(ARA) – In today’s buyer’s market many homeowners are hesitant to put the “for sale” sign in the front yard — even if they are not happy with their current home. Instead, wise homeowners are sinking their dollars into kitchen renovation — to increase their homes’ values and their own enjoyment.

When it comes to remodeling projects that yield high returns, kitchens and bathrooms are king! According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a mid-range kitchen remodel ($45,000) will recoup approximately 91 percent of the costs, while an upscale kitchen remodel ($82,000) will recoup about 85 percent.

While this may give you sticker shock, the benefits are priceless, yielding an enjoyable, updated area for your family — and future families to enjoy. What indulgences should you include? For the best return on investment, “Remodeling” magazine recommends these upgrades for a mid-range kitchen remodel. Read the rest of this entry

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(ARA) – When you think of a “contemporary” kitchen cabinets design, what enters your mind? A sleek and contrasty Euro-style loft kitchen?  A soothingly balanced Asian-inspired kitchen?  What about a ’50s throwback kitchen with colorful appliances, pastel walls and a starburst clock?

According to kitchen industry experts, all these kitchens could be called “contemporary” because of a 21st century desire to blend clean modern lines with a whole new world of influences.

“We’ve shrunk the oceans,” says Andy Wells, head of product design for Decora Cabinets, an Indiana-based manufacturer of semi-custom cabinets sold through 1,000 kitchen dealerships nationwide. “Contemporary used to be about achieving a particular fashionable look. Now, since people are exposed to more international culture, we’ve lost our inhibitions about mixing different styles together. Even America is developing its own different subcategories of modern looks.” . Read the rest of this entry

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