We Want You to Change the Way You Decorate Your Kitchen!

We Want You to Change the Way You Decorate Your Kitchen!

(ARA) - An election year is a time to reflect on the values and beliefs that are important to you. Why not make some decisions about what your kitchen says about you, too. Are you wild? Exotic? Modern? Old World? Traditional? Whatever your individual style, vote to incorporate your personality with a ballot of design choices.

Like a convention for appliances, styles and décor items, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2004 (KBIS) previewed the newest trends that consumers will see in stores this year -- a multitude of candidates -- that can help design a look that says “you.”

Cast your ballot

Vote for ceramic, beach glass or clay tiles as focal points in your kitchen. Use them on the floor, as a backsplash, framing your stove or even as individual pieces of wall art. This year, tiles run the gamut from bold red leather to Fiestaware-inspired tones. Whatever your style, you can make a big impact with decorative tiles in a range of unique patterns.

You too can be red, white and blue

If you’re tired of the dark colors in granite counter tops, look no farther than today’s new range of engineered stones. Polished natural quartz looks and acts like granite but comes in a myriad of colors. Imagine countertops with the strength and durability of granite but in colors that range from light yellows to pale greens and even blue tones. These stones allow you to express yourself in vibrant colors that weren’t available in the past.

Traditional values with a twist

Stainless steel refrigerators are still hot, but a new twist is the addition of French doors. It’s a great way to make something modern fit into a more traditional kitchen scheme. A number of refrigerator manufacturers are offering this style in a variety of price ranges. The doors open to a full-width without requiring wide clearance, while the freezer drawer pulls out providing deeper storage and easy access.

In addition, there are a number of “hidden helpers,” such as chilled refrigerator drawers, ice machines within drawers and “drawer” refrigerators. Imagine having a chilled drawer in your island, or by the prep sink, for fruits and vegetables.

Fly your flag

Looking for a quick way to put your mark on the kitchen? Choosing a faucet with a unique contour or finish can instantly set a mood or create an atmosphere. In fact, according to a recent article from This Old House, a home remodeling magazine, today’s faucets are the new attention-getters of the kitchen. Adding a new faucet and coordinating it with accessories such as soap and lotions dispensers can instantly provide an updated look.

With a host of new products on the market, select from stainless or Old World finishes, high-arc pull-downs and even waterfall-inspired faucets. One to try is the new Woodmere kitchen faucet from ShowHouse by Moen. It has a high arc pull-down spout and Moen’s unique patented “pause” button, which allows the user to interrupt the water flow as the wand is moved from the sink, which is a wonderful help while doing chores around the sink.

Finally, create a soothing place to retreat -- your own kitchen. Whatever your political affiliation, voting for any one of these creative options can make your room a winner!

For more information on the Woodmere faucet collection, visit the ShowHouse web site at www.showhouse.moen.com, or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (1-800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARA Content