The Real Estate Browser Volume 9, Issue 10 | Page 26

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Volume 9 Number 9 – Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — 27
Those plain, simple, clean lines are a perfect fit for transitional
style — a beautiful combo of traditional and contemporary styles.
In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association says that after
creeping up on traditional for years, transitional is now the most
popular kitchen style. Smart ergonomics simply mean convenience — for young or
old, party people or homebodies — a key factor when remodeling a
kitchen that will function well, retain its value, and always feel right.
As our families grow more diverse, transitional style will only get
more popular. It lets us personalize and blend cultural influences —
Latin, Asian, Mideastern — into our homes; it’s the perfect balance
of old and new, just like Shaker-style cabinets. Create different countertop heights. Standard height is 36
inches, but you can raise or lower sections of cabinets by altering
the height of the base. Add color-match shim strips to the bases of
countertops that don’t include sinks or appliances. You (or a new
owner) can easily remove them or add to them to adjust the height.
#4: Carrara Marble for Countertops
Carrara marble is a timeless classic that’s been used in homes
for thousands of years. (Michelangelo’s “David” was carved from
Carrara.) It’ll look as good in the next millennium as it does now.
Here’s why:
• Carrara’s lacy graining and subtle white colors look terrific in a
white kitchen (or any kitchen, for that matter).
• It has a whiteness you won’t find in other natural stones.
• It’s readily available, making it less expensive than other high-end
choices, such as quartz.
• It’ll last for generations.
If you Google it, you’ll find a lot of debate about it (and marble
in general) because it stains easily. But if you want something truly
timeless, Carrara is the answer. And with today’s sealants, the prob-
lem of staining is almost moot if you reseal once or twice a year.
Still not sold? Or don’t have the budget? Laminate countertops
are relatively inexpensive and can be upgraded to stone when you
do have the budget.
#5: Subway Tile for the Backsplash
Subway tile goes back to the early 1900s, when it was used to
line New York’s first subway tunnels. Classic subway tiles are white,
3-inch-by-6-inch rectangles — a look that became popular in
American kitchens and baths, and has stuck around ever since. Now
it’s an iconic part of the American design vernacular, destined never
to go out of style.
In the kitchen, ceramic tile excels as a backsplash, where it
guards against moisture, is a snap to clean, lasts forever, and always
looks classy.
Sure, a backsplash can be an opportunity for a blast of color
and pattern, but neutrals will always be current and blend with any
look. Plus, a subway tile backsplash and a marble countertop make a
dashing couple that will stand the test of time.
No matter you or your buyer’s current or future needs, everyone
wins with these approaches:
Swap a standard range for a wall oven and a cooktop. Ranges
have fixed heights. There’s no getting around the fact you have to
bend to access the oven. But a wall oven conveniently installs about
waist-high.
Add pull-out shelves to base cabinets. Lower cabinets with
doors mean having to twist like a pretzel to see what’s inside. Pull-
out shelves put everything at your fingertips.
Keep wide clearances. Kitchens attract people, and with open
floor plans, you’re apt to have folks hunting for snacks, helping you
cook, or just hanging out while you prep meals. Keep traffic flowing
with a minimum of 42 inches between counters and islands.
#7: Smart Storage
Today’s families store about 47% of their kitchen stuff outside
the kitchen — in laundry rooms, basements, even sheds — accord-
ing to data released at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
We blame it on the fact that kitchens have evolved from a
tucked-away place at the back of the house into a multiple-chef,
multi-tasking space that’s the hub of family life. Plus, our love of
open kitchens and stocking up at warehouse stores means less wall
space and more stuff, kitchen design expert Robinson says.
The solution: smart storage. Cabinet manufacturers have you
covered with nearly unlimited storage options — shelves and com-
partments that unfold, turn, extend, and slide.
But it’s not just about having storage, it’s about designing it
smartly. Follow these guidelines to make your storage timeless:
Create a primary storage zone. This is an area 30 to 60 inches
high and within two feet on either side of your body. Store your
most-used items here — your favorite work knives, measuring cups,
salt and pepper for cooking, your trusty pots and pans. With one
easy motion, you can grab what you use all the time.
Plan for the unknown. A truly timeless kitchen anticipates and
adapts to future needs, such as:
To make it even more enduring, keep it achromatic and camou-
flage dirt with gray or beige grout. • A space that can easily convert to an office, wine storage, or a
closet.
#6: Ergonomic Design • Lower cabinet spaces that can accommodate a wine cooler,
under-counter refrigerator, a second dishwasher, or new must-have
kitchen appliances on th