can be more susceptible to staining so it very important to seal your grout. On the other hand, darker grouts can provide a dramatic contrast on lighter tiles and are easier to keep clean. Selecting a grout color such as a blue, green, or pink can add a beautiful twist to neutral tiles but can also provide a compliment to tiles with a similar hue.  The design possibilities are endless with our array of grout colors!

Find more inspiration for the kitchen and bath in our latest catalog. 400+ pages of ideas for your next interior design project.