Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends for 2011

Experts are predicting that the U.S. will see an increase in spending on home improvement projects this year, in a sign that the economy is slowly recovering.

The most recent report by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies says we can expect spending on home remodeling to increase just over 9% in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter last year. Home improvement spending should surge even higher in the second quarter with perhaps the largest jump in five years.

Let Howell Custom Building Group remodel your kitchen or bathroom. With the aging inventory of both spec and custom designed homes in Massachusetts, we can assume that, in our area, many of these will be bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling projects - those that really make a splash - no pun intended - on a home's look and feel.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association just released its 2011 kitchen and bath study to predict trends for this year. We don't know if they have been speaking to some of our latest clients, but there seems to be a lot of consistency between what our North Shore clientele are looking for and what seems to be popular nationwide.

1. Opening up the kitchen. We love it when someone wants to open up their space. Whether we work with an architect of your choosing, or suggest one we think you'll work well with, we are all for taking down walls to bring a space together. You'll be amazed at how great your space can feel when you open it up.

2. Quartz countertops. Quartz is a great material for countertops for it's low maintenance and high durability in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

3. Green. Not as in the lifestyle, but the actual color. It's calming. It's nurturing. It's the color of our logo! And by the way, as Certified Green Professionals, we support green living, and can help you make decisions that are more sustainable as well.

4. Shaker-Style Design - the geometric, symmetrical, wood-paneled cabinetry is making a big comeback.

5. Dark Finishes. Dark natural and deep reddish-brown maple finishes are in this year for cabinetry and even floors. However, in New England, with our long, dark winters days, many homeowners still love beautiful white cabinetry.

6. Spa-like touches. They say that in difficult economic times, people tend to look for small luxuries that make everyday life a little sweeter. For instance, we recently renovated a fantastic "staycation" home for a client, who decided to make the most of time spent in their primary home rather than have a second vacation home. This makes so much sense to us, and we love helping clients add the touches that add a little bit of luxury to their everyday lives.

7. High Tech Kitchens. The kitchen continues to serve as the heart of the home, so people are increasingly keeping it wired.

8. Environmentally Responsible Choices. Homeowners are becoming more aware of the environmental impact the choices they make on their homes have on the environment. We can help you understand how building techniques and products affect your energy and water efficiency, air quality and sustainability.

9. Vanities are back. We're definitely seeing a rise in dual sinks and even his and her separate vanities.

10. Hardwood Flooring. Throughout the house, carpeting is out. Hardwood is in. Bamboo is huge. If you're considering updating your homes to reflect any of these kitchen and bath trends, we hope you'll consider Howell Custom Building Group. We offer professional in-house design and build services giving you the convenience and consistency of working with one firm from start to finish. We're also happy to work with outside architects and interior designers with whom you've already established a relationship.

Take a look at our online portfolio of kitchen and bathroom remodels, and other projects we've completed. Then give us a call at 888-609-8150.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com