Prime time for a kitchen redesign

Nearly all homeowners hold in mind an image of a dream kitchen that reflects their personal style and contains all the conveniences necessary to meet their personal needs. With the kitchen remodeling industry experiencing somewhat of a lull, many remodeling-associated costs are declining, making now an optimal time for homeowners to make their dream kitchen a reality.

While the end result may be a dream-come-true, the process can be nightmarish. Kitchen remodeling “consumes more attention, energy, finances and complex decision making than any other project, short of building an entirely new house,” according to a national investigation into consumer spending in the U.S. by CNW Research. Being knowledgeable about products and materials and having an overall design theme in mind from the start can ease some of the burden.

Three major components to consider are flooring, countertops and cabinets. While style and practicality are significant, both consumers and manufacturers are also increasingly concerned with the environmental impacts of their actions. “It’s becoming a standard-a must-to belong to a certification program that validates green and environmental sustainability,” says Jeff Ptacek, Certified Kitchen Designer and product manager of Fieldstone Cabinetry and Star Mark Cabinetry (Kitchen and Bath Design News website).

It is in large part due to this environmental consciousness that linoleum is making a come-back. While often confused with synthetic plastic vinyl, linoleum is composed of natural materials, including felt or canvas coated with linseed oil, cork and resins. Another sustainable flooring material, bamboo, is anti-microbial and can be harvested every five to seven years, while most trees that can only be harvested every 15 to 100 years. Ceramic tile is another appealing option for many consumers. Made from renewable materials and lasting about 50 years, ceramic is available in a variety of styles from sleek, solid colors, to marbling effects in varying shades of beige, grey and brown. For those who prefer the look of hardwood, laminate, while difficult to distinguish from hardwood in appearance, is composed of high-density fiber board and therefore more economical.

When selecting countertops, which must endure contact with hot pans and sharp knives, durability is obviously a major concern. Stainless steel and concrete are two nonconventional materials desirable for their resilience and modern aesthetic. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and naturally antibacterial. In addition, new non-directional finishes minimize the visibility of fingerprints and smudges. Concrete, while not a top choice for environmentalists, can be poured on site for custom counters, is available in a variety of colors, and generally lasts a lifetime.

For some these options will never compare to traditional granite. “You really can’t find a better look than real stone,” says John Andrews of Atlanta Intown Granite. However, it is really a matter of personal taste and budget, he says. Now is an optimal time to purchase granite as it is at its lowest price in years.

Many people have misconceptions about the difficulty of maintaining granite. In the past, granite required sealing once or twice yearly, but new sealers last from 15 to 22 years. In addition, Andrews says, granite is second only to stainless steel for bacteria resistance.

While replacing kitchen cabinets is often the most expensive endeavor in kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Fronts of Ga., located in Chamblee, offers a less costly alternative by replacing only door and drawer fronts. “It is the least expensive way to get a new look in your kitchen,” says Allan Apple of Kitchen Fronts. Maple is the most commonly requested material for cabinets, while cherry and oak are also popular.

With these major surfaces covered, homeowners can begin to focus on details like lighting, appliances and accessories.