Home remodeling continues to be one of the single biggest investments that Americans are undertaking, with homeowners spending an estimated $130.4 billion in 2003.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide^®, a national remodeling Franchise that averages more than 20,000 jobs a year, recently conducted its annual poll of the franchise network to identify kitchen and bath trends for 2004. The results:

Kitchens:
- Quartz countertops
- Maple cabinets
- Shaker door styles
- Kitchen islands, primarily with multi levels
- Built-in amenities: trash bins, lazy susans, pull out shelves and trays, wine racks, coffee centers, appliance garages and cutting boards
- Satin nickel faucets, hardware with distressed or brushed finish
- Undermount sinks
- Stainless steel appliances
- Tall, shallow "Profile" refrigerators
- Space for casual entertaining
- Stronger colors: greens, blues, pumpkins with jewel tone accents

Baths:
- Oversized shower heads and hand-held body sprays
- Deeper tubs, bigger showers
- Glazed and painted finishes on cabinets
- Oil-rubbed bronze faucets
- Solid surface and granite countertops
- Linen closets and whirlpool tub panels that match cabinetry
- Universal Design features: grab bars, shower benches and low or no-threshold shower entries
- Heated tile floors, larger tile sizes
- Wall sconces and recessed lights with dimmer switches
- Earthtone colors

The survey revealed that while kitchens will become a family-friendly gathering space in 2004, bathrooms will continue the design trend towards a luxurious personal retreat. Bathrooms will feature spa-like qualities with warm and inviting lighting in a serene space that is easy to clean. Kitchens, however, will be "chameleon" rooms that invite more than just the cook. Families will gather there to cook, eat, do homework, pay bills, socialize and more. Similarly, the kitchen space will openly transition to a great room or family room for open conversation, TV viewing and larger get-togethers.

"Every year, the variety of jobs that our franchise network handles across the U.S. allows us to point to very specific emerging trends in kitchen and bath remodeling," said Doug Dwyer, president and owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. "This year is no exception. 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."

About DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide:
Based in Waco, Texas, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide has approximately 190 independently owned and operated Franchises in 11 countries and has been in more than 2 million homes. Honored as the 2003 National Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler magazine, the company is also a national member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders and the International Franchising Association.