Accent Color

Making Your Kitchen Stand Out with ColorWe see a lot of monochromatic or duochromatic (is that a word?) kitchens these days. White-on-white. White and gray, white and black, etc. Kitchens are likely to have stainless steel appliances, but still there's not much color. Here are some ideas that might help you find a color solution that works best to make your kitchen sparkle:AppliancesIf you'd like to add a splash of color, there are opportunities in appliances such as the Bertazzoni and BlueStar ranges as well as Viking appliances (ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.). We've written about them in previous blogs. Click the links below for more info:Red Bertazzonis and Ferraris from ItalyAppliance Colors for 2014Bluestar Range ColorsArtworkIf appliances aren't the right option for you, consider artwork to brighten the room. Here's a stunning print from Kaye Menner, that I found on fineartamerica.com. Click the link below to find out more.ColorfulKitchenCollageThis image can also be purchased as a horizontal collage upon request.BacksplashA popular choice for introducing color into a white kitchen is the backsplash. Look at the yellow blacksplash and notice the other yellow accents that bring it all together.Credit: ChrDAUER Architects / Bruce Damonte PhotographyAccent WallAnother option is paint or wallpaper on an accent wall. Pick a wall where there is enough space for the color to make an impact, and go bold.AccessorizeI've been hearing designers talk about "pops" or "splashes" of color for a long time. But when I started paying attention to the photos showing this phenomenon at work,

Money saving ideas for bathroom makeovers. You'd like to fix up the bathroom, but you just can't spring for a $25,000 renovation. Here are some ideas to refresh and makeover a bathroom on a budget, and make it look like a million dollars:1. Paint an accent wall. You can change the entire look of your bathroom with a paintbrush. Introduce color into a drab bathroom and the room looks fresh and modern. 2. Add a backsplash. Add interest behind the vanity area with a beautiful blackspash. 3. Refinish the vanity cabinets. Introduce color and contrast into your bathroom with refinished cabinets. Often a coat of paint and new hardware can make it look like a new room. 4. Change out the vanity mirror. Replace that large frameless mirror with a picture frame mirror (or two if you have a double vanity. 5. Change the light fixtures. The old hollywood bar fixture (above) makes the bathroom look dated. A new fixture is an inexpensive way to remake the bathroom and add to the value of your home. 6. Replace the sink or sinks. Sometimes vanity sinks can be replaced without replacing the countertops. Attractive and colorful vessels and sinks provide a pleasant change of pace.At Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center customers can save money on the best brands of sinks, baths, and plumbing fixtures for the bath. For example, the Armony sink below provides a stunning sink/countertop in one