Wayne Kitchen & Bath Works

By Lauren Caggiano | Photos Provided

Whether you’ve lived in your current home for five years or five months, you might be considering a remodel or changing up a few areas for the sake of keeping things fresh. Either way, Wayne Kitchen & Bath Works’ Showroom Sales Consultant Kathleen Frey said there are plenty of ways to make an impact while staying true to your style and financial means.

She said faucet finishes are one way to introduce a new visual element.

“We’re really seeing the resurgence of gold brush and polished gold that was popular a while ago,” she said. “That’s really coming back. I think matte black is here to stay.”

As far as color as a general aesthetic concept, Frey said that many homeowners are opting to pull in green to reflect Mother Nature. Browns, pinks, and warmer tones are also top picks. Practically speaking, Frey said that COVID prompted many consumers to think about their homes and their relationship with it and its features.

“When I’m working with somebody, I ask them how they use the kitchen,” she said. “And we’ll go from there so that their kitchen reflects them and how they use their home.”

For instance, someone who rarely cooks isn’t going to necessarily care about having multiple sinks. However, those who enjoy this pursuit might be more inclined to splurge on an upgrade. The same goes for other rooms. While resale value is usually a concern, Frey cautions against placing too much weight on that consideration. It’s more important that you like the home and the details. A lot of these features are personal and might not have a wide appeal.

However, at the same time, Frey encourages homeowners to be open-minded. Sometimes people will forgo technology or helpful accessories when they might be a wise investment. That’s especially true when it comes to infrastructure related to aging in place.

Regardless of the nature of the remodel. Frey said that consumers can set themselves up for success by coming to the showroom prepared.

“They should have some idea of how they use the space and what changes they are coming to make,” she said. “They should also know what finishes they like and what colors they want to incorporate so that when they come in, we’re narrowing down between a couple options.”

The same goes for expectations related to costs.

“It can be difficult if (consumers) come in (without any budget in mind) and they’re completely overwhelmed because they haven’t put any thought into what they want,” she said.

Last, when in doubt, Frey maintains that homeowners should worry less about trends and more about what brings them joy.

“I would really encourage people to make their house their own,” she said.” I feel like the most beautiful homes I’ve been in are the ones that are not only decorated to the homeowner’s tastes, but the homeowner has been willing to take some risks.”

In other words, following convention isn’t always the best approach. Make the best decision for your situation and don’t second-guess yourself. Your home will be better for it. a

Resource:

Wayne Kitchen & Bath Works, Fort Wayne, 260.423.9577, shopwkbw.waynepipe.com