New designs in cabinetry make what’s old, new and useable
(ARA)
- Even in a down economy, the desire for kitchen and bath remodeling
doesn’t go away -- especially if you’ve “had it” with cabinets that are
old, falling apart and out of style.
Home improvements high on list
If
you’re feeling the itch to fix up your home, you’re not alone. About 5
percent of adults 18 and older planned to spend their tax rebate/refund
checks on home improvement projects and repairs, according to the
findings of a National Retail Federation survey.
Many consumers
can and will afford to maintain the value of their homes. Whether it
means replacing a 20-year-old sink faucet or gutting the kitchen,
owners will strive to upkeep their homes for financial and personal
reasons.
“One of the easiest and most affordable ways to
revitalize the kitchen and bath is to install stock cabinetry,” says
Andy Wells, vice president of product design and merchandising for
Aristokraft Cabinetry. “Many of today’s products are available in
high-end colors and finishes you’d expect to find only in custom
cabinetry.”
According to Wells, consumers are moving away from
uniform cabinets and gravitating toward adding individual pieces to the
mix. “When it comes to cabinet color, the biggest trend is mixing.
People are moving away from one palette and have discovered that they
can create personality in the kitchen and bath by mixing colors and
finishes. Another way to create an up-to-date look is to upgrade some
of the cabinets with trim and embellishments to personalize the space.” Fashionable kitchen and bath multi-taskers When
choosing cabinets, it’s also important to look behind the doors, since
many have built-in organizational features. For example, a cabinet with
a multi-functional interior can cover a lot of bases in your kitchen.
After all, there’s only so much space to work with, and so many
groceries, pots and pans, small appliances and storage containers that
need to be stashed somewhere. Some organization solutions are mini
pantries with roll trays, dual-door storage, wire pullout baskets or
under-sink storage for dishwashing and cleaning supplies. If your
bath is bursting with towels, or if your home doesn’t have a linen
closet, another hard-working multi-tasker is an 18-inch wide linen
closet cabinet with storage for towels and laundry. Another space saver
is a vanity pullout for smaller bathroom items. Such units are
available with attractive door styles to give your bath a fashionable
face-lift. Cabinetry isn’t something you buy every day, so if you
want to ensure its long-lasting performance, ask your dealer about
construction upgrades. You can opt for sturdier grades of wood for the
shelving or drawers, or even slam-proof door mechanisms to eliminate
unnecessary noise and ensure longer cabinet life.
