I was recently reading an article featured in a Kitchen and Bath trade publication of an interview of a panel of the top designers and experts in the kitchen and bath field. The panel consisted of: Mick deGiulio, Troy Adams, Ellen Cheever, David Alderman and Brenda Bryan. They were asked for their opinions on the market, what consumers are doing and also what they’re looking for, and I thought I’d share the results with my readers.
According to the panel, people are remodeling and most of them are planning ahead and paying cash (55-68%) instead of financing the projects. These well-prepared folks are generally in the 40- 55 year old range and are savvy enough to know the kinds of things they’d like their designers to incorporate. Here is their wisdom on what clients want:
In the Kitchen, people want:
- A minimalist, but not cold look, with lots of texture
- Less “bling” and more function
- Less woodworking details
- Incorporating technology such as laptops, iPads, smartphones, flat screen TV’s with internet access and a wireless keyboard
- Warming drawers
- Refrigerator drawers
- Dishwasher drawers
- Induction cooktops
- LED lighting (good idea!)
- Quartz counters
Minimal, but not cold
In the Bath, they’re looking for:
- A well-organized room with a spa-like feel
- Steam showers are replacing large tubs
- Limestone and Travertine as opposed to marble and granite
Spa-like bath
The “green” movement is also beginning to creep into the wants and needs of clients. Many still believe that being very eco-friendly isn’t hip, or is too expensive but many are adding some eco-friendly elements to their projects.
All in all, they feel the time is right to begin that project that will make your home more valuable, and a better place to live!