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Popular media and industry publications record ongoing evaluations of the return on investment of a kitchen and bathroom remodel. Recent reports found that homeowners in the DC Metro Area can expect to recoup 54% to 71% of the cost of a kitchen remodel when they sell their homes. Homeowners could also expect to recoup 54% to 63% of the cost of a bathroom remodel. There’s another factor that is not readily apparent. Homes with renovated kitchens and baths tend to sell faster than those that need updating. Many buyers don’t want to go through the stresses and hassles generally associated with renovating their new home purchases. While obtaining a meaningful return on investment is a driving factor for homeowners in the DC Metro Area in determining whether or not to remodel, looking at numbers alone does not tell the entire story or represent the entire return received. The kitchen and primary bath are the two most important rooms in a home. The kitchen is the place where family becomes family, cooks can become chefs and friendships are celebrated. There are long-term financial benefits to improving one’s home, but that’s not the primary reason most homeowners decide to remodel. New kitchens and baths improve the lives of family members. Most homeowners agree that having a few minutes every day all to themselves devoid of tweets, texts, and little feet delivers a better ROI than a 70% return on the cost of a remodel. How can a new kitchen or bath not only increase the value of your home, but also enhance the quality of life for you and your family? Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or stop by one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD and let us show you how you can create a kitchen and bath that are the envy of the neighborhood!
Renovating your kitchen is one of the best investments homeowners in the DC Metro Area can make. A new kitchen adds significant value to your home and makes it more attractive to potential buyers. Most importantly, remodeling your kitchen results in countless cherished memories of family gatherings and quality time with friends – truly priceless experiences. Even if you've found your forever home, remember that at some point, your property will likely hit the market. That's why homeowners in are advised to consider the following guidelines to ensure maximum return on investment (ROI) for their kitchen remodel. Prioritize Organization and Storage: A well-designed, clutter-free kitchen is not only appealing to current users but also to potential buyers. Invest in ample storage solutions and organizational tools to ensure every item has its place. Countertops should be clear, not functioning as makeshift pantries or workspaces. Consult with a professional designer to incorporate smart storage and organization strategies into your new kitchen layout. Illuminate with Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a functional and inviting kitchen. Homeowners in the DC Metro Area will be well-served working with a professional showroom designer to develop a comprehensive lighting plan that provides adequate task lighting for meal preparation areas and ambient lighting for a warm, welcoming ambiance. Invest in Quality Cabinets and Countertops: These elements are the workhorses of your kitchen, enduring daily use and wear. Invest in high-quality cabinets and durable countertop materials like quartz or quartzite, which can withstand the test of time while offering a vast array of design options to complement your desired aesthetic. Strike a Balance with Color: While bold, vibrant hues can infuse personality and joy into your kitchen, overly intense or trendy color schemes may alienate potential buyers down the line. Consider incorporating pops of color through accent pieces, backsplashes, or appliances to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Embrace Timeless Elegance: While staying true to your personal style, aim for a timeless design that will maintain its appeal for years to come. Incorporate classic elements and neutral tones that can adapt to changing trends, ensuring your kitchen remains fresh and desirable to future homeowners. Ready to create the kitchen of your dreams while maximizing your return on investment? Contact us at 240-821-5257 or visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD to begin your journey towards a stunning, functional, and valuable kitchen renovation.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held in Las Vegas at the end of February, stands as the premier event in the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of kitchen and bathroom design. With a record number of exhibitors, KBIS showcased an array of new product introductions, emerging trends, and cutting-edge technologies that will help homeowners in the DC Metro Area create the kitchens and baths of their dreams. At this year's KBIS, a spotlight shone on health and wellness, with numerous plumbing manufacturers unveiling innovative reverse osmosis systems capable of eliminating up to 90% of contaminants from drinking water. Complementing this focus on healthier living, new products designed to enhance shower experiences took center stage, promoting well-being and beauty through rejuvenating skin treatments and muscle-relaxing massage therapies. A nod to nostalgia emerged as a delightful surprise, as several faucet manufacturers unveiled retro-inspired designs tailored for homeowners seeking the timeless allure of mid-century modern fixtures. Echoes of the 1960s reverberated through grooved channels and faucets designed to complement Shaker cabinets, while a wide range of bridge faucets exuded vintage charm. Meticulous craftsmanship garnered attention, with one faucet manufacturer earning acclaim for its unique faucet handles crafted from Murano glass, each bearing its own distinct character. Intricate hand-hammered details, knurled textures, and detailed facets adorned faucets, sinks, and fixtures, showcasing an unwavering commitment to detail. A shift towards natural hues stole the spotlight, particularly among countertop manufacturers, who unveiled an array of cream, taupe, and gold-toned surfaces. This trend reflects homeowners' departure from sterile, all-white palettes towards softer, warmer tones, inviting a sense of comfort and serenity into their homes. Moreover, countertop and surface material manufacturers unveiled environmentally conscious and sustainable options, including tiles crafted from 100% recycled materials and quartz products engineered to minimize their environmental footprint by significantly reducing silica content. Innovation in appliances also took center stage, with manufacturers unveiling sleek matte black and satin stainless-steel finishes, alongside smart features that redefine convenience. From washing machines equipped with precise detergent dispensing technology to ovens controllable via smartphone apps, appliances are evolving into intuitive sous chefs, offering recipe suggestions, monitoring cooking progress, and even capturing time-lapse videos for homeowners to share on social media. Exciting advancements were also seen in home automation, with systems seamlessly integrated into stone or engineered surface countertops, allowing wireless charging of up to three smart devices. Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us show you how you can capitalize on the latest trends to create the kitchen or bath of your dreams!
Do you dread laundry day? If you answered yes, presumably like most of us, you're not alone. Laundry doesn't have to be boring, dreaded chore, or a pain. We have helped numerous homeowners in the DC Metro Area convert space in their homes into a laundry haven. Here are the keys to creating a dream laundry room. Having adequate space. Ideally, the space should be at least 80 square feet if not larger to accommodate the washer, dryer, hampers, storage cabinets and solutions, countertops and work surfaces, drying racks, sink, ironing board, and other features that homeowners want and need. In rooms where space is at a premium, we often recommend stackable washers and dryers, pull-out hampers housed in cabinetry, front-loading appliances that can be located underneath a countertop, or a combination washer and dryer. Having sufficient countertop and work surface space is another key to a well-designed laundry room. There should be adequate space to sort, fold, and iron laundry. For homeowners that may not need to iron frequently, we often suggest a pull-out ironing board as a space-saving option. Similar to kitchens, a well-designed laundry room is an organized laundry room with adequate storage solutions to house laundry detergent, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, hampers, and baskets. Common storage solutions for laundry rooms include cabinets, drawers, shelves, baskets, and hampers. Homeowners in the DC Metro Area gravitate toward pull-out divided hampers that provide designated areas for whites, darks, and colors housed in cabinets. Homeowners positively respond to quartz countertops for their laundry rooms because of their durability and ease of maintenance. Other common countertop and work surface materials include stone, laminate, and ceramic. Ideally, a deeper countertop provides adequate space for folding and sorting and to provide adequate space for a deep-basin utility sink that can be used for pre-treating stained clothing, hand-washing, and other tasks that can include bathing the dog. A hanging rod and drying racks are additional must- haves in a well-designed laundry room for many homeowners. Drying racks can be installed inside of cabinets to provide a clean, clutter-free look to the laundry room. Hanging rods can be placed underneath overhead cabinets or from the ceiling. The key is to provide enough room to hang clothes freely. Clean lines can be enhanced by concealing hoses and appliance connections. Similar to kitchens, the laundry room also needs to be properly ventilated and well-lit providing a combination of task and ambient lighting. What features and design elements should be part of your dream laundry room? Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or make an appointment to visit us at one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us show you how to build the laundry room of your dreams.
The number one regret of homeowners in the DC Metro Area and nationwide who recently renovated their kitchen is not investing sufficiently in storage and organization. By prioritizing storage and organization, homeowners can not only create a visually stunning space but also ensure functionality and convenience tailored to their needs. One way to avoid buyer’s remorse is by better understanding the storage and organization options that make using the kitchen more enjoyable and achieve the look, feel, and functionality that you want and need. Homeowners should consider storage and organization options for each major kitchen zone. These zones include the sink, range/cooktop, and refrigerator(s). Many well-designed kitchens feature a sink area in between the refrigeration area and the cooking area. The kitchen sink is the most used appliance in the home and the workhorse of most kitchens. This is why it almost always makes sense to position the sink between the cooking area and the refrigerator. The sink area also is often where you prepare meals and clean up. A well-designed kitchen typically locates the dishwasher and recycling bins near the sink. When countertop space is limited, homeowners are well served to consider a workstation sink. Workstation sinks save countertop space by consolidating common kitchen tasks in the sink area and use the sink basin to store cutting boards, drying racks, colanders, grids, and other accessories. They also help make meal preparation and clean up easier. Other items that homeowners should consider storing in their sink area are cutlery, plates, glassware, cleaning supplies, cutting boards, and small appliances. The cooking center typically includes a range or cooktop, oven(s), microwave/steam oven and refrigerated drawers (a great option to consider). Storage considerations for the cooking area should include items associated with meal preparation. It makes sense to have clean countertop space near the cooking area that allows you to place hot pots and pans quickly after coming out of the oven or off the cooktop. Storage considerations for the cooking center include pots, pans, spices, cooking utensils, potholders, serving pieces, bowls, and other items that are used to transport food to the dining area. Items you should consider storing in the refrigeration area include small appliances such as can openers, food processors, mixers, mixing bowls, baking items, bread makers, instant pots and similar items used to prepare and/or cook food. Homeowners that want the benefit of clean countertops should consider appliance garages to house small appliances. Other items to consider in the refrigeration area are pantry items, condiments, and cookbooks. How can you maximize the efficiency of your new dream kitchen? Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us show you how to design the storage and organization systems that will make your new dream kitchen the envy of the neighborhood.
Many homeowners in the DC Metro Area find it hard to develop a realistic budget for their kitchen renovations, through no fault of their own. There is a fountain of misinformation available online from home improvement television, apps, and blogs that often neglect essential cost factors or hidden expenses such as labor, design, code approval, and unanticipated conditions. Professional designers play a crucial role in helping homeowners navigate these complexities, offering insights and options to develop a realistic budget without compromising goals. Cabinets serve as the foundation for the kitchen's aesthetics. Homeowners can choose from stock, semi-custom or custom options. Because custom cabinets provide limitless options, they tend to be the most expensive. Semi-custom cabinets offer a balance, allowing designers flexibility within certain constraints. Stock cabinets, being more cost-effective, may lack customization but can still meet various needs with quality finishes and natural wood options. To help ensure homeowners in the DC Metro area achieve their goals within their available resources, we often provide different options. A common, yet effective strategy is to enhance semi-custom or stock cabinets with distinctive hardware. Additionally, investing in unique lighting can create focal points, adding a touch of luxury and a compelling design statement without breaking the bank. Technological advancements, particularly in porcelain slabs, offer a cost-effective alternative to quartz countertops without sacrificing aesthetics. Granite, surprisingly affordable, remains a popular choice amongst many homeowners that desire stone. Using the same material for backsplashes as countertops not only promotes design consistency but also adds a wow factor to the kitchen. Consider porcelain tile as an alternative to hardwood flooring. Offering a similar aesthetic appeal but at a lower price point, porcelain tile allows homeowners to stretch their renovation dollars further. Other options homeowners can use to stretch budget dollars include: Professional Guidance: Seek assistance from experienced designers to develop a realistic budget. Strategic Cabinet Choices: Understand the pros and cons of stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Hardware and Lighting: Elevate cost-effective cabinets with striking hardware and invest in unique lighting for added luxury. Countertop Alternatives: Explore technological advancements for affordable countertop options like porcelain slabs and cost-effective stone choices. Consistent Design: Consider using the same material for countertops and backsplashes to maintain a consistent design. Flooring Alternatives: Consider porcelain tile as a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring. To explore how you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams with an unexpected friendly budget, contact us at 240-821-5257 or stop in one of showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us guide you through the possibilities and help you realize your dream kitchen without compromising on style or quality.
Islands are a highly sought-after feature in modern kitchens, and it's no surprise why. These multifunctional additions offer homeowners in the DC Metro Area a range of benefits, from providing additional storage to serving as a versatile space for meal prep, dining, and various daily tasks. Beyond their practical uses, islands can also be an aesthetic focal point, allowing homeowners to express their style through textures, finishes, materials, and colors in their dream kitchen. However, it's crucial to consider whether an island is the right fit for your space. In more spacious kitchens, islands contribute to the flow and functionality, making them easier and more enjoyable to navigate. We are avid supporters of islands when there's ample space to accommodate them. For smaller kitchens, we often suggest considering a peninsula as an alternative to reap similar benefits without compromising space or a smaller island that may not include space for seating. Periodically, we encounter situations where some homeowners insist on including an island, even when it may not be practical. In limited spaces, an island can make the kitchen feel cramped and cluttered. Navigating around the island becomes a constant challenge, making the kitchen less user-friendly. Mismatched islands can also detract from the overall aesthetic of a kitchen, with a small island resembling a postage stamp in some cases. But fear not – kitchens without islands don't have to sacrifice the benefits that islands offer. Homeowners who prefer not to make structural changes, such as knocking down walls, can explore space-saving design elements. This might include more cabinets with pull-out shelves, deeper drawers, and customized storage solutions, as well as banquettes for seating. For those dreaming of an open floor plan, an island might not be the best choice, as it can make the space feel less spacious and obstructive. Additionally, households with multiple cooks may find that islands get in the way of efficient meal preparation. Ultimately, the decision between an island and an islandless design depends on your specific needs and the available space. If you're unsure about what would enhance the functionality and look of your kitchen, we invite you to give us a call at 240-821-5257 or visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us guide you through the process of creating a kitchen that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, and produces the envy of the neighborhood.
Pantone has released the 2024 color of the year and its deeply rooted in nature and color psychology...
An emerging and increasingly popular trend for homeowners in the DC Metro Area is to leverage technology to make it easier and more enjoyable to prepare meals, cook, and clean up. Advances have made using smart components in the kitchen easier and almost seamless. Many features and functions can be voice-activated, from preheating an oven to starting the water flow from a faucet. We expect voice and motion activation features to improve and expand making it easier for homeowners to use smart technology in their kitchens. Another 2024 anticipated trend is the movement away from individual product functionality to an increase in integrated systems that not only operate components in the kitchen, but also control functionality and performance throughout the home. Integrated systems enable homeowners to open doors, set light levels, and specify thermal comfort in every room. Technological advances will also make it easier for homeowners in the DC Metro Area to live a more sustainable lifestyle. From the ability to better control energy use and leak detection systems that automatically cut off water supply to lighting systems that use a fraction of the energy of prior generations, we anticipate an increasing number of products that are more environmentally friendly and less costly to operate. How can technological advances make it easier, less costly, and more enjoyable to create a dream kitchen or bath? Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us show you how you can create a kitchen and bath that not only meets your current needs but also those of your future!
For many homeowners in the DC Metro Area, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it's a space that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle, focusing on nutrition and overall well-being. According to the 2024 Kitchen Trend Research Report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the trend of designing kitchens to promote wellness is expected to grow in the coming years. Here are key features to consider when creating a kitchen that fosters health and nutrition. Natural Light: Embrace the benefits of natural light by incorporating windows, doors, and skylights into your kitchen design. Natural light not only promotes well-being but also boosts positive moods, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Open Layouts: Foster social interaction and family meals with an open kitchen layout. Large kitchen islands provide opportunities for family members, friends, and guests to collaborate, work, and socialize in the space, making it a central hub for connection. Indoor Gardens: Grow your own food for a fresher and healthier experience. Consider designating spaces for indoor hydroponic and herb gardens, utilizing grow lights, and placing them in pantry spaces to seamlessly integrate greenery into your kitchen. Recycling and Composting: Promote sustainable living by incorporating recycling and composting solutions. Concealed composting bins help reduce waste and odors, aligning your kitchen with environmentally conscious practices. Ergonomic Designs: Reduce physical strain with ergonomic designs. Optimize countertop, cabinet, and appliance heights to minimize bending, making cooking and meal preparation more accessible and less physically taxing. For example, place dual ovens horizontally instead of vertically if there is sufficient space to do so. Proper Ventilation: Ensure good air quality by investing in effective ventilation systems. Statement-making range hoods not only serve a vital functional purpose, but also become a captivating focal point in your kitchen. Natural and Healthy Materials: Connect with nature by using natural materials like wood, natural stone, and quartz. These elements promote serenity and a connection to the environment, creating a harmonious kitchen space. Three Layers of Lighting: Illuminate your kitchen effectively with three layers of lighting—task lighting for food preparation, ambient lighting for mood, and accent lighting to highlight focal points or specific areas. Glass Front Refrigerators: Reduce food waste by opting for glass front refrigerators. By making the contents visible, especially perishables, you're more likely to use and consume items efficiently. Ease of Navigation: Streamline your kitchen for easy navigation, ensuring quick access to tools and ingredients necessary for healthy cooking. Meal Planning Space: Dedicate a space for meal planning to help track nutrition goals, plan meals, and effortlessly create grocery lists. Smart Storage Solutions: Enhance organization with pull-out shelves, deeper drawers, and adjustable shelving. Smart storage solutions make it easier to maintain an organized and user-friendly kitchen. Ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of health and wellness? Give us a call at 240-821-5257 or visit one of our showrooms located in Kensington, Beltsville, and Cumberland, MD. Let us guide you in creating a kitchen that not only enhances your culinary experience but also promotes a better, healthier, and more enjoyable lifestyle for you and your family.
COUNTER CULTURE OF KENSINGTON
3923 Plyers Mill Road, Suite 2
Kensington, MD 20895
240-821-5257
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm,
by Appointment
COUNTER CULTURE OF CUMBERLAND
307 N. Mechanic St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
240-839-4508
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm, and Saturday by Appointment
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*Credit and loans provided by Regions Bank d/b/a EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (650 S Main St, Suite 1000, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) on approved credit, for a limited time. 19.99% fixed APR, effective as of November 2023, subject to change. Minimum loan amounts apply. Interest starts accruing when funds are disbursed. Interest is waived if repaid in 365 days from first disbursement. When open line period ends, the balance becomes a fixed rate installment loan; repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. Actual loan term may be shorter if less than the full approved amount of credit is used. First monthly loan payment due 365 days after first disbursement.
*Credit and loans provided by Regions Bank d/b/a EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (650 S Main St, Suite 1000, Salt Lake City, UT 84101) on approved credit, for a limited time. 9.99% fixed APR, subject to change. Minimum loan amounts apply. Interest starts accruing when funds are disbursed. Open line period payments due 90 days after origination and monthly thereafter during open line period. When open line period ends, the balance becomes a fixed rate installment loan; repayment term is 60 months. Actual loan term may be shorter if less than the full approved amount of credit is used. First monthly loan payment due 30 days from the end of the open line period. 60 monthly payments of $21.24 per $1,000 borrowed. The minimum monthly payment will be no less than $50.00.