Few places need to incorporate design and function better than your home's kitchen and baths. "Pretty to look at" isn't enough in these high-traffic locales. With that in mind, check out these new trends that combine beauty and quality.

"Tile trends are especially interesting right now," says designer Heidi Gragg of Advantage Tile & Stone Design (295-9819). "There are a lot of glass and modern looks out there, and then there's a whole new look that is distinctly old school, featuring crackled glass and glazed ceramics." One of the most popular lines: Jeffrey Court (pictured here).

When it comes to luster, there's little that can beat the look of natural stone - which might be why Ceasarstone is growing in popularity. This new kitchen-and-bath must have is made of 94 percent quartz and comes in a variety of fashion-forward colors. Priced similarly to granite, but with easier upkeep, Ceasarstone is heat, crack and scratch resistant. It's non-porous surface stands up to household cleaning products and resists mold and mildew. Find out more from Dannick Design (775-7430).

Your new kitchen is an investment of a lifetime and when choosing quality cabinetry that needs to be affordable, Omega and Dynasty Cabinetry will fit into practically any budget. Matching door styles and finishes are offered from both lines and a designer can integrate a few custom pieces into the project so you get a unique look without paying for a fully-custom design throughout. Design services and product are available at Woodward Kitchen & Bath (251-3865).

DIY disasters are never in style. If a major problem area in your kitchen or bathroom - like water stains, large holes, cracks or peeling paint - is causing the entire space to look less than perfect, it's worth it to hire a painting contractor. In addition to creating beautiful color for your walls, your painting contractor provides services like caulking cracks, filling in dents and holes, cleaning hard-to-get areas and priming walls. Services available from Mint Condition Painting & Moulding (251-5521).