Trends

Most apartments in NYC are small which means that rooms sizes are very compact.

If you currently own your own apartment in NYC then you have probably entertained the idea of increasing or enhancing the space of one or more of your rooms.

We all know that remodeling a space requires lots of planning and a certain amount of cash to achieve a good result that we can happily live in. One of the most frequently used rooms in a home is the kitchen and when you have a small space it can sometimes be really hard to get motivated to utilize it at full capacity.

Some of the most common complaints for kitchens are things like not having enough bench space, not having enough storage space, bad lighting and not enough air circulation.

Hot trends within a tight budget are possible when contemplating kitchen design in New York! Your kitchen can have the latest design trends and looks that will ensure that your celebrity home chefs and guests can appreciate the hard work of your cooking without the hard work of hanging out in a dysfunctional kitchen.

Some looks that are hot right now and won’t put a massive dent in your budget are things like changing the shapes of your bench tops. The current trend is to reconsider the lines in the kitchen to include more curves and flowing forms rather than the more conservative formation of straight lines. The different shape of a bench top can make the space become more functional and perhaps allow more space for appliances or food preparation. The flexibility of the bench top shape will mean that unexplored places within the kitchen can be utilized with no space being left untouched! With the creation of extra spaces there is the opportunity to build in extra shelving on the backs of the cabinetry providing extra space for books and accessories.

Good lighting in a kitchen is really important. It creates a space that is completely functional and enhances the size of the room. The current trends for lighting correspond with the existing concern over the current consumption of energy through the use of electricity in the home. Its a normal feeling to want to turn off the lights and let in the natural air and light. In large apartment buildings it is usual to either find a tiny window in the corner of the room which allows minimal light in the middle of the day, or just no window at all. So what are the alternatives these days? If you live in the penthouse of the apartment block you could insert a sky light, however this is probably not the normal situation for most people. Opting for energy saving light bulbs is probably the best way to go. Whatever your taste is in lighting fittings, think about the bulb you place inside. These days you can buy fluorescent bulbs, dimmers, mini-halogen and globes that are long lasting and kind to the environment - definitely a good trend!

The color of a room, especially when considering kitchen design in NY, is always a much spoken about topic. Trends in kitchen color don’t really change all that much from year to year, although there are a few key components to enhancing the space. A general rule of thumb is to create a mood for the room and go from there! The typical colors that depict a warm environment are reds, pinks, orange and browns. If you have a small kitchen which is hot due to no windows, being compact in size and an oven that does not function well, it is probably best to avoid these kinds of colors. Try using cooler colors such as whites, blues and limes, not only are they beautiful fresh colors, they also match well with stainless steel appliances. Remodeling in preparation for selling an apartment is exciting, and some say that a guaranteed sale is a result of using really neutral colors like white or beige. This also gives the buyer the opportunity to dream about the colors they may like to add to the space themselves.

Maybe you are one of those people who have a lot of previous experience with home remodeling projects but if you don’t trust your own judgement when it comes to redesigning a space then perhaps you could decide to let someone else make the call. Hiring a professional New York General Contractor is simple as there are many to choose from who will make your life very simple. New York General Contractors are affordable and professional and are up to date with all the latest design trends. So how do you choose one in a big city like New York? Ask people you trust for a referral. Start talking with family, friends or work colleagues to help you to make the decision and enjoy watching your new space unfold!

Find out more information about kitchen design in New York by visiting the MyHome website, a leading New York general contractor .

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Every year, new design trends take center stage. This year the focus has shifted to Green Design and Growing Older. Below is a list of the main design trends for 2008


1. Green Design- With the alarming rise in gas prices and building materials, eco-friendly products are now a stable of any kitchen design. The kitchen and bath industry is at the forefront of green design with the development of new technologies and products, such as bamboo and recycled materials including glass, plastics, paper, and metals.


2. Aging-in-Place- More and more manufacturers are catering to the aging “baby boomer” market. New products feature accessibility and ease of use to accommodate boomers through the years, while still offering stylish design. From dishwashers accessible from a wheelchair to cabinet drawers that open automatically, manufacturers are recognizing the importance of universal design.


3. Organization- To keep paperwork and projects from piling up, many companies specialize in home organization. Put your client’s mind at ease with the upgraded additions of cabinetry dividers and custom storage solutions. With companies now specializing in after-market products, you can find a wide range of products that will customize any stock cabinets that you will find on the market.


4. Multiple Layers of Lighting- Accent lighting placed at various heights, under-cabinet lighting, interior cabinet lighting, and above cabinet lighting combine to create a warm and inviting kitchen. Task lighting adds drama and function, while dim accent lighting softens and soothes a room. Each layer of lighting serves a different purpose, which can enhance the room.


5. Compact & Efficient Appliances- One of hottest trends in 2008, is the incorporation of compact and efficient appliances. Horizontal dishwashers, French door wall ovens, two-tiered ranges, and power boil options on cooktops can ease the day-to-day cooking tasks, while maintaining the desired beauty and resourcefulness of your designs.


6. Expanded Color Palettes- Today’s contemporary designs allow for vibrant splashes of color in the kitchen and bathroom. Through bright and bold colored backsplashes, countertops, appliances, and cabinetry inserts and overlays, homeowners can incorporate the newest and hottest colors into any design. A wide range of color is now being used to evoke emotion and set the tone for your next projects.


7. Tile Murals- A trend that is increasing in popularity is using custom murals in the kitchen. Color, form, and design combine to create varied patterns ranging from modern graphics to soft floral patterns. A wide variety of patterns offers a look that’s sure to suit any client’s taste.


8. Integrated Electronics- By integrating wires, speakers, control panels, and flat-screen TVs directly into your design, you’ll allow the surroundings of the room to flow seamlessly around any audio/video equipment that you may want. Planning ahead will allow you to conceal the wiring and give your kitchen a truely custom look.

Find out where the experts go to get all of their kitchen cabinets and accessories. Learn how to save thousand on kitchen cabinets by buying them where contractors and builders shop.

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Home Buyers Spend More to Live in and near the City

Generally, urban infill developments command higher sales prices than homes located in the suburbs. Many home buyers are willing to pay a premium to be located near work, restaurants and nightlife. This partly due to high gas prices and people tire of long commutes and the related expenses.  Some newer developments are selling for even higher prices. But these developments are located near shopping, businesses, art galleries, bars and gourmet cafés, which satisfy the wants and needs of those buyers. Some buyers do not own a car and depend on walking and public transit to get around the city.

Modern Designs

Newer homes are designed with simple, clean lines, offset by decorative lighting fixtures such as drop pendants, hand-crafted balls or hidden light sources. Some designers use creative built-ins that double to house large flat-screen televisions, which swivel between two rooms, or double-sided fireplaces that add character to the home.  Granite counters are still popular but are beginning to lose appeal, perhaps because so many homes have them they are not special anymore.  Buyer’s preferences are leaning toward sinks that are larger, flatter and built-in to the vanity. Rain shower heads are installed in ceilings instead of walls.  Soft, cooler earth-tone colors are on the comeback. The colors are more relaxing. There is a lot of blue, gray, tan and green and less of the warmer colors such as yellow, red or orange.

Green homes are becoming more and more popular, featuring solar energy, natural fiber or eco-friendly wood flooring, compact fluorescent lighting and energy-efficient high-end appliances. Some homes even have a place in their garages to plug in an electric car.

Lofts Gaining Popularity

In many downtown areas, lofts are the design of choice. They offer work-live spaces, which are generally multi-level. The first floor is often an open space that can be used as an office, warehouse or commercial place of business. The upper floors feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows — views are highly desirable — exposed ventilation and duct work, with fewer walls separating living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens.   Loft designs make the kitchen work area more compact and efficient. Appliances are smaller in dimensions. Many appliances blend with sleek European cabinets.  A professional DFW Realtor will help you find a downtown loft that meets your needs.

Professional Singles are Teaming Up

Single professionals are teaming up to buy downtown DFW Real Estate together, especially those that offer two master suites. Higher prices make qualifying on a single income more difficult.  Some single people find that it’s easier to pay half of a mortgage than the whole mortgage on their own and it makes financial sense, particularly if half the mortgage is equivalent or close to the amount of a monthly rental. Singles are attracted to downtown areas that offer walking distance to work, shopping and nightlife attractions.

Home Buyers Desire Smaller Homes

Many baby boomers who live outside the city often decide to move back after their children grow up and leave home. They find that they have to much living space, too much upkeep and too far away from downtown attractions and easy of getting around.  Many of these buyers would like to downsize and make do with a smaller space that is newer and offers more conveniences, than live in a larger suburban home not convenient to the city.  The DFW MLS system is paramount in locating the home of your choice.

Our Company and our Team of Professional DFW Real Estate Agents specialize in DFW Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, First Time Home Buyers, Condos, Luxury Homes, New Homes, Builders, Commercial, Industrial, Offices, Lots/Land, Multifamily and Investment properties. VIP Realty Platinum’s Agents are among the best in the industry. They are results-focused, quality-driven professionals serving the real estate needs in the Plano Real Estate and Dallas Real Estate market.

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