http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17835448/list/12-design-tips-to-make-a-small-bathroom-better

All your questions about tile answered...or at least most of them.

     One of the most difficult parts of remodeling a kitchen or bath is selecting the right tile. With what seems like too many choices and prices that vary from .99 cents to $20 a square foot the task of making the right selection can be frustrating. This handy info-graphic explains the differences in types of tile, the prices, and the best applications. 
      The most common question I am asked the most is what are the difference between ceramic and porcelain. A ceramic tile is fired then glazed and when cut the exposed edge will reveal a terracotta or clay color. A porcelain tile can be printed to resemble stone, wood, linen etc... When cut a porcelain tile will have a white color on the raw edge. Some porcelains known as through-body porcelains will have the color (not the pattern) when cut. 
Other items to look for when selecting are the coefficient of friction that will indicate how slippery a tile is both when wet and dry. The coefficient should always be considered in flooring applications, especially in bathrooms or outdoors. 
An interior designer or kitchen and bath designer can assist you in making sure you find the tile that is right for your project, style and budget. 

Image  Credit: Drury Designs

Corian by DuPont is making work surfaces that do more by integrating wireless charging into their counter-tops. Checkout the link below to learn more: http://buildinginnovations.us.dupont.com/charging-surface?src=featurea

Some of these ideas in this Washington Post story seem simple but make a big design difference. Check out the trends in this story by Steve Wydler and Hans Wydler

10 renovation trends that will put your home on the cutting edge

Here is a great article about what to expect when taking on a remodeling project:
11 Things to Expect With Your Remodel - Anne Higuera CGR, CAPS
No surprise dust is number 1

Sherwin Williams is looking ahead to 2016, predicting what colors that will be popular in the coming year. The four color schemes were inspired by: "Passionate pursuit. Fresh mindfulness. Vintage workmanship. Social engagement. And technology and materials that seem to come from out of this world. We’re taking the best of everything life has to offer and indulging in the moment. Prepare to come together as we go in passionate pursuit of a shared color consciousness". To see the colors visit Sherwin-Williams website at the link below.

Sherwin Williams Color Forecast 2016