{ BERGEN BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.
WHAT’S COOKING WITH KITCHENS Before you tear down cabinets and put a sledgehammer to the wall, you should know that upgrading a kitchen takes plenty of thought and planning. Colors or neutrals? Traditional or “smart” appliances? BERGEN asked Jenn Klaus, spokesperson for the Northeast District of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, for some insider info on the latest in kitchen design. Experiment with color. White is still the “it” choice for kitchens, but some homeowners are adding accent colors. “Many are going the two-tone route with their cabinets, often installing white upper cabinetry with colored bottom cabinetry,” Klaus says. “The most popular colors we’re seeing right now are navy blue, hunter green and gray.” She adds that accent lights in bright colors or those with natural elements like rattan or crystal are also trending. Smarter kitchens. Many vendors are syncing their appliances with smartphone apps, with ovens—used so often during the quarantine—leading the way. “And to extend the life of appliances, many manufacturers are including technology that alerts homeowners when it is time for routine maintenance or when there is a potential problem,” Klaus notes. “And some appliances can communicate directly with the manufacturer to help diagnose performance issues,” which can spare a costly visit from a repair person. Water…from above. Another growing trend is a suspended faucet in lieu of countertop- or wall-mounted fixtures. “Why not free up some space and install a ceiling-mount faucet?” says Klaus. “A suspended faucet can be adjusted to any preferred ceiling and hanging height. It’s a great option for those homeowners looking for a sleek, modern and smart kitchen faucet.” See it in person. While consumers may shop for items such as faucets online, Klaus warns that many customers should visit a showroom first. “Online shopping may be a good option for small items or to replace a similar item, but when purchasing large items online, such as an appliance or new bathtub, many consumers don’t purchase all of the additional parts needed to complete the installation,” she says. “They may not know what they are missing until it’s too late and, in the end, they spend more money and time correcting problems.”
DID YOU KNOW? New Jersey’s first hydroponic vertical farm is located in Hackensack. Greens Do Good uses soilless, pesticide-free technology and offers locally grown, sustainable produce to local businesses. One-hundred percent of its proceeds benefit support services for adults with autism. BERGENMAG.COM
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APRIL 2021
3/19/21 12:07 PM
