I BATHROOMS


In the short-stay scenario, replacing faucets, painting walls and changing out-dated accessories and lighting will give the bathroom a maintained and somewhat current look. Faucets that are most desirable today are high-spout styles with single-handle functions, and yes, chrome is back.


Bathroom wall colors can be dramatic -- the richer the tone, the more perceived value. Darker colors can be balanced with adequate lighting. Indirect is best, which means the light bounces off the ceiling for an optimal beam spread. One benefit, especially in Florida, with using this lighting application is that the heat the user can feel from the light source is reduced. Fluorescent or xenon fixtures are well suited for indirect lighting. Using incandescent lighting? Try putting in a dimmer switch for better control and to lend a warm ambience to this private space.


If you’re planning a complete remodel, the possibilities are endless.


In today’s updated bathrooms, the upscale “hotel” look is in. This is achieved by using wood tones, vanities at higher heights, vessel sinks, framed mirrors, multiple lighting sources, luxurious showers and stone finishes. And when choosing these amenities, look for timeless styles. The worst thing that you can do is design something that tells the observer the year it was done. All of the items listed above have been around since the 1920s and there are many, many retro and classic styles available through designers, home centers and catalogs.


Submitted by Antoinette C. Prisco, ASID, owner of Antoinette Unique Interiors, 358 N. Orlando Avenue, Cocoa Beach. (321) 783-6446. www.unique-interiors.com


KITCHENS


Now for kitchens, the bigger nut to crack. For simpler cosmetic spruce ups, consider refacing existing cabinets with wood doors, upgrading the countertops to granite and accenting it all with an interesting backsplash. All of these features can be enhanced with improved lighting such as recessed, under-and-over-cabinet, as well as dropped pendants.


For long-term returns, a complete remodel should be considered.


A center island never goes out of style. Plan on incorporating one if you have the spatial requirements to do so. The island can be a simple farmhouse table up to a fully outfitted oasis with cooking, refrigeration and plumbing combined.


The current trend in kitchen colors is darker wood tones with simple lines and quartz countertops. In complete contrast, crisp, soft-white raised-panel designs with natural toned quartz or solid surfaces is the other color palette that is seen quite often. Both of these color combinations have many options for accent colors that will either make the kitchen starkly contemporary, warmly traditional or purely coastal.


In budgeting for this expensive venture, always include a fair amount for high-end appliances, sinks and faucets. One big mistake that happens too often is outfitting a kitchen with beautiful cabinetry and countertops combined with standard appliances. Stainless-steel is still the most sought after finish, with black a close second. Professional looking appliances always tell people that you put a lot of time and effort into designing the kitchen, because you use it (even if you actually don’t).


Lastly, when designing this community space, do not overlook the ceiling. False beams, trays, crown molding, paintable textures and recessed lighting are some ceiling techniques that draw attention upwards. Details such as these can take the ordinary into the spectacular. These simple carpentry adornments, along with lighting spruce ups, will add a depth, character and interest to the space.


You can never go wrong paying attention to detail when it comes to your home. You will have gains when you use it, enjoy it, entertain in it, and finally, when you sell it. The returns will keep coming over the years if you use quality, durable and long-lasting materials.


Stick with the classics, avoid the trends, and your hard work will last for decades.


HBCA PARADE OF HOMES : 31


t is common knowledge that the dollars put


into a kitchen or bathroom remodel actualizes a monetary return upon the sale of the house. The principles apply in this market as well as more lucrative times in the past. Before you dive into a remodel, it’s important to consider how long you plan on living in the house, the overall condition of the kitchen or bathroom, and, if you were to sell your home, how much of the investment would get recouped.


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