Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

For this Tuscan-inspired space functionality was the top priority, but Neal's Designer Connie Hampton, CKD, was challenged to create function without sacrifying aesthetics. The result is a beautiful space that works naturally with the homeowners habits and needs. This kitchen took home second place in the Southern Ohio/Kentucky chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) Kitchen Design Competition.

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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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Over the course of a lifetime we change and so do our homes. Our homes reflect our lifestyles. There are times when we have active lifestyles and times when we slow down. “Universal Design” is a concept that has been promoted to make homes more livable for a lifetime of use.

Universal Design features are subtle and stylish. You would never know that a house is purposely designed for use by anyone, at any age and with any ability. Many of these features add both function and value to a home. We are seeing a growing trend in the home building and remodeling industry where Universal Design principles and products are being used more frequently in project planning.

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