REMODEL Trends

The aging population wants to stay in their homes, so function has to play an important part in any remodel. People don’t just want a facelift, they want it to improve their lives. Baby boomers are starting to retire, but they don’t just sit in a rocking chair on the front porch. So we’ve done a lot of additions that have expanded kitchens with home offices above. And the offices are for more than just checking email; you can run a business from there. Also, in kitchens we have larger islands while dishwashers and sinks are more central. Appliances such as dishwasher drawers and microwaves installed under the countertops help improve function.
Johanna Goldlust Seldes
ASID, Interior Design Consulting?
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In more and more higher-end projects we’re integrating appliances into the cabinetry with panels. Those that can’t be paneled, such as wall ovens, are being made sleeker than ever and as flush against the cabinetry as possible. The idea is to create an “un-kitchen” effect that blends seamlessly into an open floorplan. Also, we’re seeing a lot more flexibility in appliances than in years past. Refrigerators and freezers don’t have to be located next to each other. A lot of appliances are multi-taskers. A microwave that’s also a convection oven, for example. It’s good for the space-challenged.
Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS
Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design?
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Active families and aging baby boomers, combined with concern for the environment and increasing food costs, is driving kitchen appliance manufacturers to address these changes and needs. For example, Sub-Zero has introduced an entire new refrigeration line with an air purification system that reduces food odors and ethylene gas emitted by foods that cause over-ripening, so foods stay fresher longer. We’re seeing more interest in induction cooking because of its speed, safety and ease of cleaning. Also, niche appliances such as 15-inch Wolf module cooktops are popular because homeowners can add a separate cooking area to a new addition or mix steaming, grilling and frying. We’re also adding more warming ovens, either in the kitchen for families on the go or in the master bath to keep towels warm.
Cathy Bame
The Westye Group

Everybody’s into computerized homes, such as air conditioning systems that monitor power usage and security systems where you can access your home remotely. We’re going to have controls on all of that kind of stuff in the future. That technology’s been around a long time but we haven’t paid attention to it. It’s going to become standard. Big brother’s going to be everywhere. Younger homebuyers are going to expect all that.
Dean Jarvis
Florida Renovators?
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In high-end wood flooring, we’re seeing unique species—ipe, tigerwood, cumaru—and longer lengths because it’s something different and people want something a little different. Also, floors are becoming wider today, and if you want to go wider, you don’t want to do those in a solid wood. In our geographical area, engineered unfinished flooring is a trend. They’re better-performing products than solid wood because we have so much humidity in Florida.
John T. Bast III
Florida Hardwood Floor Supplies