Kitchen Trends 2009

Stainless steel appliances and Granite countertops. Not long ago, these were the hottest kitchen features. But now they’re expected and practically come standard. What are the next major trends to keep an eye on?

    According to a recent National Kitchen and Bath Association survey of more than 200 kitchen designers, cherry and maple cabinets, quartzite countertops and custom-paneled appliances are hot. Where oak cabinets were once the must-have, more than 75 percent of survey participants now report using cherry and maple, followed by paints and exotic woods. And although nearly all designers believe stainless steel is still the most popular appliance finish, 77 percent say that custom paneling on appliances is becoming more common. Granite is still the most frequently used countertop material, but 65 percent of designers report using more quartzite, another durable stone material.

November’s Home Tips and Trends

‘Tis the season to deck the halls, but don’t forget to keep fire safety in mind.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires that occur during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 people, injure 1,650 people or more, and cause over $990 million in damage each year.  Follow these tips to prevent holiday fires:

Select a fresh Christmas tree.  Needles should be green and attached firmly to the branches, and they should not break if the tree is freshly cut.  Don’t place the tree near a heat source, such as a heat vent or fireplace.  Keep the tree stand filled with water to keep it moist, and don’t leave the tree up longer than two weeks.  When it becomes dry, discard it immediately.

September’s Home Tips and Trends

When it comes to remodeling your home, it’s recommended to put your money where your mouth is…. in your kitchen of course!  A kitchen is the best room in your home to consider renovating.  Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for a while or are looking to sell in a few years, a remodeled kitchen is the best way to increase the value of your home.  Quantifying how much a renovated room will improve your quality of life is difficult to determine, but what percentage of each dollar spent on home improvements you’ll recoup when you sell, is easy.