For more than half a century, we at Spears Design Build Group have been honored to transform homes throughout DeKalb and beyond. Our legacy isn’t just about building structures—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, nurture, and enhance everyday living. Among the most transformative areas in any home are kitchens and bathrooms—rooms where innovation, style, and function must blend seamlessly. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reflecting on how we’ve evolved alongside changing design trends, always pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, timeless spaces.
Our Journey Through Design Trends
The ’70s: Bold Colors and Eclectic Style
To truly appreciate our journey, it helps to step back in time to the 1970s—a decade known for daring style choices. Kitchens embraced bold color palettes, with avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange dominating the scene. These vibrant colors were often paired with dark wood cabinets and patterned linoleum floors, creating spaces that were lively and full of personality. Bathroom design trends from this era were a study in contrasts, frequently featuring sunken tubs and, surprisingly to many, even shag carpeting—a trend that might seem unusual today but was all the rage back then.
The ’80s: Soft Pastels and Hollywood Glamour
As the 1980s arrived, the tone softened, introducing a new kind of flair characterized by pastel tones, brass finishes, and ornate details. Oak cabinets and tile countertops became staples in kitchens, lending a warm, traditional feel. Bathrooms of this era reflected Hollywood glamour, showcasing oversized vanities and distinctive lighting that added drama and sophistication.
This era was all about expressing personality and status through style. It was during this design renaissance that we began establishing our reputation for quality craftsmanship and an eye for detail—two qualities that remain pillars of our company today.
The ’90s and the Rise of Neutral Elegance
The 1990s ushered in a shift toward more subdued, neutral palettes. White, beige, and natural wood tones dominated kitchens and baths, reflecting a move toward understated elegance and practicality. Honey oak cabinetry became ubiquitous, often paired with laminate countertops, while bathrooms featured garden tubs, block glass windows, and polished chrome fixtures.
Built-in storage gained traction, responding to a growing desire for organized, clutter-free spaces.
We embraced these shifts, adapting our designs to meet homeowners’ evolving tastes and functional needs, all while maintaining the craftsmanship standards our clients expect.
Innovation and Evolution in Kitchen and Bathroom Trends
At Spears Design Build Group, we believe that true innovation strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical function, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where every detail impacts daily life.
Bathroom Design Trends: Timeless Elements and Spa-Like Retreats
Bathrooms have evolved dramatically, but some classic features remain timeless. Timeless elements like subway tile, white fixtures, and chrome or brushed nickel finishes continue to anchor our bathroom designs. Double vanities and quality lighting remain favorites, especially in primary suites.
Recently, we’ve seen a strong shift toward spa-like bathrooms that promote comfort and calm. Current bathroom design trends combine walk-in showers, soothing color palettes, and thoughtful lighting to create relaxing retreats tailored to modern lifestyles.
Many homeowners now prefer to replace tubs they rarely use with features that add more function—like spacious walk-in showers or built-in storage solutions.
Here are some of our go-to features for making bathrooms feel fresh and functional:
- Spacious, walk-in showers that make getting ready a breeze
- Calm, soothing colors that help you unwind
- Built-in storage to keep things tidy without the hassle
- Soft lighting layers that make the space feel cozy
This approach demonstrates how we blend style with practicality to create bathrooms that reflect the way people truly live today.
Kitchen Design Trends: Open-Concept Living for Modern Spaces
One of the biggest transformations in kitchen design trends has been the move from closed-off rooms to open-concept spaces that encourage gathering and flow.
Today’s kitchens are designed as multifunctional hubs with islands, smart storage, high-end appliances, and finishes that rival other living spaces.
We help clients tear down walls—literally and figuratively—to create spaces that bring families and friends together. The kitchen is no longer just a place to cook; it’s where life happens.
Here’s what helps make these kitchens work so well:
- Islands that provide plenty of prep space and a place to spend time
- Smart storage that keeps everything organized without feeling cramped
- Appliances that blend right in, so the kitchen looks polished and put together
- Lighting that’s not just bright but also sets the mood
Together, these elements help transform a kitchen into the heart of the home—a place that’s as welcoming as it is functional.
The Power of Lighting and Comfort in Modern Home Design
Lighting plays a crucial role in today’s kitchens and bathrooms—not only for visibility but also for creating atmosphere and adding depth. Different types of lighting serve unique purposes and help shape the overall feel of a space. Some of our favorite applications include:
- Ceiling lights: Available in various sizes to tailor brightness and focus depending on the room’s needs.
- Undercabinet lighting: Provides excellent supplemental light for food preparation and doubles as a gentle night light.
- Indirect lighting: Installed in toe-kicks or above upper cabinets, adding a subtle glow that enhances warmth and dimension.
Beyond aesthetics, comfort is a key consideration in every one of our designs. We pay careful attention to air sealing around tubs, showers, and windows to ensure bathrooms remain cozy and comfortable year-round.
Bringing Innovation to Life: Our Showroom as a Creative Hub
Design innovation is more than just choosing trends—it’s about making design tangible and accessible. We wanted to create a central, welcoming space where clients could explore materials and fixtures in person. Convenience was key—we wanted people to be able to see their options, touch and feel different finishes, and get inspired. To that end, we developed a new showroom, a modern space crafted to inspire and engage our clients.
Our showroom acts as a creative hub where clients can start to see their vision come to life. It’s designed to bridge imagination and reality, making the design process more tangible, collaborative, and exciting.
From different lighting types and cabinet styles to trim details and product displays, every element invites interaction. An 85-inch high-definition screen lets us present design walkthroughs and product visuals, helping clients envision the final space with clarity and confidence.
Keeping Up: Continuous Learning and Industry Engagement
Staying at the forefront of design is a priority for us. Trends are always evolving, and we make it a point to bring the best of what’s new and next to our clients. That’s why we regularly attend industry trade shows like the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), connect with trusted vendors, and continually pursue education to bring the best ideas to our projects.
This forward-thinking mindset ensures that each project benefits from the latest advancements, whether that’s new materials, design technology, or creative solutions to common challenges.
Showcasing Our Craftsmanship
Among our many projects, two stand out as shining examples of our design evolution.
Krahenbuhl Bathroom
The Krahenbuhl bathroom embodies the perfect blend of classic and contemporary elements, with thoughtful finishes and functional layout improvements that make it a relaxing retreat.
Hott Kitchen
Meanwhile, the Hott kitchen highlights how a carefully chosen backsplash can tie the space together, complementing high-end appliances and smart storage solutions. These projects illustrate how we integrate innovation and timeless design to create lasting value.
Innovation is Our Legacy—Build Yours Today with Spears Design Build Group
As we celebrate over 50 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration, we’re excited for what the future holds. Whether you’re dreaming of a kitchen remodel that combines style with practicality or a bathroom remodel to craft your personal retreat, we’re here to bring your vision to life, backed by decades of experience and a passion for fresh, inspired design.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to our neighbors and clients in DeKalb and the surrounding areas. We are truly grateful for the trust you’ve given us in building your homes and your dreams. Here’s to many more years of innovation and excellence together.
Ready to start your next project with us? Visit our showroom, explore our portfolio, or dive into our blog for design inspiration. Let’s create a space that’s uniquely yours.
Contact Spears Design Build Group today for your design consultation, and let’s build something extraordinary together.