V
C Weal &state I Trends
Remodeling
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Kimberly A. Connell { Contributing Writer
ith our lives becoming
busier by the year, it's no
wonder that the average
person wants their home to not
be just a refuge but a pleasing,
low-maintenance retreat. Home
renovation shows remain popular on
television and have spurred an interest
in home remodeling. Denise Dresden,
a certified interior design professional,
sees some emerging home design
trends on the horizon.
Kitchens continue to be the most
popular and best renovation to make
in a home, according to Dresden. "It
often pays back 75 percent-90 percent
of what it costs by raising your home's
value," she said.
Many customers are giving their
kitchen cabinets "facelifts" that take
a few days instead of full cabinet
replacement, which can take two
weeks and cause inconvenience. They
are upgrading door and drawer pulls,
replacing old laminate countertops
with durable synthetic surfaces like
Corian', and installing easy-to-maintain
vinyl or laminate flooring. Dresden
suggests changing light fixtures and
upgrading to new appliances to
improve the look of your kitchen while
making it more energy-efficient.
A simple coat of paint on the walls
makes for an easy, updated look. Many
homeowners stick with the neutral
colors of sage green, taupe, beige,
mustard or wine, but muted or dusty
colors in burgundy, hunter green,
navy blue and pastels have grown in
popularity.
A plain sink, toilet and shower
in the bathroom will no longer do
for many of Dresden's clients. In
W
22 I Floor Space Magazine • November 2012
the bathroom, many seek a spa-like
experience. "People want luxury... an
escape from their stressful day," said
Dresden.
Homeowners frequently request
multiple showerheads, deep bathtubs,
and high-end decor materials. Despite
the emergence of easy-to-clean, pre-
fabricated tub liners, ceramic tiles with
decorative details on bathroom and
shower walls remain popular and give
bathrooms an upscale, designer touch.
Larger 12"x12" tiles are commonly
used on floors so there is less grout
to scrub, making floor maintenance
easier.
One of the hottest trends is
basement remodeling. "Many people
would like extra space in their home,
yet they enjoy their neighborhood
and don't want the hassle of moving.
Finishing their basement is their best
option," said Dresden.
A finished basement can give
you the office you always wanted,
an entertainment area with bar, a
spare bedroom or second kitchen,
while adding value to your home.
Waterproofing may be done, and
then an insulation layer and drywall
or removable wall panels are added,
along with carpeting, electrical
outlets, air vents and a drop ceiling.
Most homeowners also add a small
bathroom with shower stall.
Contact a certified and
knowledgeable interior designer for
personalized advice. In many cases,
the "do-it-yourself"-type can order
materials through them and perform
their own work.