Photo by: Shutterstock.com/Breadmaker

Similar to kitchen countertops, there is a trend toward using quartz in the bathroom. “Because marble and granite are considered porous and have to be sealed, we are seeing more people choose quartz for the counter in the bathroom as well as the kitchen,” Felder says. Corian is also finding a place in the bathroom and not just on the vanity. Because of its seamless appearance, this material is not only popular for bathroom countertops, but for tub surrounds as well. “We are doing a high volume of Corian in bathrooms—especially the shower area,” says Ducharme.

For a real show-stopper in the bathroom and a definite design statement, consider a hand-painted sink. Margaret Grey, owner of Chatham Pottery, recently re-introduced her line of porcelain vessel sinks. Fired to 2400 degrees, these hand-painted vessel and drop-in sinks will hold up to the wear and tear in a bathroom—showing only its beauty.

The options in countertops today for kitchens and bathrooms are endless, but certain materials, such as granite or quartz, will always be popular. Choosing the right materials, styles, and colors can be a bit challenging, but with the help of Cape Cod’s kitchen and bath professionals, the end result can be expanses of color, style, and functionality that will please homeowners for years to come.