Top 5 Kitchen Trends for the Spring

Spring will be here before you know it, so why not freshen up your kitchen with these top trends?

Spring into Simplicity

Shaker style cabinets have grown in popularity throughout 2010 and provide a clean, functional look.  This cabinet’s simplicity is expressed through its plain fronts, limited trim and easy hardware that can fit any kitchen décor. 

Bye Bye, Color

With a tumbling housing market, homeowners are opting for a neutral palette in the kitchen.  Their hope to resell their home in the future is leading to classic finishes and warm earth tones for countertops and backsplashes. 

Quartz Countertops

Granite may still be prominent, but quartz countertops are on the rise.  Quartz provides the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable and practical countertop surfacing material than either granite or marble. The material is also stain, scratch and heat-resistant.

Maple Cabinetry

When selecting the cabinets for your home, consider maple wood.  Maple is growing in popularity for its affordable price, durability and versatility.  Maple wood fits in with a wide variety of décors.

Satin Nickel Faucets

These easy to care for faucets are great because the brushed satin finish hides most scratches and finger prints.  And unlike stainless steel faucets, which can have a bluish tint, a satin nickel finish can provide a modern look to fit any color scheme.  Another plus is they are resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. 

 

Get Happy with Honeysuckle

If you feel like your home is boring, consider adding some pop with this year’s refreshing “it” color.  Each year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a color that will be symbolic for the year.  Turquoise blue was the color for 2010 and offered an escape from the economic downturn.  This year, designers are all about honeysuckle.  This bright reddish-pink color provides an optimistic response, especially after another challenging year. With spring right around the corner, why not start fresh by adding a little cheerfulness into your home; it’s a happy color.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend a full color scheme of honeysuckle for your home, but rather to use it as an upbeat accent color. Homeowners should consider accessories like area rugs, vases, pillows, sofa throws and dinnerware can really help electrify the home.  To get the full effect of the color, make it stand out and not compete with other colors.  Compliment with neutral walls and fabrics.

-Laura

10 Ways to Save to 10% on Your Kitchen Renovation

This past weekend, our own chief cabinet officer, Evan Levey, held a seminar to discuss creative ways to save 10% when renovating the kitchen.  Kitchens can be costly and after setting a budget, the homeowner may get an estimate that’s more than expected.  That’s why it is good to meet with a designer who can help give you ideas to lower your cost.  Check out these recommendations that can help save you money when designing your dream kitchen.

1. Cut down on built-in accessories you don’t need
2. Keep the details where they show the most
3. Use glass doors but don’t divide them with mullions
4. Consider one big cabinet rather than two small ones
5. Swap the tall chef’s pantry for one with simple interior pull-out drawers
6. Nix the appliance garage
7. Pick a free-standing range rather than a separate cooktop and wall oven
8. Consider larger mouldings rather than smaller stacked ones
9. Ask the kitchen designer questions
10. Research what you like

For a more detailed guide to cut-back expenses, click through Evan’s presentation provided below:

What a Great Weekend!

Thank you everyone for stopping by our showroom at the Times Union Center this weekend.  We had another successful year at the Great Northeast Home Show and couldn’t have done it without you.  I always enjoy meeting people who are interested in renovating their homes and seeking design ideas.  It really gets my juices flowing.

With today’s economy, we were thrilled to see many homeowners at Evan’s seminar to learn creative ways to shave 10% off a kitchen renovation, without compromising on design or function.  After the presentation, it was great to hear that people found it informative and to the point.  I really enjoyed it when Evan told home owners they should consider the things they need, the things they want and the things they cannot live without in the kitchen.  Like I have said before, you should renovate a room to fit your tastes and lifestyle.  Designing and installing what you really want in your home will make you happy and make the project a success.

I would also like to give a special thank you to Ali for helping with the crowds this weekend and making sure the heaters were plugged in!  After last year’s chilly weather, we thought ahead and brought two to the arena showroom.

So whether you stopped by to grab a cookie or to discuss cabinets, we’re glad to have met you and hope you visit our main showroom in North Greenbush!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

-Laura

Great Northeast Home Show 2011 Seminar

As we get closer to the home show, we’re excited to announce that our very own chief cabinet guy, Evan Levey, will be presenting a seminar on kitchen renovations.  Evan will be discussing various ways to save 10% off your kitchen renovation without compromising its aesthetic or functionality. 

We hope you all will attend CCW’s seminar on February 12, at 2:15 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Home Show!

Evan Levey’s Bio 

-Laura

Hiring an Interior Designer

Over the years, I have seen many people walk through our showroom with questions regarding home renovations.  One of the biggest dilemmas for homeowners is whether or not to hire a designer.  My advice is unless you have some professional training, go with the expert. There are so many benefits that will improve the process and the finished result.

“A designer acts as a middle man…”

See, designers are experienced experts in their fields and have an eye for beauty and functionality.  Designers take the time to listen to what the customer wants and will create a customized space that is unique – I don’t know any designer who has created identical rooms.  They’ll also explore other rooms in the home to design a style and aesthetic that will provide continuity and flow.

As the renovation begins, it can be overwhelming for the homeowner to schedule times to meet with contractors, vendors and the delivery team.  A designer acts as a middle man and can coordinate these important aspects throughout the project.  Also, designers have access to the best prices available from vendors on countertops, sinks, faucets, tiles, and, of course, cabinetry.  They’ll also offer quotes for comparison, which is great when you’re working on a budget.

“I don’t know any designer who has created identical rooms.”

When the renovation is completed, you’ll have the satisfaction knowing that the kitchen, bathroom or other area of your home has been professionally done.  Unlike  store-bought-designs that can deteriorate in quality and style,  customized rooms have a timeless look and are built to last for years.

-Laura