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  Engineered surfaces are touted for their durability, low-maintenance qualities and ability to mimic the look of a wide variety of real stone and other materials. Many new styles, colors and features of engineered countertops and other surfaces drew attention at the recent 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Here we highlight five emerging trends you can expect to see more of in the coming months. 1. Warm Neutral Countertops and SurfacesAs we noted earlier this year in our 2024 design predictions, homeowners are craving warm neutral colors in their rooms rather than the stark whites and cool grays that...

See how an inspiring vista becomes an integral design detail in these breathtaking bathrooms As a city dweller residing in a densely laid out neighborhood of San Francisco, I sometimes daydream about living someplace with more majestic views than that of my neighbor’s recycling bin. A fantastic view out a window would be particularly divine while enjoying a long soak in the bathtub, but I would settle for a stellar snapshot of a landscape from anywhere in the room. To help my little daydream, I’ve gathered an assortment of inspiring bathrooms with a covetous view. Pacific Blue 1. Divine Down...

Keep end tables free of clutter and always have an effective reading light with a pair of wall-mounted light fixtures Beth Bourque Design Studio Recently I was looking for an effective reading light for my sofa. The end-table-and-lamp combination won’t work in my small apartment, and sometimes a floor lamp is just too much. Enter the wall sconce. This is a great solution if you don’t have end tables or want to keep your end tables free of clutter. Plus, wall sconces can add a little piece of jewelry to a room’s overall look.   Sconce Size and Style ConsiderationsInterior decorator...

Consider these solutions from this week’s stories to maximize storage and aesthetics Rebecca Hay Designs 1. Single cabinet with doors. A single cabinet box can sometimes offer the most storage space, depending on how the plumbing is routed and the available area surrounding it. (Remember that the box needs to sit away from the wall on either side so that the cabinet door can swing far enough open.) This solution also affords you usable countertop space. In the Toronto powder room seen here, a rough-hewn wood cabinet topped with Carrara marble is efficient in the room’s 40 square feet. Two Birds Design 2. Cabinet...

An interior designer reveals the secrets to mixing colorful and patterned pillows on your sofa and bed Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog. Brightly colored and patterned pillows are a fabulous way to jazz up your sofa or bed, but getting the combination just right can be harder than it looks. Mixing patterns, hues and sizes in a cohesive way is an art in itself, whether you’re decorating a casual living room or a more formal space. Sarah Muir, interior designer at Coco Republic, reveals the secrets to getting it right. And if you’re seeking throw...