Kitchen upgrades

Real estate info & tips: Part of an article in the Huffington Post: Kitchen upgrades topped homeowners' list of renovation projects in 2013, and the trend doesn't seem to be slowing, according to a new report released by real estate website Zillow earlier this month that names the big kitchen trends of 2014. Black Countertops: Popular materials to achieve this look will include quartz and black granite that has been honed to give it a leathery finish, Zillow says, adding that black is likely to be paired with a lighter counter such as marble or light gray for contrast. Open Shelving Kitchen cabinets used to be the place to stash dinnerware out of sight, but according to Zillow's survey, upgrades will put kitchen wares on display in the coming year. "It is now fashionable to display almost everything in the kitchen — from dishes to pots and pans to gourmet oils and vinegars,” Zillow Digs Board of Designers member Kerrie Kelly says. Dark Paint Colors The days of the bright white kitchen might be numbered. In the survey, homeowners named black, deep brown and dark red and copper tones as some of the most popular paint colors for their new-and-improved kitchen space. If you're planning to stay on trend, designers recommend painting just one wall, a ceiling or the floor a deep shade, to prevent the space from feeling too confined.