| "I need to change my old, brown and boring kitchen! I | | | | popular according to the survey. In addition, stainless |
| want my kitchen to flow and function for my family's | | | | steel appliances tend to be the most popular. |
| needs. I enjoy when my friends congregate in my | | | | "However, we have noticed an increase in the use of |
| kitchen, but I need it designed so they stay out of my | | | | cabinetry panels to cover appliances fronts such as |
| way! These are typical issues we hear on a daily | | | | dishwashers and built-in refrigerators, because clients |
| basis from families interested in remodeling their old | | | | don't want that much stainless steel- the panels create |
| kitchens." states Bruce Roth, local owner of Sycamore | | | | a warmer look." |
| Kitchens & More. "Likewise, it appears that | | | | Due to their busy lifestyle, a majority of the people |
| homeowners across the country are experiencing the | | | | questioned say they don't have time to cook. Only 30 |
| exact same issues." | | | | percent make breakfast daily, and only 60% prepare |
| A recent survey of homeowners across the Nation | | | | dinner five or more times a week - and they rarely do |
| shows the kitchen has evolved from a room simply | | | | so from scratch. So, it's no surprise that built-in |
| for food preparation, to a room where a variety of | | | | microwaves have become an essential appliance. |
| activities take place. Survey respondents specified | | | | However, double ovens are also popular- especially for |
| using the kitchen for socializing with friends and family | | | | holidays and entertaining. Locally, warming drawers, |
| and creating a hub to manage the household including | | | | appliances designed to keep foods warm, have |
| paying bills and keeping the family organized. The | | | | become a noteworthy component in the overall design. |
| survey showed most people who remodel do so | | | | It was interesting to discover that 30% of those |
| because their kitchens are outdated - which they | | | | surveyed said they would have spent more if they |
| describe as dark, cluttered, boring or confining. | | | | had to do it all over again and only 7% felt they spent |
| Of course, one of the main reasons that families | | | | too much. Of those who would do it all over again, |
| remodel is that the current kitchen is outdated. | | | | upgrading the quality or features of their cabinetry and |
| "Homeowners want kitchens that are functional, with | | | | enlarging the actual size of the kitchen were the main |
| the space and features for entertaining as well as | | | | responses for additional spending. |
| meal preparation. Designing multi-functional kitchens for | | | | The results of the survey show that the kitchen is |
| our local clients is a trend that is consistent with the | | | | evolving and becoming more of the family hub which |
| rest of the country." stated Roth. | | | | also doubles as the entertainment center on occasion. |
| The survey revealed the "ideal kitchen" described as | | | | The need to create an efficient and comfortable, |
| open, warm, organized, light, happy, gourmet, homey | | | | welcoming space for today's busy families remains the |
| and comfortable. "Cabinetry Manufacturers have | | | | challenge for kitchen designers. "That's why it's so |
| responded to these trends by providing many new | | | | important to make sure you're working with a designer |
| innovations including built-in storage solutions which aid | | | | who understands the relationship between the latest |
| in organization." says Roth. "In addition, many of the | | | | trends and how they interconnect with your lifestyle |
| new cabinetry offerings feature hand-rubbed glazes | | | | and priorities to create your new kitchen. After all, you |
| and distinctive character finishes which evoke a warm, | | | | want a kitchen designed that provides for your needs |
| homey, comfortable tone. Gourmet, professional style | | | | and stands the test of time...because you only want to |
| appliances such as double wall ovens and cook tops | | | | make that investment once! |
| with features such as griddles and grills tend to be | | | | |