DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide, a national remodeling franchise, recently conducted a poll of its franchisees to identify kitchen and baths trends for the year. The survey revealed that, while kitchens will become a family friendly gathering space in 2004, bathrooms will continue the design trend toward a luxurious personal retreat.

“Customers are looking for custom features to enhance their homes, and they are investing significant dollars in the quality of materials and services they use to make a bold statement,” said Doug Dwyer, president and owner of DreamMaker.

Bath trends include oversized showerheads and hand-held body sprays, deeper tubs and bigger showers, oil-rubbed bronze faucets, linen closets and whirlpool tub panels that match cabinetry, universal design features such as grab bars, shower benches and low- or no-threshold shower entries, heated tile floors and earthtone colors.

Notable kitchen trends include satin nickel faucets and hardware with distressed or brushed finishes, undermount sinks, kitchen islands, stainless-steel appliances, and stronger colors such as greens, blues and pumpkins with jewel-tone accents.