By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years

If you are a fan of home-makeover shows, you may have become accustomed to homeowners taking a sledgehammer to the walls of their tiny kitchens and somehow doubling the size of the space, transforming it into a showplace of light and space.

While avocado and harvest gold appliances are nowhere to be found in most kitchens in 2012, some classic color trends, such as a black-and-white kitchen, are unlikely to ever fade from popularity. In addition to classic color schemes, homeowners and interior designers are looking for ways to wash their kitchens in light and color that are both neutral and innovative.

Sleek is in, at least in bathrooms. Where bathrooms once were designed with ornate cabinetry and a mix of finishes and flourishes, these days, modern, clean lines and clear glass are trendy.
Ms. Tetro said many cabinets are available with rollout or pullout shelves that effectively increase their storage capacity by making items more accessible.
"We can create pantry space with shelves on the doors and regular shelves inside, or use a 12- or 15-inch-deep space for extra storage," Ms. Tetro said.