Home-Tech has wonderful professional relationships with many interior designers, architects and contractors in Southwest Florida. Many of our customers are likely to purchase appliances by the recommendation of their designer, contractor or the brands their friends and neighbors are recommended. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce one of our very good friends, Keffie Lancaster, Associate ASID of Lancaster Interior Design in Sarasota. Keffie’s specialties include interior/exterior design, remodeling advice, window treatments, special event decor, staging, custom painting and faux finishings.
Table of Contents
- What are you seeing as the current trends in kitchen design?
- What appliances, from your customers, seem to be in the most demand?
- Are you seeing more or less stainless steel?
- Have you had any requests for redoing a laundry room?
- What advice can you give to a person trying to redo their kitchen on a budget?
- How do you feel about mixing and matching finishes?
- Do a lot of your customers have custom cabinetry on their appliances?
- More Design Ideas and Appliances by Keffie Lancaster
What are you seeing as the current trends in kitchen design?
Functional spaces and lots of room for friends and family! No matter the size of your home, guests always end up in the kitchen. I have noticed a shift lately, and I am designing less muli-level eating areas with bar stools and bar areas. The trend now is to create more room to work in the kitchen. Many people have less square footage allocated to formal living spaces and choose to utilize their kitchen to display china and collectibles in glass cabinets. Lighting and cabinetry made from reclaimed and recycled materials is also very high in demand.
What appliances, from your customers, seem to be in the most demand?
Energy-saving appliances, stainless steel appliances, and sleek designs.
Are you seeing more or less stainless steel?
I think stainless steel will always be in demand. It goes with all styles of cabinets, matches many flooring types and is very timeless. Second to stainless would have to be black. I did hear a rumor that colored appliances are making a comeback, however!
Have you had any requests for redoing a laundry room?
Yes all the time! Laundry rooms are more multi-functional than they used to be. Families tend to need lots of work space in the laundry room. A nice flat surface for folding, bins for organizing, and hanging space for drying clothes are all becoming important design elements. I always like to paint bright colors or hang a fun paper on the walls in the laundry room. Let’s face it, no one wants to be in there. Anything you can do to make it enjoyable could and should be done!
What advice can you give to a person trying to redo their kitchen on a budget?
We all have a number in mind when we start a project. Some are big and some are small, but you can stretch your budget to make it work. Figure out what items you might be able to do yourself, make a list of priorities, and make a list of wants and needs. Let’s just say you recently had new cabinets and floor installed in your kitchen. A corner you can cut would be to reuse your counter tops and paint them yourself.
I always recommend accessing what will give you the best return on your investment. New appliances and cabinets are great for resale and increase the value of your home. My favorite DIY, super budget-friendly kitchen re-do is a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets, some new hardware and a great new wall color.
How do you feel about mixing and matching finishes?
I love the idea of mixing and matching finishes! Too much of one finish can be overwhelming, especially in a very large kitchen. I really like to have a contrasting finish and counter top on the island, if there is one. I also love glass front cabinets with colored backs to highlight glassware or collectibles in the cabinet, or better yet mirrored backs, my ultimate favorite!
I also am partial to layered finishes with depth and multi-toned wood. Zebra wood and exotics are always fun, if you can work them in the budget.
Do a lot of your customers have custom cabinetry on their appliances?
Not as much anymore because of the trend towards stainless steel appliances. My personal preference is paneled fronts on doors of refrigerators and dishwashers whenever possible.
More Design Ideas and Appliances by Keffie Lancaster
Thank you, Keffie for sharing your great design ideas for kitchens and laundry rooms. To learn more about Keffie or Lancaster Interior Design, check out her website. To check out the latest in kitchen appliance trends, stop into one of Member Appliance Centers and try before you buy! From Thermador to KitchenAid, LG to Bosch and Maytag to Whirlpool, we have the appliances that are true trendsetters. Call today to speak with one of our Appliance Experts to help select the right appliances for your home: 800-800-8356.