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NWA Home Show presented by NWA HBA NWA Democrat-Gazette | Sunday, May 16, 2021 9 https://unitedfcu.com/patti-dodrill 479-646-0114 479-320-7789 pdodrill@UnitedFCU.com nance appeal. Quartz countertops are strongly trending toward lighter finishes, re- flecting the warmth anticipated in popular 2021 colors and the aesthetics gaining a foothold in bathrooms. "As we move into organic trends, we will soon see more mixing of elements, such as Silestone that imitates the look of marble or cement paired with natural wood," says Ballucchi. SMART TOILETS Once seen as a futuristic and costly luxury, smart toilets and bidets are find- ing a prominent place in the post-pan- demic home, according to the NKBA 2021 design trends report. "Toilets have traditionally been a gross nuisance to clean, but there are several worthwhile advances in this category that make them easier and healthier to live with," writes wellness design consultant Jamie Gold in her book Wellness by Design. Smart toilets have hands-free compo- nents, like self-closing lids and touch- free flushing, which reduce interactions with germy surfaces. Another feature to look forward to is self-cleaning technol- ogy. "This includes bacteria-killing light under the lid, interior mechanisms that do the cleaning for you, and cling-free bowl surfaces," writes Gold. Because they tend to favor clean lines, smooth surfaces and wall-mount installations, smart toilets eliminate the nooks and exposed plumbing of more traditional models, making cleaning the exterior easier, too. WOOD-LOOK TILES AND HEATED FLOORING As the top-ranking materials for flooring in the NKBA report, porcelain and ceramic continue to be popular in bathrooms thanks to their versatility. "Ceramic and porcelain tile offer an array of unique benefits, such as durabil- ity, hypoallergenic characteristics, resis- tance to moisture and bacteria, easiness to maintain and clean, along with a wide assortment of stylish patterns, colors, and sizes to choose from," says Zurfluh. Expect to see ceramic and porce- lain tiles that mimic natural hardwood finishes and high-contrast marbles, says Zurfluh. These nature-inspired looks are in line with the emerging organic style that has gained traction in both kitchens and baths this year. And for a spa-like touch, heated floors are anticipated to grow in popularity, so you can slip off your slippers in comfort.