Take a cue from high-end homes.
Luxury homes showcase the latest in
floor plans, appliances and décor. Check
out your local tour of homes or visit
some open houses in new construction
neighborhoods. Living spaces like
mudrooms and home offices are all the
rage; formal living rooms are not.
Stick with your style.
Many experts agree
that your remodeling projects should reflect
the style of your home. For example, if
you live in an ultra-contemporary condo, a
quaint country kitchen might seem out of
place and turn off potential buyers when
you're ready to sell.
Kitchen updates.
The kitchen is the
heart of the home for many families and in
addition to food preparation it's also a place
to pay bills and do homework. Today's
kitchens tend to be open and often include
cabinets for TVs, computers and small
appliances.
There are so many choices when it comes
to kitchen cabinets, fixtures, flooring and
appliances; where do you start? Lowe's
offers a free Kitchen Renovation Planner that can be downloaded here.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=kitchplan/KitchenRenovPlanner.html&rn=none&lks=pcgp3
Go green.
Eco-friendly materials like
bamboo flooring are gaining in popularity.
So are Energy Star® appliances, windows,
and lighting products, which increase
energy efficiency. Lowe's has a wide variety
of energy-saving products that can save
you money. Check it out: click here.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=/MiddlePageFiles/middleEnergyCenter.html&source=endban&campid=Energy
Go outside.
Outdoor living spaces are
the latest trend in adding a room without
adding four walls. At the high end of the
market, outdoor living rooms, kitchens and
fireplaces are becoming standard.
Technically speaking
. . . As our lives
become more dependent on technology,
homes will become "smarter", allowing
homeowners to remotely arm a home
security system, turn appliances on and off,
and control thermostats.
Artisan color trends.
The colors
of 2007/2008 turn over a new leaf
encompassing the natural, the ethereal,
the homespun and the restful. These vivid
elements inspire sophistication, regality,
and simplicity. To view the Artisan color
pallets, click here. http://www.valsparatlowes.com/explore-colors/color-by-trend.html
You can also create
your own Idea Notebook online, courtesy
of Valspar and Lowe's.
;)
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