SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
And speaking of warm – your toilet can
be warm too! Homeowners can opt for a
“throne” with a retractable base that comes
out and heats your feet as well as the seat of
the toilet. And new touchless flushing helps
prevent the spread of germs among your
family, along with a bidet, which ensures a
much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your
bathroom every day you owe it to yourself
to make it a more enjoyable place. And,
according to HGTV.com, bath remodels
often offer a return on investment of more
than 100%!
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Studio at 84 Lumber, you may be able to
make updates to your bath for less than you
might expect.
“If a homeowner is just updating and
not moving plumbing, heating ducts and
electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000,” says Laipple. And the choices for
today’s bath are incredibly enticing. She
notes that many homeowners are opting
for larger showers that will not only get you
clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting
that changes colors to suit your mood.
You can also enjoy your favorite music in
the shower to either calm you down after
a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily
routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also
arrived in the 21st century. Vanities are no
longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a
cavernous interior with little customization.
Current options for drawers and cabinets
include specialized areas for storing your
blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage
options for makeup. And while you’re
standing in front of that vanity applying your
makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror!
New technology allows your favorite TV
program to be projected onto the mirror,
so you can keep up with the latest baseball
scores or check the weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant
options for bathrooms, but one of the latest
trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic
wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and
can be laid to look like natural woodgrain,
without the worry of water damage. Laipple
says the woodgrain appearance really warms
up the bathroom.
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Whether your cooking style is Chicken
Cordon Bleu, or just some great Pad Thai
take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s
fun, organized and feels like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll
probably spend a significant amount of
time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment
to update your kitchen, it’s a worthwhile
endeavor from both a personal standpoint
and a financial one. And, like bathrooms,
HGTV.com estimates that a kitchen
remodel can offer returns that are upwards
of 100% on the resale of your house.
According to Jamie Varner, owner of
Varner Remodeling, most kitchen remodels
icmags.com
start around $25,000, and on average will
range up to about $50,000.
You can give your kitchen a whole new
look in any style from ultra-contemporary
to French country in this price range. Your
designer and builder can assist you with
computer-aided design (CAD) to help you
envision your dream.
Some new trends in the kitchen include
spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for
food prep. Clean, white subway tile can match
virtually any décor, making it a popular choice
for backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be
found in any color for a look that’s great for
your kitchen and great for the environment
as well. Varner says that mosaic tiles are
frequently used and can be laid in customized
patterns for a uniquely personal look.
Although cherry wood cabinets are
popular, he’s seeing an increase in white
cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a
warm feel, while white cabinets will brighten
the space and have a clean appearance.
As for flooring, Varner notes, “You can’t
go wrong with natural stone,” adding that
travertine is extremely popular right now.
After the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care
option for homeowners and offers a lot of
longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to
achieve in your kitchen, it’s also about the way
it makes you, your family and your friends feel
when you’re there. ■