The two most traveled rooms in any house are the kitchen and bath. From cooking breakfast to taking a shower to entertaining guests, the kitchen and bath are highly trafficked everyday. Get rid of the signs of wear and tear with captivating kitchen and bath design ideas. A few simple renovations transform everyday rooms into extraordinary ones.

Kitchen Renovation Concepts

A kitchen is used to store food, cook and entertain. Kitchen renovations should take into consideration space, efficiency, functionality and aesthetics according to this checklist:

- Are your appliances old and need be replaced with new, energy-efficient models?
- Does your cabinetry offer adequate storage space or does it need refacing and replacing?
- Are counters scarred and in need of replacement?
- Is the flooring cracked, stained and ready to be replaced?
- Do you want to shed more light on your kitchen with modern lighting fixtures or more windows?
- How do the current plumbing and fixtures work?
- Are the walls splattered with cooking grease and desperately in need of a coat of paint?
- Would you like to create additional space in your kitchen through the use of space-saving appliances and cabinetry?
- Does your kitchen offer adequate areas for dining with comfortable seating?

Bathroom Renovation Concepts

Everyone in your home needs to use the bathroom several times a day for natural bodily functions and personal hygiene. A bathroom must be operational, comfortable and safe according to this checklist:

- Does the plumbing work properly or does your bathroom have leaky faucets and broken fixtures to replace?
- Are the floors coming up creating a dangerous situation that needs to be corrected?
- What is the condition of the walls and tiles and should they be be painted or replaced?
- Is there adequate storage for toiletries and medicines in the bathroom or do you need additional cabinets?
- Do you have sufficient lighting or should new fixtures be installed?
- Are doors, windows and window jams in good condition or do they need replacement?

Personalized Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas

Once you answer these questions and create a checklist, go beyond the basic to explore personalized kitchen and bath design ideas. How do you imagine these rooms after renovation? Consider what you might want to add such as:

- Lighting with dimmer switches or sparkling chandeliers;
- Amenities such as a fireplace in the kitchen or a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom;
- Marble flooring and counters for a luxurious look;
- Mirrors in strategic locations to open up the rooms;
- Larger rooms by tearing down walls or building additional space;
- Updated colors with matching decor including curtains, towels and accessories; and
- Modern green appliances and fixtures so your rooms are budget-conscious and energy-efficient.

With a checklist and wish list in hand, consider your overall budget for renovations. Do you have cash on hand or do you need a loan? Now you are ready to share your kitchen and bath renovation concepts with a licensed local contractor to explore your options. Many contractors offers a free initial consultation. Take advantage of a pro's expertise to transform your dated kitchen and bath into the oasis of your dreams.