Know How : Kitchen Trends Revealed
"I need to change my old, brown and boring kitchen! I want my kitchen to flow and function for my family's needs. I enjoy when my friends congregate in my kitchen, but I need it designed so they stay out of my way! These are typical issues we hear on a daily basis from families interested in remodeling their old kitchens." states Bruce Roth, local owner of Sycamore Kitchens & More. "Likewise, it appears that homeowners across the country are experiencing the exact same issues."
A recent survey of homeowners across the Nation shows the kitchen has evolved from a room simply for food preparation, to a room where a variety of activities take place. Survey respondents specified using the kitchen for socializing with friends and family and creating a hub to manage the household including paying bills and keeping the family organized. The survey showed most people who remodel do so because their kitchens are outdated - which they describe as dark, cluttered, boring or confining.
Of course, one of the main reasons that families remodel is that the current kitchen is outdated. "Homeowners want kitchens that are functional, with the space and features for entertaining as well as meal preparation. Designing multi-functional kitchens for our local clients is a trend that is consistent with the rest of the country." stated Roth.
The survey revealed the "ideal kitchen" described as open, warm, organized, light, happy, gourmet, homey and comfortable. "Cabinetry Manufacturers have responded to these trends by providing many new innovations including built-in storage solutions which aid in organization." says Roth. "In addition, many of the new cabinetry offerings feature hand-rubbed glazes and distinctive character finishes which evoke a warm, homey, comfortable tone. Gourmet, professional style appliances such as double wall ovens and cook tops with features such as griddles and grills tend to be popular according to the survey. In addition, stainless steel appliances tend to be the most popular. "However, we have noticed an increase in the use of cabinetry panels to cover appliances fronts such as dishwashers and built-in refrigerators, because clients don't want that much stainless steel- the panels create a warmer look."
Due to their busy lifestyle, a majority of the people questioned say they don't have time to cook. Only 30 percent make breakfast daily, and only 60% prepare dinner five or more times a week - and they rarely do so from scratch. So, it's no surprise that built-in microwaves have become an essential appliance. However, double ovens are also popular- especially for holidays and entertaining. Locally, warming drawers, appliances designed to keep foods warm, have become a noteworthy component in the overall design.
It was interesting to discover that 30% of those surveyed said they would have spent more if they had to do it all over again and only 7% felt they spent too much. Of those who would do it all over again, upgrading the quality or features of their cabinetry and enlarging the actual size of the kitchen were the main responses for additional spending.
The results of the survey show that the kitchen is evolving and becoming more of the family hub which also doubles as the entertainment center on occasion. The need to create an efficient and comfortable, welcoming space for today's busy families remains the challenge for kitchen designers. "That's why it's so important to make sure you're working with a designer who understands the relationship between the latest trends and how they interconnect with your lifestyle and priorities to create your new kitchen. After all, you want a kitchen designed that provides for your needs and stands the test of time...because you only want to make that investment once!"
Bruce Roth is the local owner of Sycamore Kitchens & More, a full service design and installation firm specializing in creating custom kitchens, bars, home entertainment centers, baths, laundry rooms and closets and is located at 123 North Sycamore Street in Newtown, PA. Sycamore Kitchens & More is an exclusive dealer of Yorktowne Cabinetry which features many of the innovative design elements, storage solutions and finishes mentioned in this article. Visit sycamorekitchens.com
*The survey of over 1500 households whose results were released in October, 2007 by the Dublin, Ireland-based research firm: Research and Markets Ltd., includes data on lifestyles, kitchen product shopping and purchasing patterns, as well kitchen remodeling details, and trends in consumer tastes and preferences.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Roth
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