Friday, July 23, 2010
Get the Most from Your Home
Defining a home's style with Cabinetry
My home is my sanctuary from the outside world. As we strive to make our homes into sanctuaries, several design trends have emerged in today's marketplace.
Kitchens are the new family rooms
Everyone entertains in the kitchen and as a result walls are coming down, islands are getting bigger, cabinetry is looking more like furniture and we are adding specialty workstations. Baking centers, coffee bars, wine tasting nooks, comfortable sitting areas and technology centers complete with televisions, sound systems and computers are showing up in the kitchen - and thought the rest of the home.
Traditional is still the most popular kitchen design style in 2010 with contemporary following closely behind.
More clients are asking for a transitional look with simpler lines and a cleaner look, though glazes on a plain door style is hot. Light stains with a glaze will have a different look than just a stained wood door, even without all of the extra details for the glazing to pick up on. Whites and off-whites are very common for kitchens in 2010, while brown, beige and bone stains are also popular. Finishes and colors that do not match, but blend or accent, are still around.
The Master suite is a sanctuary of its own
Homeowners now have dressing rooms instead of closets that are bigger than my parent's bedroom ever was.
I am amazed at how many homes have dual master suites
Traditional is still the most popular design style in bathrooms with contemporary a distant second. But one thing is for sure; homeowners are insisting their master baths are comfortable and relaxing.
Laundry rooms are a must have
Laundry rooms are an increasingly popular feature among homeowners and they want them convenient and comfortable.
Combined laundry and craft rooms are increasingly more popular than dens and media rooms as well. These rooms are becoming larger and more multifunctional with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, organized storage areas, an area for folding clothes, built in ironing boards, hampers, sinks, gardening stations, wrapping centers for the holidays and even accommodations for the family pet with built in pet bed's and dog washing stations.
Some laundry/craft rooms are equally as nice as the kitchen.
The new economy
Consumers are working with tighter remodeling budgets. And even though remodlers have always considered tight budgets, nowadays budget is at the top of the list for many projects. By choosing to splurge on one item and save on another, a good kitchen or bathroom is within reach.
Upgrade cabinets or get a professional-grade cooking range or granite countertops?
Be mindful that appliances and countertops are easier to upgrade later than cabinets.
Written by Steve Norr for the 2010 Salt Lake Parade of Homes Magazine