Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

The inclusion of an island can bring a lot of value and function to the kitchen. Adding counter space is the primary function of any island, large or small, but sometimes the island needs to do much more than that. Hard-working islands need to earn their keep by offering more than just a work surface. Here are six great examples of kitchen island designs that are the workhorses of their kitchens.

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The backsplash brings out the personality of a kitchen. Choosing a backsplash for your kitchen is a great way to show off your style. Backsplash styles and materials range from sweet and simple to elegant and elaborate to coordinate with your lifestyle. It can naturally tie a design together or become a stunning focal point. If you need help narrowing down some tile design ideas, or just with finding a place to start, keep reading.

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The newest and best design trends coming in 2015 were recently debuted at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). For over 50 years, KBIS has showcased the latest industry products, trends and technologies. We've picked some of our favorite kitchen products from this year's show for you to consider for your kitchen.

KBIS Picks for the Top Kitchen Products of 2015

The KBIS organizers select a series of the "best" products at the show as standards in the industry for the coming year. Winners were selected based on functionality, quality & durability, flexibility, aesthetics & style, and innovation.

• Best of Show: Tech Top Wireless Charging Surface - Bring wireless technology into your kitchen with LG's new Charging Surfaces. With the charging base embedded into the countertop surface, you will be able to charge your LG phone without being restricted by outlets or cords and you won't be giving up any valuable counter space. It's as simple as putting down your phone.
• Best of Kitchen (Gold Medal): Brizo Articulating Faucet - A streamlined design that is inspired by the classic architect's lamp, this faucet is created to make the most of function and style. The structure itself is able to move in the standard side-to-side motion, but the height can also be adjusted. The stylish faucet also features a detachable spray wand to allow full range of motion in the sink.
• Best of Kitchen (Silver Medal): Brondell Integrated Faucets – If you've been getting your drinking water somewhere other than your tap, then Brondell has your solution. Brondell has released their line of Integrated Faucets that will dispense filtered drinking water as well as your normal tap water from a single device. Best of all, they can be installed in your existing faucet space. You won't have to drill any holes or rely on your refrigerator for pure drinking water; it's all here in one faucet at your kitchen sink.

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Changing up the interior room color in your home is a great way to bright up the walls and bring a much needed light to the dreary feel of winter. Choosing colors selected by the interiors and paint industry is also an easy way to add designer style without a huge commitment. The interior colors for 2015 trends lend themselves extremely well to the long term, so while the hottest interior colors may be “hot picks” now, there’s bound to be one or two that look and feel timeless to you.

Marsala, color power-house Pantone’s pick for 2015 Color of the Year, is a deep wine hue with heavy brown undertones that manages to be a neutral color while still being sophisticated and bold. Pantone calls it “complex and full-bodied” without being overpowering, and we’d have to agree. In fact, we’ve seen a recent interest in these types of heavy browns in our remodeling projects.

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