Homeowners want bigger kitchens

Do you desire a larger kitchen? Are you looking for a smaller home? Larger home? What are some of the non-negotiable items you are looking for? A recent survey conducted by RICKI, the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, found that 59 percent of the people they surveyed would look for a larger kitchen if they moved to a new home. They would also be willing to sacrifice square footage in the family room and then master bedroom if it meant gaining a larger kitchen.

 

            Interestingly enough, only one out of four homeowners say they would be looking for a smaller home if they were buying today. But only 4% of those said they would want a smaller kitchen. Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed homeowners and three-quarters of those under the age of 45 want a larger kitchen. Those are pretty large percentages where most people’s perception is that everyone is looking for something smaller.

 

            Before you give up on your dream of a larger kitchen because people are telling you everyone is going smaller, reconsider and know that kitchen truly is the heart of the home. A larger space will make you and your family happier.           

The "new" neutral

In years past, the go to neutral color has been a shade of beige. With brown, pink or yellow undertones, a version of this color was seen on many home walls throughout the world. It was easy to decorate around and seemed to work with almost any color.

 

Welcome to 2012! Gray is now considered the “new” neutral. With undertones of blue, green, purple or brown, the crisp gray is showing up everywhere. From dark to light, gray is being used in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Whether in the wall color, cabinet color, bedding or accessories, grey is a fresh neutral alternative. The use of gray by designers has jumped from 9 percent in 2010 to almost 40 percent in 2012. Gray makes a great statement without yelling and works well with the classic black or white.

 

Not sure how you can incorporate some gray into your life and home? Try a color on your powder room walls. Drop the pink nail polish and go for a steel gray this winter. Create a new look in your bedroom by getting new bedding in gray tones. Freshen up your drapes by going with a gray silk. Vary your wardrobe with some gray tights. Not sure how to add gray to your life? Simply search “gray” on houzz.com or pinterest.com for many great ideas.