Because of the current recession, it is no surprise that more and more homeowners have decided to stay in their homes and remodel. You may be in the market for new flooring or countertops. Today’s kitchen and bath showroom has so much more than just tile and carpet. Consumers today expect more than the 4×4 and 6×6 white and almond tiles or beige builder-grade carpet of years past. The big box stores are great for the basics, but if you want a truly designer-inspired home, you may want to visit your local family-owned flooring store. There you will find a team of trained designers, consultants, and installers who know all facets of flooring and can assist you with everything from selection to installation.
You will also find more than just flooring. Besides a vast selection of carpet, rugs, tile, natural stone, quartz, hardwoods and laminate, you may be pleased to find everything from bathroom vanities and accessories for the DIY customer. Your local showroom will walk you through your project with detailed expertise and experience you won’t find at the big boxes.
Kitchens and master bathrooms continue to be the top two rooms for remodeling. There also seems to be a trend to remodel an existing space, rather than adding on. “Green” design using sustainable materials is on the upswing these days (not just for environmentalists) with cork and bamboo readily available. A compact bathroom can be a little jewel remodel, and a larger master suite can be transformed to a luxurious spa-like sanctuary as a retreat from the stresses of day-to-day life. Heated floors are a wonderful and affordable luxury today in any size bath. In the kitchen, today’s savvy consumers demand quartz or granite countertops in sophisticated colors and edge treatments and a simple but stylish backsplash of natural stone or ceramic subway tiles. On the floor, larger porcelain tiles or wood-look tiles are all the rage. Cabinets are more transitional in design with painted finishes, clean lines, sleek details, and well-organized configurations.
The overall trend is clean and simple for a timeless and classic result – functional as well as beautiful! Most consumers have already done their homework on the web before venturing out to a showroom and are looking for the best deal on quality products. Check out websites, Kudzu, and even Facebook for deals and promotions. If you are staying in your home and are thinking about remodeling, visit your local flooring showroom for ideas and inspiration. It is recommended that you align yourself with a reputable and experienced company; one that has a store front and complete warranty to protect your investment should the need arise. You can generally count on having that dream kitchen or bath within a few weeks of walking into the design center. Start by doing your homework and keep a binder of rooms you love from magazines or online. Share your wish book and ideas with the showroom designer and you are on your way to a beautiful and everlasting dream home.
