The top new looks for your kitchens and baths

MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

With consumer confidence inching up, some predict that homeowners might finally revisit long-shelved remodeling projects this year � and there�s a good chance that kitchens and bathrooms will be topping their lists. If you�re planning a remodel or are just dreaming of one, check out these products showcased at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, held recently in Chicago. See full story.

Condo owners face rental hurdles

Some homeowner association rules pit frustrated owners interested in getting the most money out of their property against associations looking out for the overall stability of the community. See full story.

Home rentals increase, and so do prices

More Americans are choosing to rent instead of owning their own homes and they�re paying a higher price too, according to U.S. Census data. See full story.

Barnes & Noble shares soar on Microsoft deal

Shares of Barnes & Noble soar as investors applaud a digital-reading-technology partnership between the bookseller and Microsoft, which will plow $300 million into the venture. See full story.

Should Barnes & Noble trust Microsoft?

Amazon�s Kindle is buzz-worthy but the Nook is not, writes media columnist Jon Friedman See full story.

MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY

Instead of acknowledging that banks have become a part of government, we keep pretending they are private institutions, writes David Weidner. See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Home prices in a majority of the markets covered in Zillow�s Home Value Forecast are set to bottom this year � if they haven�t already, according to a Zillow report released on Wednesday. See full story.