page 3 - Kitchen - Kitchen & Bath

SINKS

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High-tech centres: sinks with integrated stainless steel counters on either side are large enough to act as built-in drainboards, work surfaces or to perform tasks such as defrosting a steak.
Accessories for sink centres: built-in cutting boards that double as extended work surfaces and wire racks.
Apron-front sinks: still popular in country or traditional looks, whether in fireclay or given a modern update in stainless steel.

LIGHTING
Energy efficiency: as important as illumination or style.
Multiple light sources: task, overhead and accent; allow you to customize the lighting level for the task at hand.
Dimmers: for all the light sources in the room, now de rigueur for both energy savings and mood.
Advances in technology: will make incandescent, and soon even halogen, a thing of the past; LEDs, though limited in light output individually, can be used in multiples to provide a clean, white light in task areas, such as under the upper cabinets or as accent lighting inside glass-front cabinets (where
their cool-burning quality makes them very safe to use).
Chandeliers: add an elegant touch overhead, especially if fitted with new dimmable CFL bulbs.

FLOORING

Natural, sustainable materials: such as bamboo, which grows so fast that it is considered a renewable resource, or cork, which does not harm the tree when harvested. Where hardwoods (and other woods) are used, a new commitment to sustainable harvestingand manufacturing, from forest to floor; consumers are asking questions and educating themselves.
Radiant heat: especially under 'cold' floors, such as stone or porcelain tile; comfortable underfoot and can actually reduce your home's overall heating costs.

HIGH-TECH

The kitchen is becoming by far the most technically advanced room in the house, from appliances with built-in computers that can be programmed to store and integrate all kinds of information to built-in TVs, computers, music and entertainment units or "smart" house controls for such things as
temperature, humidity levels and lighting.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Energy-efficient appliances: even compared to just a few years ago, providing more and better features.
Smaller appliances: with the capacity and/or efficiency of larger units: water-saving dishwashers, induction cooktops, fridge and cooking drawers, dual convection/microwave ovens.
Lighting technologies: LEDs replacing incandescents and halogens, while providing more focused, brighter light.
State-of-the-art manufacturing methods: consider sustainability from raw materials to the finished kitchen, (through fair-trade sourcing and labour, reduced or reusable packaging, sound manufacturing methods and/or reduced waste).
Environmentally friendly paints, glues and varnishes that reduce outgassing and other chemical-based hazards.