Spring is on its way! And with the leaves returning and flowers blooming, most homeowners are starting their spring-cleaning to-do lists. We’ve got ours underway…closet reorganization, yard-sale plans, power washing appointments.
Along with those typical chores comes an itch for something to brighten or refresh the home and make everything “new” again.
There’s no denying the downturn in the economy brought a return to the home…more people are eating in, entertaining casually and focusing on the spaces that mean the most. So, what better time to look around your home and make some improvements that don’t cost a lot but bring about major results?
The kitchen is considered the heartbeat of a home…it’s likely where we spend the most time together, and with guests. So, why not focus there when looking to refresh your living space? There are many new options in the market now that can make a big impact.
Lighting – Consider your lighting. Are harsh fluorescents skewing the look of the kitchen? A new chandelier combined with task lighting could be the perfect item to shed new light. To figure out the size you need, measure the length and width of the room in feet. Then add the two numbers together. The sum should equal the diameter of the chandelier—in inches.
Countertops – While most people head straight for the granite, there are other surfaces to consider when refreshing the kitchen counter….like molded linoleum tiles coated with a polyurethane finish. Here’s an example featured in a recent Country Living kitchen remodel.
Plumbing Fixtures – Faucets are one of the easiest items to replace in a kitchen, and there’s one for every style kitchen and home. Here’s one that’s great to look at, but also provides the added benefit of hot, cold and filtered water from a single source. Rhol brings this innovative, integrated faucet filtration solution to consumers via the upcoming Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. For tips for kitchen faucet shopping, take a look at this article.
Cabinet Hardware – With the easy-to-install addition of new hardware, cabinets and drawers can look brand new, and in 2010 it’s all about traditional. So, these pulls from Hickory Hardware could be perfect for a quick kitchen facelift. According to the company, you can get this little project done on a Saturday morning.
Floors – New floors require a budget, but a new rug can bring new life to a room and have a lasting impact. With kitchen traffic in mind, consider a rug that’s easily cleaned – preferably in the washing machine.
Decorative Accents – With the kitchen serving as the social center of the home, it’s not enough to just be functional anymore. Sure, the right cookware is key, even for the novice cook, but what’ll keep them in the room while you’re slaving away is the overall atmosphere. Make it warm. Make it inviting. But make it yours. Choose interesting artwork, special stoneware and unique objects that personalize the space.
With just a few additions like these, your kitchen spring spruce-up is sure to satisfy that urge for something completely new.
We should note that for some a little refresh project doesn’t always solve that itch for something new. And according to Harvard’s Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), there are signs the remodeling industry is poised for renewal this spring. Good news for those in the industry! What will be the key to success, however, is how those companies market products to consumers. Americans are still watching pennies and cutting coupons…and the purchases they are making are those that bring the most value. Give them a product that will make their lives easier or more satisfying…and brings exceptional value….and they’ll buy.
PS – We will be walking the halls at the upcoming Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and looks forward to sharing even more trends, tips and tricks from Chicago’s McCormick Place.
