| ight think that the spot in the home where people | | | | difference between a sale or not or even getting |
| spend the most time would be the living room or | | | | your asking price or not. |
| family room. But in fact the kitchen is the most used | | | | Another reason many kitchens and baths are being |
| room in the majority of homes. After that, the bath | | | | remodeled is because of concerns about the |
| weighs in on importance to homeowners. A recent | | | | environment. Some statistics put as many as 36 |
| survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association | | | | states will have to deal with limited water supplies for |
| found that a staggering $220 billion was spent in 2007 | | | | their residents by the year 2015. Low flush toilets and |
| on remodeling and constructing new kitchens and | | | | aerator faucets conserve water, while new energy |
| baths, with an average of six out of every seven | | | | efficient appliances save on electrical consumption, |
| kitchens being remodeled. One in seven were | | | | which is both good for the planet and the pocket |
| completely new construction. For 2008, the | | | | book. |
| association projects that 6.9 million existing kitchens | | | | So what are the most popular current trends in |
| will be remodeled. | | | | kitchen and bath remodeling? Most of the answers to |
| As for baths, the NKBA found that almost 75 | | | | that won't surprise you. The same green trend in |
| percent of all baths already built were remodeled. | | | | construction is showing up in kitchens and baths. |
| About 25 percent were new construction, and for | | | | Natural and recycled materials are gaining in popularity. |
| 2008 they estimate that 8.5 million more baths will be | | | | Bamboo, a quick growing, easily renewable wood for |
| remodeled. Overall, the survey found that 2007 | | | | flooring is being used more. Countertops and |
| posted gains over 2006 in remodeling projects, | | | | backsplashes made from ground recycled glass are |
| despite the depressed real estate markets. | | | | an option, and quartz is a new trend that is edging |
| With those figures and statistics in mind, it would | | | | traditional granite. Even wood countertops are being |
| stand to reason that potential home buyers would be | | | | used more often. And always keep in mind how |
| shopping for homes with layouts that highlight great | | | | difficult a particular surface choice would be to |
| kitchen and bath spaces. Ironically, many developers | | | | maintain or keep clean. |
| often have smaller kitchens in their open condo floor | | | | Storage is always an issue in any house or condo, |
| plans or baths that are relatively cramped. In some | | | | and the kitchen is no exception. Cabinets can be |
| rehabs or condo conversions, the units only have | | | | manufactured from recycled materials and most new |
| efficiency kitchens. With a few renovated former | | | | designs feature handy pull out or rotating shelving, |
| hotel buildings, there wasn't even a kitchen | | | | which not only maximizes space but is easier for |
| incorporated into the original layout. Even in some | | | | items to be reached. |
| luxury buildings, the kitchens are serviceable, but | | | | Lighting is veering away from harsh track lighting and |
| designed with the theory that residents will do more | | | | more windows seem to be the norm, letting in lots |
| dining out than actual home cooking or entertaining. | | | | of natural light. Colors are important, and while you |
| On the flip side, there are also a good number of | | | | may get the urge to paint one wall a bright tone or |
| new construction and pre-construction condos that | | | | have some funky tile accents, earth tones or natural |
| have gourmet kitchens and lavish baths, all designed | | | | colors are best suited for the long run. Neutral colors |
| to lure buyers. One of the most highly publicized | | | | will blend well with any design changes you may want |
| projects in Chicago right now is the and kitchens in | | | | to make later and if you decide to sell, a prospective |
| those ultra-luxury condos feature not only granite but | | | | buyer may not want to contend with repainting to |
| marble and onyx with European cabinets, fixtures and | | | | match their tastes. |
| both European and American appliances. And while a | | | | If you want to add some brighter colors or accents, |
| gourmet kitchen may not totally sell a high priced | | | | stick with changing napkin or dish patterns, window |
| condo to everyone except hard core cooking fans | | | | blinds, bath towels, candles, flowers in a vase or a |
| and would-be chefs, it certainly can be a major selling | | | | well-placed picture or mirror on the wall. |
| point. | | | | As for baths, marble is always a favorite, and |
| But with the downturn in the housing market and | | | | whirlpool tubs, large showers with seating and |
| new condo sales declining, more and more | | | | massage shower heads are big right now. Double |
| homeowners are turning to remodeling projects both | | | | vanities, recessed medicine cabinets, wall sconces, full |
| to satisfy themselves if they intend to live there or | | | | length mirrors and linen closets are most commonly |
| to entice buyers if they intend to sell. It's obviously | | | | installed. |
| less costly to remodel a kitchen and bath rather than | | | | Basically anything can be on the menu when you |
| buy a new home, and also a little bit of investment | | | | remodel your kitchen or bath, and the best rule of |
| towards improving those two rooms can mean the | | | | thumb is always convenience and comfort. |