GREETINGS...

From the Home Remedies, Inc. Newsletter for Summer 2007.

Let's talk trends...
When we look at trendswe need to keep in mind what are lasting and what are just a flash in the pan. What are easily and not so easily done and undone. Always keep in mind what others might feel about the space. Sure you are the one living there. You want it to be the way you want it while you're there, but you also have to consider that day in the future, when you may be selling your home. What are potential homebuyers going to think of your remodel? Is it done in a manner which they can make it conform to their taste, or will they have to spend more money to make it what they like. People may pass on your home if it seems like too much work and/or money to meet their likes. Conversely, doing those things that appeal to a broad spectrum of people, without sacrificing your style, betters your chances. Lets face it, we all feel good when people come into our home and say "wow, I love what you've done." We have been experiencing some great changes here We hope that this newsletter will bring you up-to-date with the latest things happening at our company.

In this quarter of the Blurb, we will be looking at the "Kitchen". In the next quarter we will look at the Bath. Look for more trends to follow, such as the media room and home office. Now, to the Kitchen.

KITCHEN TRENDS

The Kitchen has become the center of all activity in the home. It is where everyone comes to rest after coming home. Families use it as a drop zone for the mail, keys, children’s schoolwork, and countless other items. Who doesn't have the catch-all "junk drawer". Some people have more than one junk drawer. We like to keep our junk organized, right? We wouldn't know where it was if it wasn't in the right drawer. The kitchen has become command central.

With your kitchen being the center, you need organization. When one comes home, who wants to be overwhelmed by junk and disorder? Your home is your sanctuary from the demands of the outside world. People are looking to utilize every inch of space they can. This is where good design and listening to the clients needs play a major roll in how the client is going to feel moving through the space. We are using many different cabinet configurations and depths to provide the space, at the same time it does add some interest in the different levels and the way accent trims run in and out. Open shelving is being utilized for a different look in storage to line up the cook books, place a TV, or simply display items. But use caution in not using level and depth changes all over or your eyes and mind will hurt.

Today’s kitchens are open. This is nothing new. They are open to other rooms/spaces so all can be within the same general location. Children doing homework or using the computer and an adult can monitor them, and don't forget the parties where everything and everyone centers around the kitchen. If there is a wall(s) closing the kitchen off from other areas, we are opening them up. Think of today's kitchen as a stage. With the influence of the food channels, more people are taking an interest in cooking and entertaining. We need space and layout to perform and prepare food for our guests, counter space to display our accomplishments for our guests to enjoy.

Lighting also plays a key role in today's kitchens. We need light to see what we are doing and we need light to affect a mood. Mix up your lighting choices. Recessed lighting is a practical choice for general work lighting. Under cabinet lighting fills in the dark areas of your counter space. Pendants over sinks and bar areas add interest and depth. Lighting inside open cabinets or behind glass doors can light up the display items or feature glasses beyond the ordinary. Add dimmer devices to all these lights and you have a world of settings and moods at your finger tips.

In closing we don't want to forget the materials we are using. Mix it up with different stains within the same kitchen. Paints and glazing add spice to the finish. Quartz and stone tops are the way most are leaning. Tile backsplashes add texture, but don't go with the same old 4x4 glazed tile. People want variation in color and size. Put in a 6x12, maybe some accent tile cut in.

The bottom line is to give your kitchen some thought. It is important not to just throw things together, because you may not like the end result. Too many people want to throw things in quickly just to get it done and behind them. It takes time to think through decisions and create the big picture of your space. Work with a contractor with experience in design and remodeling, who can take you through your project from start to finish, like Home Remedies, Inc. Your next kitchen project can be an enjoyable experience. Set your stage for your next performance.

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