5 kitchen remodel trends for 2017

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.It’s tax season, which means many people are looking for the best way to invest their tax returns in their homes. Kitchen and bath remodeling are the first to come to mind, because both provide the largest return-on-investment. Infusing your home with the latest interior styles will help improve your property value and ensure that your renovation is beautiful and functional.

Staying abreast of the most popular designs of this season can help you make decisions throughout your upcoming kitchen remodel. Here are five trends that you should keep in mind…

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.1. Hints of metal:
From stainless steel appliances to copper countertops, metal has been prominently displayed in kitchens for the last several years. Although it is still a popular material, the presence of metal in the kitchen is becoming less obvious and more subtle. You will see details like oil-rubbed bronze faucets and metallic range hoods. Metal is used more as an accent and less of a focal point.

2. Tasteful color choices:
Less is more in today’s kitchens, and this is made clear in the color choices seen on the walls and cabinets this year. Natural hues and soft neutrals, flanked by shades of white and cream, are the most commonly selected colors for kitchen remodels today. White and gray painted kitchen cabinets are still very popular, but these choices always should reflect the architecture and location of your home.

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.3. Open kitchen layouts:
The push for an open kitchen layout has been coming for a long time. Contractors are now frequently asked to knock down walls, so homeowners may enjoy the convenience of a kitchen that provides space to work and mingle with others. This preference for openness is reflected in small details, like the open cabinetry and open shelving that has been popular for the last several years.

4. Complex lighting decisions:
Gone are the days when it was enough to install recessed lighting in the ceiling and an overhead lamp near the table. Homeowners now seek complex lighting arrangements, complete with natural light from large windows, lit areas beneath and inside the cabinets, and a series of light fixtures on the ceiling.

5. Contrasting textures:
Using a variety of materials for your kitchen remodel places many contrasting textures side-by-side. From brickwork to hardwood to granite and more, contrasting textures add movement to the room, keeping the eye flowing from one wall to another. Textures add visual interest and richness to the kitchen landscape.

Communication is Key to a Dream Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Kitchen remodeling can be costly and time-consuming. Especially, if the homeowner decides to take on several DIY projects. No matter how handy you are, it’s best to hire or consult with a professional. They will get the job done right, saving precious time and money. If you are planning on hiring a professional for your remodel, there are several things you can do to stay in control of your remodel, and make sure you’re happy with the end results.

Plan, Budget and Communicate

You should always start with a clear plan and a set budget. Schedule your plans and projects so you won’t get lost in all the work. Determine a budget so you don’t end up spending more than you intended. Don’t rush through these steps because they are just as important as the remodel itself.

While setting your plan, keep functionality in mind. You’ll be with your kitchen for awhile so make sure the plans meet your everyday needs. Unless you’re planning to do another remodel in a few years, it’s best to stay away from recent trends. What’s in today might be out of style tomorrow, and changing your kitchen isn’t as easy as changing your wardrobe. It’s recommended that you avoid design trends like breakfast nooks or trash compactors. Instead, go for extra traditional and useful extras like counter space and storage.

A kitchen remodel is a major project and in most cases should be handled by a professional. Talk extensively with your contractor and let them know every detail of the plan and budget. Be clear about what you want. If you have any questions for your contractor ask them as soon as it comes up, so there in no confusion. By setting a plan, budget and communicating with your contractor, you will be well on your way to the kitchen of your dreams.

Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Kitchens are the heart of a home and the center for family activity and communication. In the 21st c., the modern trend has become one of the most popular design styles for home remodels because of its sleek and clean look. This article will discuss some of the ways to achieve the modern look and bring the kitchen back to the 21st c.

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The Open Floor Plan

In the past, kitchens were a place for cooking and homes included living rooms as the space for gathering. Separate kitchens were largely a mark of status in Western cultures. However, the latest designs call for a blending of function. Open floor plans remove the barrier between these two areas in order to maximize space and create a sense of openness. The open floor plan adjusts cabinets, countertops into a way that makes the area seem larger, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Smart storage that maximizes space, open shelving and low drawers are helpful methods to achieve this look.

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Sustainability Meets Technology

The majority of cutting edge designs often utilize organic materials like stone, wood, ceramic, glass or metal to achieve the modern look. However, they also use the latest technology to optimize energy consumption. Concrete countertops and sealed concrete floors make for a surprisingly elegant concept with a small footprint. Many homeowners install special tints to match the concept of the room to make the look more cohesive. Appliances and light fixtures are sleek, clean cut, and make the most of water and energy. Using reclaimed materials for functional surfaces and decoration is a trendy way to optimize modernity while remaining economical.

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Color is Key

White has always been a popular color for modern kitchens because of its ability to give off a feeling of openness. Surprisingly, blue is popping up in more and more contemporary kitchens. These bright colors positioned around a central island or a gracefully curved bar can enhance the cohesiveness of a kitchen. Bright blue and white create an almost optical illusion by making the room look bigger than it actually is. Brightly colored appliances and even silver tiles and fixtures can provide another pop of color and heighten the vibrancy of the space.

Find a Reputable Contractor

These design trends echo the principles established in earlier design periods. However, an open plan kitchen and living room require careful thought and planning. Contracting with a reputable firm such as Craftsmen Home Improvements can ensure that a homeowner’s dream space becomes a reality. The dedicated professionals work with their clients every step of the way to provide accurate budgets, high quality materials and seasoned expertise. Be sure to do research on your contractor before you make your selection. It is important to find a respected and skilled contractor that you can trust.

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The Rewards of Renovation

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is the heart of the home. It provides a functional space for cooking, cleaning and a place for family gathering. These reasons often make the kitchen a deal maker or breaker for buying and selling. With this in mind, what should be taken into consideration for a kitchen renovation?

Whether you’re seeking to put your home on the market or planning to stay another twenty years, design and functionality should be kept in mind. Design trends change over time so it’s best to stick with a traditional approach that don’t go out of style. Stainless steel is always a safe option for appliances, and hardwood floors will never go out of style.

Focus design dollars on counter space, additional storage and light fixtures. These aspects will add beauty to the kitchen while providing functional value. Potential buyers often look for a stylish kitchen that works together to increase productivity.

Look at your space and ask yourself the following questions: Do the countertops and storage spaces work together or do they create confusion? Are the appliances updated? Do the light fixtures provide effective light and highlight the best features? What impressions do the light sources give? Are they functional? How worn is the flooring material and is an update needed?

If it’s time to update your kitchen you’ll have lots of choices to make when it comes to materials. Decide what is most important to you. Is it price, quality or durability? If your main concern is price, there are plenty of attractive options out there that won’t be too hard on the wallet. Granite and quartz are beautiful options for countertops, but there are laminate surfaces available that mimic their looks for half the price. If you’ve always wanted hard wood floors in your kitchen, but it’s not in the budget, alternative floors exist that give the look.

There are several remodeling projects in the kitchen that are DIY, such as, painting. Depending on your skill level, determine the projects you can do yourself because this will save you a lot of money in the end. However, jobs involving lighting, flooring and cabinetry require the attention of a specialist.  Find a contractor who is committed to giving you the kitchen you want.

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home or just craving a change, you will gain a lot from a kitchen renovation. Go with a timeless style that you’ll never get tired of. Determine your budget and stick to it, by choosing materials that agree with your wallet. Most importantly, always practice safety while remodeling and know when it is appropriate to call on a professional. Contact Craftsmen Home Improvements Inc., for any questions, comments or concerns about remodeling.