(BPT) - Does your home feel tired, worn or outdated? Do you walk into rooms and wish they looked more like the pictures in magazines? You're not alone. Many homeowners who have put off home improvement projects for some time have decided to turn their dreaming into reality - especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Bathroom bliss
Bathroom remodels have moved into the top spot as the most common remodeling project, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012. What are most homeowners looking to accomplish first? According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, adding a linen closet, marble or granite double vanity and a shower with multiple showerheads top the list.
"It makes sense," adds Jack Suvak, senior director of market research and insights at Moen. "The bathroom is often the only room for 'you time,' so homeowners want to create a luxurious and relaxing retreat."
To add a bit of beauty and bliss in the bath, start with the countertop. Updating the current material with a solid-surface option will make an instant visual update. Next, choose a stylish new faucet, such as the Moen Boardwalk faucet, to accentuate the area. The elegant collection, available at Lowe's, features a blend of vintage design and classic lines. The suite is available in some of today's most popular finishes, Chrome and Spot Resist Brushed Nickel which is a unique finish from Moen which does exactly what it says - resists fingerprints and water spots.
Next, think storage. While a linen closet tops the "wanted" list, bath accessories are an easier and more affordable way to add additional storage and organization. The Boardwalk collection features towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks and paper holders in coordinating designs to complete the look of your new bath.
Finally, update your shower to create a relaxing and spa-like environment. Depending on your budget, you can create the ultimate retreat with a vertical spa… or simply upgrade your current showerhead. Moen offers a variety of showering choices, so whether you prefer a rainshower, handheld shower, wall-mount showerhead - or even a combination - there's an option in any price range.
Form and function in the kitchen
Once you've updated your bath; the kitchen, not far behind in appeal, is a rewarding home upgrade. Similar to the bath, upgrading countertops - which consume a large area of the kitchen - is an ideal place to start. While laminate is the most cost-effective choice, options such as solid-surface, marble or granite, offer an upscale look, added durability and functionality. In addition, these upgrades allow you to enhance your sink with an under-mount version, such as the Moen Caldwell double bowl sink, for a seamless look.
Finish off the counter area with a high-end kitchen faucet. High-arc pulldown styles are the fastest growing kitchen faucet category - and the new Harlon faucet is one of the first at Lowe's to feature Moen's Reflex pulldown system, which offers high-quality performance with secure retraction, exceptional range of motion and generous reach. Plus, it's available in the exclusive Moen Spot Resist Stainless finish.
"Reflex is the result of a two-year, in-home research study," explains Suvak. "The new system allows homeowners to experience a truly intuitive kitchen faucet that responds to their movements and helps them to accomplish everyday tasks, while maintaining its beautiful form."
Finally, flooring, as one of the largest surface areas in the kitchen, is an ideal upgrade that can set the tone of the room from the bottom up. And, today's flooring manufacturers offer resilient flooring in a variety of materials, colors and patterns to meet your functionality, style and price needs.
So, no matter what your vision, follow the trend like other homeowners, and soon you can turn your dreams of a new kitchen or bath into a reality. For more information visit www.moen.com.
