Put the 'dream' back in your dream home

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt">Put the ‘dream’ back in your dream home</h2>(ARA) – Remember how you felt when you first bought your home? It was a dream come true. Since then, your dreams and needs have changed and maybe you’re feeling it’s time to move. Unfortunately, the real estate market is not cooperating and you face either selling at a loss, or not being able to sell at any price.There is an alternative to letting the housing market get you down. Make the space you’re in reflect your dreams by doing some targeted renovations to add luxury and utility. A great place to spice things up is in the kitchen."The kitchen is typically the most important and busiest room in the house," says Connie Edwards, certified kitchen and bathroom designer, and director of design for American Woodmark Corporation. "A warm, beautiful and functional kitchen can have a major influence on how you and your family feel about your home and your lifestyle. And you don’t have to break the bank to create a kitchen where you’ll love spending time." <div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> Before you take the first step toward these changes, Edwards offers a few vital tips to help bring your dream kitchen to life and save precious time and money. Planning – A kitchen remodel is a big investment, so know how much you are willing to (and can) spend by planning ahead on layout and design features. Keep in mind hardware, paint and wall coverings can easily be updated later to reflect the latest trends. The big purchases like cabinetry, countertops and appliances are what you will want to live with for years. For instance, white is timeless. Shenandoah Cabinetry has a new painted Maple Linen finish that – with stainless steel appliances – creates a look that will stay fresh for years. Think about how you live – Your new kitchen design should reflect the way your family lives. How many people will be in the kitchen at one time? In addition to cooking, will you use your kitchen for dining, entertaining or homework? Does anyone in your family have special needs? Would lots of storage help your hectic life? Prepare an inspiration folder of ideas you’ve seen in magazines or digital pictures you’ve taken of elements you like. And, get the rest of the family involved in the choices. Personal style – When selecting your kitchen cabinets, are you traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between? Manufacturers like Shenandoah Cabinetry offer hundreds of door style options and accessories. Before you head to your local home center, it’s very helpful to know your style. Then your designer can help create a unique, customized look just for you and your family. Think about what appeals to you – styles, finishes, colors, etc. From a practical standpoint, also review your priorities – your "must haves" – against your target budget. Attention to detail – It’s those beautiful details that allow your personality to shine in your new kitchen. For a custom look, consider adding decorative accents like molding build-ups, ornaments and corbels to cabinetry. Including decorative accessories such as hardware, glass door inserts and under-cabinet lighting can also make the room sparkle. Visit your local home center to discover even more ways you can add the perfect touch. Take measurements – Be prepared with accurate measurements of your current space. Double, or even triple, check your work. You can download tools like grid paper from the Internet. Make sure your installer validates the dimensions or obtains professional measurements. This helps avoid measurement errors that can lead to costly delays or incorrect product orders. Use space efficiently – Regardless of your kitchen’s size, it’s important to maximize space and keep things organized to meet your personal needs. Accessories like the Base Pot & Pan Organizer, Roll Out Tray Divider and Spice Door Cabinet from Shenandoah’s OrganizationOptions help create a kitchen that is easy to work in. <div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> For most families, the kitchen is really the heart and the pulse of their home. It’s a great place to put the "dream" back in your dream house. For more remodeling tips and ideas visit <a href="http://www.ShenandoahCabinetry.com" target="_blank">www.ShenandoahCabinetry.com</a> or speak with a kitchen design specialist at your local Lowe’s. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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