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. The woodgrain appearance
really warms up the bathroom.
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 CUISINE
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.
You can give your kitchen a whole new
look in any style from ultra‑contemporary
to French country. 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. Mosaic tiles are frequently used and
can be laid in customized patterns for a
uniquely personal look.
Although cherry wood cabinets are
popular, there’s a trend toward 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, natural stone and
travertine are 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.
ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS!
Ever feel like your home would be
perfect if only it had that one room that’s
missing? Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom
for when Mom comes to visit, or a
bathroom downstairs for guests when
you’re entertaining. Maybe you already
have a family room, but it just needs to
be a little larger for your needs. If this
sounds familiar, a home addition may be
the perfect solution for making life a little
more comfortable.
The great thing about a new room is
that you can plan it exactly the way you
want it. If you’re adding a family room or
game room, why not build a fireplace as
well? This will quickly make it the most
visited room in your house. If you’re
adding a bedroom either for visiting
parents or a returning college student,
why not include an ensuite bath, which
will increase your home’s value as well as
make for more enjoyable visits for your
guests.
As with any work done in your home,
make sure that you do your homework
before contacting any contractors. It’s a
good idea to obtain estimates from three
different contractors before deciding
which one to use. It helps to be as specific
as possible in your choices in order to
get the most accurate estimates. Use a
spec sheet to ensure that you are giving
all three contractors the same exact
information.
Using local contractors is another
great way to ensure that you’re getting
someone with a good reputation in the
community. A good idea is to attend
home shows where you can actually meet
the contractors face to face. It’s easier
working with someone when you have a
good rapport.
The most important thing to remember
in any home design project is not to be
too focused on the bottom line only.
Many times the lowest price does not
result in the best‑quality job. Do your
research to find the best person for your
particular project. ■
PLUM
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SPRING 2020
25