Investing in Your Kitchen

Yesterday, I happened to be searching on Google for current home design trends and came across a blog called NY Homes Decor. As I read several articles from the blog, I saw that our own chief cabinet officer, Evan Levey, was quoted with the #1 tip: invest in your home. I was tickled to death to read this because the article restated tips Evan offered in a YNN-Albany news segment about completing a successful kitchen renovation.

Visit NY Homes Decor 12 Tips and Trends for Home Renovations

If you have read our blog before, you have heard me mention plenty of design trends that will help increase the value of your home. And despite the current housing slump, the benchmark of kitchens equaling 10% of a home’s value still applies. Quality cabinetry, such as Wood-Mode or Brookhaven, comes with a lifetime warranty and will continue to show a pristine and beautiful look throughout the years. Compared to refacing or installing factory cabinets, it’s the only option that will have a return on your investment.

To learn more ideas for investing in your home, checkout Evan’s interview with YNN-Albany below!

-Laura

Investing In Your Home’s Cabinetry

Last week, YNN-Albany interviewed our very own chief cabinet officer, Evan Levey, to discuss why homeowners should invest in their cabinetry.  As we all know, the kitchen and the bathroom are the two most popular rooms in the home.  These are also rooms that can easily persuade buyers to make an offer.  In the interview, Evan provided some excellent suggestions for homeowners to consider when renovating and installing cabinets.

One of the first ideas Evan suggested was a growing trend to hide kitchen appliances beneath panels. These panels would match the installed kitchen cabinets and create a modern feel within the space. Evan also discussed that when beginning a kitchen renovation, you should plan to spend 10% of the value of your home or the value you want your home to be. By finding the actual or anticipated value of your home, designers can better work within your budget to achieve a successful renovation.  Lastly, Evan focused on why Wood-Mode is a great cabinet brand that does not effect the environment by clear cutting forests. For those of you who may have missed the news segment, checkout the link below:

YNN-Albany Interview Segment

Evan, you did a spectacular job and look great on camera.  Also, a special thank you to YNN-Albany’s Ryan Peterson for visiting our main showroom in Troy, NY.  If you have any questions about renovating your home, feel free to visit our showroom or give us a call.

-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!

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-Laura

Want to Save $5000 off Your Home Renovation?

This month, we’re running a Home Show Special and you could win $5000 off your cabinetry order.   Visit us at the Times Union Center during the Great Northeast Home Show from February 11-13, 2011.  You can also enter to win by signing up through the link below:

ENTER TO WIN

This Home Show Special will continue through February 28, 2011.  Good luck!

Looking forward to seeing you at the Home Show!

-Laura

The New American Home

With the economic meltdown of the housing market, it came as no surprise to me when I read this article yesterday on Yahoo. 

Yahoo News – Study: Amid housing slump, home sizes shrink

The article focused on how homes are beginning to shrink in size. The average home today is 2,100 square feet – down from 2,300 square feet 3 years ago.  I think people are realizing that certain rooms in the home may not be as practical as planned and are looking for more functionality.  Who really needs a den, living room and formal sitting room in one house anyway? 

From my experience, I did have a large home that was nearly 6,000 square feet.  Although the house had enough space to fit almost every resident of East Greenbush, I tried my best to make it a home; but when my family wasn’t together and scattered throughout the two floors, my home just became a house.  Families are meant to laugh, argue and cry together (preferably laugh) in a home.  Sure it’s great to have tons of space, but having a smaller home keeps the family closer together and is more practical for them to enjoy.   

Another downfall for having a larger home is that there’s more to clean and maintain.  As the “maid” of my large home, I can attest to this! 

-Laura

Why Your Kitchen is the “Heart of Your Home”

“Ponder well on this point: the pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table.”
— Charles Pierre Monselet (1874)

As the “heart of the home,” your kitchen plays an important role in the lives of your family.  It’s a gathering place where families come together to laugh, talk and create memories for a lifetime.  The kitchen is also a welcoming room for people to enjoy afternoon gossip or get that borrowed cup of sugar.  As the center of your home, it’s constantly being traveled by those who grab a quick snack, plan to cook or work on school projects. For all these reasons, it is important that home owners take proper care of their kitchen.  

Like people keep active and healthy for their own heart, shouldn’t you keep the “heart of your home” in tip-top shape?  At CCW we pride ourselves in kitchen renovations.  When your kitchen is in need of repairs and updates, we will be there as part of your team from early planning through the installation of the final drawer pull.

When customers begin considering a kitchen makeover, the first thing on their mind is the cost.  Kitchen renovations can be a very big deal. As designers, we understand that customers have a budget. People want to be able to have a space that makes them happy without breaking the bank. Yes, kitchens can be the most expensive renovations one will consider for their home, but they easily boost your home’s value, beauty and comfort.

So what is that heart of your home worth? On average, a kitchen should represent approximately 10% of the value of your home.  For example, let’s say your home is worth $500,000.  Your starting number should be around $50,000 (or 10%).  This figure is going to be the basis for what you spend on the 3 major components; cabinetry, countertop and appliances. Any specified features and the quality of the products you choose ultimately determine the cost. Also, additional elements such as flooring, backsplash, lighting, venting, windows, other construction, plumbing and electrical will increase the final amount.

 Here at CCW, we consistently work with the customer’s budget to design their ideal kitchen.  We guide customers through style options, design layouts and features that will enhance the quality and feel within their home.  Every detail will be covered until satisfied.  

So next time you’re in the “heart of your home,” consider the role it plays in your life and how you should be taking care of it.

-Laura