Fusion of traditional, modern materials and ‘hiving’ drive kitchen makeovers

The coming year should bring some new twists in the kitchen, a perennial hot spot in the remodeling market, according to remodelers participating in an industry trends panel discussion at the 2005 International Builders’ Show.

Homeowners also are looking for remodeling opportunities to create more versatility and privacy in their living space. Homeowners continue to open up kitchen space, the remodelers said, and they have become more receptive to using new materials and color blends and they no longer sweat the details of the cabinet construction and appliances.

With kitchen remodeling becoming increasingly popular in recent years and veering toward mass production, the industry professionals said that homeowners are now looking for originality and are embracing such creative products as faucets and fixtures with unique shapes, concrete counters in favorite colors or patterns and glass-tile and solid-wood countertops.

Remodelers in the Northeast are seeing a blend of traditional materials with urban accents creating a modern vernacular. “For one project, we used painted white raised panel doors for kitchen cabinets and mahogany on the flooring as well as the casings for the windows and doors for an elegant look,” said Paul Sullivan, of the Sullivan Co., in Newton Heights, Mass.

“Also, adjacent to the kitchen we installed mahogany wainscot paneling to encompass the perimeter of the dining room,” said Sullivan. “We then used a random color pattern of glass tiles as the backsplash and accented the cabinet doors with custom hand-blown glass hardware. This use of traditional style cabinetry and mahogany wood in conjunction with modern materials such as glass and stainless steel appliances gave this characteristically traditional kitchen an extraordinarily modern feel.”

Also, homeowners are using limestone, slate and granite in their kitchens. For those seeking a sleek look, stainless steel countertops with built-in sinks and runoff boards are being designed to complement stainless steel appliances.

Cabinets rising to the ceiling are making a comeback, providing more storage space and a cleaner look, according to Michael Strong, of Brothers Strongin Houston.

In the Northwest, homeowners like mixing two or three colors in the kitchen, especially on lower and upper cabinets. “Many homeowners are going for the ‘energized’ look where they mix techno-bright and metallic colors with calming earth tones,” said Chuck Russell, of Westhill, Inc., in Woodinville, Wash.

‘Hiving’ the New Buzz Word

In another big remodeling trend, homeowners are moving out of the reclusive “cocooning” period following Sept. 11 into a “hiving” phase in which they want their homes to match a more active, on-the-go lifestyle.

People want rooms to be useful and to serve more than one purpose. For example, they want a room where mom can do her crafting while dad watches television and the kids play on the computer. “While each family member wants to do their own thing, they still want to be in the same space,” said Russell.

Interior glass doors and walls — including glass-paned French doors — are providing a sense of separation while still allowing family members to remain connected. “This allows people to have private spaces but allows for natural light to flow in and for people to see one another,” said Russell.

For more information about trends, visit www.nahb.org or contact the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) at (509) 532-4990. If a remodeling project is on the horizon for you, call us about our free referral hotline service. You will be contacted by a professional remodeler who will provide you with a free, no obligation estimate for whatever remodeling project you have in mind.

Home Show April 30-May 1

We also invite you to visit the upcoming Premier Home Show at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center April 30 and May 1, brought to you by SHBA and Premier Sponsor GMAC Mortgage. Remodelers will be on hand at the event to answer any questions you may have. You’re sure to also enjoy visiting a myriad of displays featuring exciting and innovative products and services for all aspects of new home construction, remodeling and home improvement. For additional show information, please contact SHBA.