(ARA) - We are in the midst of a presidential election, a time to reflect
on the values and beliefs that are important to you. Why not make some decisions
about what your kitchen says about you, too. Are you wild? Exotic? Modern? Old
World? Traditional? Whatever your individual style, vote to incorporate your
personality with a ballot of design choices.
Like a convention for appliances, styles and d?cor items, the Kitchen and
Bath Industry Show 2004 (KBIS) previewed the newest trends that consumers will
see in stores this year -- a multitude of candidates -- that can help design
a look that says "you."
Cast your ballot
Vote for ceramic, beach glass or clay tiles as focal points in your kitchen.
Use them on the floor, as a backsplash, framing your stove or even as individual
pieces of wall art. This year, tiles run the gamut from bold red leather to
Fiestaware-inspired tones. Whatever your style, you can make a big impact with
decorative tiles in a range of unique patterns.
You too can be red, white and blue
If you're tired of the dark colors in granite counter tops, look no farther
than today's new range of engineered stones. Polished natural quartz looks and
acts like granite but comes in a myriad of colors. Imagine countertops with
the strength and durability of granite but in colors that range from light yellows
to pale greens and even blue tones. These stones allow you to express yourself
in vibrant colors that weren't available in the past.
Traditional values with a twist
Stainless steel refrigerators are still hot, but a new twist is the addition
of French doors. It's a great way to make something modern fit into a more traditional
kitchen scheme. A number of refrigerator manufacturers are offering this style
in a variety of price ranges. The doors open to a full-width without requiring
wide clearance, while the freezer drawer pulls out providing deeper storage
and easy access.
In addition, there are a number of "hidden helpers," such as chilled
refrigerator drawers, ice machines within drawers and "drawer" refrigerators.
Imagine having a chilled drawer in your island, or by the prep sink, for fruits
and vegetables.
Fly your flag
Looking for a quick way to put your mark on the kitchen? Choosing a faucet
with a unique contour or finish can instantly set a mood or create an atmosphere.
In fact, according to a recent article from This Old House, a home remodeling
magazine, today's faucets are the new attention-getters of the kitchen. Adding
a new faucet and coordinating it with accessories such as soap and lotions dispensers
can instantly provide an updated look.
With a host of new products on the market, select from stainless or Old World
finishes, high-arc pull-downs and even waterfall-inspired faucets. One to try
is the new Woodmere kitchen faucet from ShowHouse by Moen. It has a high arc
pull-down spout and Moen's unique patented "pause" button, which allows
the user to interrupt the water flow as the wand is moved from the sink, which
is a wonderful help while doing chores around the sink.
It's time to choose
As the election season heats up, create a soothing place to retreat -- your
own kitchen. Whatever your political affiliation, voting for any one of these
creative options can make your room a winner!
For more information on the Woodmere faucet collection, visit the ShowHouse
web site at showhouse.moen.com, or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (1-800-289-6636).
Courtesy of ARA Content
|
