No, no we’re not getting personal here. What we are doing is letting you in on what the rest of the country is doing. As America’s economy strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are once again on the rise. “Homeowners are looking for ways to update their current homes, rather than buying a new property,” said Sarah Reep, Director of Designer Relations and Education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. “From simply adding a new faucet to completely gutting a bathroom, there are many ways to revitalize any home. At any Budget!”

Sometimes we just want to get a fresh look especially if we have company coming, and no matter how we look at it, EVERYONE uses the bathroom. They may not use your pool table, your pool or your barbecue, but the bathroom, almost everyone who comes into your house will see that space!

For homeowners seeking inspiration for their bathroom renovation, here are the top trends to know:

Double Vanity: Dual sinks and vanities make cramped morning routines a thing of the past. (And probably save quite a few relationships!) With separate sinks and vanities, homeowners get the individualized spaces and storage they desire in their bathrooms without making each other nuts.

Radiant Heat: Stepping onto a cold tile floor after a hot shower or bath isn’t the best way to start the day. An easy remedy is adding radiant electric heating to floors for those brisk nights and mornings. Some companies install heating mats controlled by a thermostat under tile, stone, laminate and engineered-wood floors. And if that extravagance is out of your budget, try just getting one of those heated towel racks! There are no words for how amazing a warm towel feels when you step into a cold bathroom after a hot shower!

Seeing Green: The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reported that 24% of their designers used a green color palette in their clients’ bathrooms last year. Bet you thought we were talking energy conservation? Nope, soothing “spa” green gets the nod in today’s bathrooms. Cabinetry with color finishes—such as Sage—can add a burst of color to bathroom walls without being garish or jarring.

Added Storage Space: “Homeowners are looking for ways to decrease clutter and increase organization in their bathrooms,” said Reep. For the homeowner with dozens of bottles, jars and accessories, KraftMaid’s vanity filler pullout creates storage while saving space with its slim vertical design. Keeping everything out not only diminishes the sleek look most homeowners are after, it’s actually stressful. Having a great place where everything is IN its place not only adds to the beauty, it adds to the serenity of the space.

Walk-In Showers: Homeowners are replacing the conventional tub and shower combinations with larger walk-in showers. Large glass doors and earth-tone tiles are being combined with luxury showerheads and water jets for a spa-like feel.

Satin Nickel Faucets: From 2009 to the end of 2010, the percent of NKBA designers who specified a satin nickel faucet in the bathroom rose from 45-57%. Brushed nickel faucets in the bathroom fell from 66-38%.

Recycled Flooring: With the increased focus on sustainable materials, tiles made from recycled ceramic, glass and metal are in! They don’t just help us go green, they save some green and look great. Look for companies that use recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices to create their tiles.

A Hint of Nature: Wood and stone are in-demand materials for bathroom design. Wooden soaking tubs and stone tiles and bathtubs retain heat well and add a natural feel to any bathroom.

Fine Furniture: The right vanity can transform a mediocre bathroom into a luxurious escape. “Homeowners want their bathroom cabinetry to resemble the elaborate pieces in their living room,” said Reep. “Standard bathroom cabinets are being replaced by cabinetry with rich finishes and detailing.” The uplift great cabinetry can make makes all the difference in the world to a tired bathroom. Just replacing an outdated vanity can make the space look like you’ve invested thousands. Often the vanity then becomes the inspiration for a new set of towels, new towel bars, more modern hooks, a little art work and some new lighting. Without breaking the bank, you’ve upgraded your environment and added value to your house.

Quartz Countertops: According to the NKBA, 54% of NKBA designers are now incorporating quartz into their bathroom designs, compared with 48% in 2010. The low-maintenance mineral boasts a higher durability against cracks and dents than marble, requires less upkeep and is as beautiful and luxurious. Quartz surfaces can be found in a wide range of custom colors and patterns.

Whether you enjoy following the current housing trends or prefer the tried-and-true styles, there is a whole host of new products that will add beauty, value, a new look and amazing additional functionality to any home. You just must decide to do it. Remember, not one place in your home beyond the front door is as used as your main bathroom! Bottoms up!

For more info visit www.Kraftmaid.com.