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Get excited about remodeling possibilities!
Did
you know that summer and fall tend to be peak periods for home
renovation? In part, it's because of the fair weather, and it's also
because that's when people are making changes to the home after kids
leave for college...and before people start arriving for the winter
holidays. Speaking of which, why, exactly, are we telling you this in
the middle of December? Well, because if you're willing to remodel in
the late winter and spring, you can actually get a deal on remodeling,
because your contractor won't be as busy.
That means the job is
more likely to be done quickly, and you may be offered a discount for
remodeling during the off season, precisely the team when your
contractor's looking for work. So now is a really good time to start
thinking about any changes you want to make to the house in 2014, to
prepare for contacting a contractor early next year to talk about your
options.
If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen,
you may as well start focusing on some of the trends for 2014, but
before we plunge in, some words of caution: trends come and go. They
tend to move particularly quickly for bathrooms and kitchens, and they
can get very, very spendy. If you commit to a perfectly on-trend space, it's quickly going to appear dated,
and you may find yourself remodeling again in the near future. So
remember: trends are great, but at the same time, try to think timeless
and classic...and consider how current trends can be integrated into
classic themes (and how your space can be made easily changeable to take
advantage of trends as they shift without having to tear it apart every
time).
One of the top predicted trends for 2014 is, unsurprisingly, going green
-- not exactly a new fad! Going green is one of the few trends we can
endorse whole-heartedly, because it's not just keeping you on-point with
the latest style. It's also going to save you money in the long term,
and it helps out the planet, so it's pretty much a win for everyone.
How
do you know which green gadgets are right for you? Talk to your
remodeling team about the options available, their costs, and their net
savings. Be wary of new products that might not be fully tested, and
remember that sometimes going green is about reducing usage in the first
place, rather than buying a specialty item (do you
really need
a wine chiller?). Some things to think about: high efficiency
dishwashers, which are better than handwashing by far; recycled
countertops; certified sustainable wood flooring; and reclaimed tile for
backsplashes.
In kitchens, chef's stoves are big right now, and
have been for a few years. The "gourmet kitchen" is taking over magazine
spreads and it sure looks appealing when you walk into a home with a
lavish kitchen. But be realistic about how much you use your kitchen and
your expectations. Is a large stove designed for a restaurant right for
you? Probably not. Most of the firms that make such stoves also produce
models specifically intended for home use, which are a marginally
better choice, but they still take more time to learn, require special
cleaning, and can be more stove than you really need.
Granite and
quartz for counters are also targeted trends for 2014, and they deserve
another note of caution: while they look great, are very durable, and
can make your kitchen sparkle now...they may appear outdated in the
future. Remember, this kitchen remodel should last for at least 12
years, and when the fad for shiny sparkly things passes, your counters
might start to seem like a real weight on your back. If you want stone,
consider more modest materials that might weather the test of time more
easily -- or take a look at concrete countertops, which offer a lot of
stain and finish options.
Fun with backsplashes using bright, bold tile patterns is also projected to be in next year (who knows, maybe some of those backsplashes will be done in Radiant Orchid!).
Backsplashes can be a great way to liven up a kitchen space, and more
than that, they actually represent a fantastic opportunity for design
opportunity. With the right design, you can make a backsplash easy to
change without tearing the whole kitchen apart. So go ahead and let your
imagination run wild on this one: when trends in color and backsplash
materials shift, it's not going to be a huge ordeal to change yours up.
Hardwood
is big for flooring, and remember, you don't have to use solid hardwood
thanks to a fleet of excellent engineered products at your fingertips.
Consider easy-install products that can just as easily be changed, and
branch out into bamboo and cork if you want to explore eco-friendly and
intriguing flooring materials. Tile is always an option for kitchen
floors although it's not projected to be very popular in 2014, and as
for linoleum, forget about it. But what about pergo? This lively
flooring material comes in a range of interesting colors and you might
find that it's just what you needed.
Stainless steel is still a
leading trend for kitchen appliances, for all that it seems to smudge if
you so much as look at it! If you're considering colored appliances (an
emerging trend), remember that nothing screams "dated" more than
colored appliances, sadly. That bold orange or bright red might look
fantastic now, but could feel very different in five years. As an
alternative, you might want to consider using removable colored decals
to add depth, color, and texture to your appliances in a way that's not
quite so permanent.
Speaking of color, soft and neutral are
dominating palettes for 2014, with white cabinets and soft accent
colors. Interior paint is one of the most flexible and delightful
aspects of interior design because it can be so easily changed, switched
up, and explored, so don't be afraid about your paint job. That's one
of the simplest things you can change about your new kitchen!
Islands
are great kitchen tools, and they're getting super popular. Here's
what's fantastic about an island: it adds a prep and casual dining
space, creates more storage, and helps a kitchen feel more dimensional.
Here's what's not so fantastic: if your kitchen is too small, an island
will make it feel cramped and crowded. So definitely consider one, but
if it won't fit, don't force the issue.
Creating space is another
big trend, and no surprise. You don't necessarily have to do that by
enlarging your kitchen, though. You can also open it up to other rooms
or rearrange the layout to get the feeling of more space and atmosphere.
With more and more people eating in their kitchens and turning them
into entertaining spaces, that sense of openness, welcome, and space is
even more critical.
While you're working on designs for your new
kitchen, remember that you need a timeless, functional space, and don't
be afraid to assert yourself with your remodeling professionals to make
sure their tastes don't override your own. You're the one who has to
live with the result, not them!
For more information about Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE
For more information about the Summit Murder Mystery series, CLICK HERE
Article source: networx.com
