What’s New for the Kitchen 2014
Check out these hot new Wish list items for your new Kitchen
Recently, I’ve been working on selections for our first spec in over 2 years. I’m very excited about some newer trends that I can’t wait to implement in our Parade Home entry coming up in April. Here are my favorite five things in the Building industry as we enter the new year.
1. Free-standing tubs– Although not new to industry, free standing tubs have really blossomed more recently and I believe will begin to replace the traditional whirlpool tubs in the upcoming year. Free standing tubs are now more readily available and come in a variety of styles, finishes, and price points. The “exposed” plumbing gives the tub character and function.
2. The color GRAY is my absolute favorite thing for this upcoming year. And gray is not just for wall color, it will be seen in everything from cabinet finishes, to hardwood finishes and everything in between. Varying your gray tones from more taupe tones to more cool grays can still give you many decorating and accent options. My favorite gray item is going to be to accent all my interior doors & fireplace trim with a dark charcoal gray while keeping walls, cabinets, and tiles varying shades of more subtle gray tones. Gorgeous!
3. Chrome is back! With all these beautiful gray tones available, chrome light and plumbing fixtures, door hardware, etc. blend beautifully while giving a more modern flair. This chrome pendant light is a great example of blending classic with modern appeal. I predict chrome will surpass the bronzier finishes in 2013.
4. Several of the top Appliance manufacturers have attempted to come up with some new finishes to help support the new kitchen trends. Whirlpool has a new line of Ice finishes that gives a more sleek look for white, black, and stainless. My personal favorite is GE’s new slate finish that is a gorgeous matt gray but right now only comes in free standing models. I am hoping they will expand to all lines soon.
5. The blending of styles is going to be very popular this year especially in Kitchen and Bathrooms by combining a tradition style with a modern flair. You will see this in Kitchens with white cabinets & traditional subway tiles combined with modern accents like door hardware & plumbing fixtures. The possibilities are endless.
Be sure to check out all my favorite things in our Parade Home in April. Meanwhile, get a sneak peak on our Pinterest & Houzz sites.
The National Home Builders Association as well as the National Association of Realtors are outraged with the new Home Sales Tax scheduled to take effect in 2013. The tax will charge anyone that sells their home after 2012 a 3.8% tax. Therefore, if you sell a home for $400,000, you will pay a $15,200 tax. That is outrageous! Where did this tax come from you ask. . . The Obama Health Care bill! This tax is bad on everyone, but especially for the retiring generation who often downsize. Unfortunately, most people, even some in congress, are not aware of this element within the new bill. Your vote is more important than ever, please vote against Obama, this will ultimately affect all of us. To check it out yourself: http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
Please share this with others. Voters need to know!
Clayton Derby Day at Portofino
Saturday, May 5th, 2012
What a great way to spend your Saturday surrounded by the beautiful scenery at Portonfino in Clayton. The Day will be filled with fun, food, & festivities the whole family can enjoy. Kids will enjoy horseback riding, while the adults will enjoy everything from sipping mint juleps, to dancing to the sounds of the Central Park Band. And of course, everyone needs to experience the southern tradition of the Pig Pickin’. And ladies, don’t forget your hats!
Portofino is an equestrian community featuring 400 acres of beautiful scenery that includes horses by the pond with a backdrop of a state of the art Ali 2 Equestrian Center. The community also features a pool and beautiful clubhouse for its residents. Homes available in Portofino starting at 1800s.f. to Estate homes.
Jarman Homes is happy to be part of the Custom Builder Team in Portofino Community.
If you are in the planning stages of building a new home or remodeling an existing bathroom, you will need to chose what type of tub you are going to install in the master bath. As a builder, we like to stay in tune to what buyers want. I’ve known about air tubs for a few years now, but just haven’t been convinced the average buyer would be willing to change from what most homes offer. Therefore, I would like to hear your opinion on which you, as a consumer, prefer.
Personally, the more I research air tubs, the more I like the idea. As with most products there are options that range from a standard model on up with all the bells and whistles. Overall, even the more basic, budget conscience models are a good option over the whirlpool. If you are unsure of the differences, let me try to point out some differences.
While the whirlpool shoots jets of water, the air tubs shoot jets of air. Therefore, whirlpools offer a more high pressure, deep massage while air tubs offer a more subtle, effervescent feeling shooting millions of massaging air bubbles.
One of my favorite differences is the cleanliness & maintenance of the tub. Based on personal experience, there’s no bigger disappointment than filling your tub with water with anticipation of a relaxing bath only to turn on the jets and trash flies out all over you. YUCK! The air tub air dries after each use and therefore eliminates the floating trash disaster. Both tubs are similarly priced.
But the real question is what do actual users prefer. I’d love to hear what you think.
1. Cumaru Hardwood Flooring– The choice of Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) is beautiful and functional. This flooring choice offers wonderful variations and rich tones yet is a harder wood than the traditional oak in order to help resist scratching. To truley appreciate the beauty of this flooring you should see it for yourself. It so happens, if you live near Clayton, NC, you can visit our finished home at lot 13, Portofino.
2. Farmhouse (Front Apron) Kitchen Sinks– Farmhouse sinks are becoming a more popular option for both traditional and transitional settings. You can choose the more traditional fire clay sinks or the more contemporary Stainless sink option to pick up on the continuing popular stainless kitchen appliances. Just beware, a custom cabinet base will need to be made to house your new sink.
3. Kitchen Corner Cabinet Storage Solution– The new pull-out corner system is now available for right and left swing doors. The system comes with two trays that slide out with full swing shelves that bring the entire contents into the open and has a non-slip surface to keep items in place. This is a great solution for those hard to reach corner spaces. No one likes wasted space!
Which of these three items would you include in your next project?