What's Hot and What's Not in Milwaukee Area Homes
The Latest Trends in Home Remodeling & New Construction
The days of having a “rec room” have certainly changed from painted block walls, vinyl asbestos tile floors and maybe some of those old ceiling tiles stapled in place! Today’s finished lower level has really evolved into a truly grand space.
When showing homes everyone seems to want a “finished basement.” Is it because being in a lower level, it is somewhat secluded or separated from the rest of the house that it feels so much more secure, private or the “escape” homeowners are looking for? Or maybe space for the teens to hang out at your house but in their own space?
Colleen Thompson an interior designer from ie: Design in Wauwatosa recently shared with me some of the latest trends not only in rec rooms, but kitchens and baths. Colleen specializes in designing those spaces for homeowners, whether they are remodeling an existing space or starting from scratch on a new construction. Involving Colleen in the early stages of planning can save homeowners and homebuilders frustration and money in the long run. Using her expertise, perfect choices are made in the beginning, and her overseeing the project makes sure the finished product is true to the plan, and on budget.
Lower levels, which over the past decade saw the explosion of Theatre Rooms, are now moving towards the “sports bar” space, featuring one large open area with bar for gathering and multiple TV’s perfect for a weekend of watching an event like the big college basketball tournaments. No matter the location of your comfy seat, there is a great view of a TV! This is not just a “man cave” but a sports fanatics dream! The bar is fully stocked from the beverage cabinets, which are either the popular “wine fridge” or the newer refrigerated drawers! For the super serious entertainer, Perlick features professional style refrigerated beverage storage cabinets.
With the growing popularity of the cable TV Food Channel, more and more people are into cooking. The kitchen remodeling project has also seen a revolution in some cool new appliances and conveniences. Microwaves are moving from the standard over the stove unit, to a pull out drawer in a lower cabinet. New features include a flap down door and the height makes it safer to remove hot items without the danger of spilling them onto yourself. Gigantic refrigerator units that are built into long stretches of cabinetry, sometimes hidden by cabinet door coverings are great for the large family or super serious chef or home caterer. Warming drawers instead of that useless drawer under your oven, dishwasher drawers that provide efficiency for smaller families, couples or singles. Even separate drawers for glasses versus dishes… Furniture style ornamentation really dresses up the cabinetry and provides a very classy look with corbels, scrolls and deep deep crowns topping upper cabinets. Over counter lighting, under counter lighting, and even lighting under the kickplate of a row of cabinetry gives a dramatic glow to a room in the evening.
Both in Kitchens and Baths, cabinet heights are rising to make a more comfortable/ergonomic space. Furniture style vanities are exploding in popularity, with vessel sinks and towel warmers, making a bathroom a true luxury escape for a homeowner.
If you are planning a kitchen, bath or rec room remodel or working with a builder on new home construction plans, consider the services of Colleen Thompson. From the start, she will not only provide a plan personalized to your lifestyle and budget, but will keep your frustration and costs down in the long run. “Collen’s knowledge and insight about the latest trends have saved me hours of extra work and aggravation. Her ability to see how colors and textures work together is a welcomed mind-boggle.” Says Jill Sommers, a current remodeling client. Colleen Thompson at ie:Design can be reached at 414- 378-5569 or cjt@wi.rr.com.
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
John Janik Jr said
Apr 28, 2010 @ 07:56 AM
I work with both of these wonderful women; they are leaders in their respected industries. Colleen is very knowledgeable about current and upcoming trends; she is also very good about finding all the available space in a kitchen, for storage and countertop use. Pat is a much respected Realtor, always going the extra mile for her customers; she is always available for questions and concerns. She always knows what is going on in the market place.Kent Tess-Mattner said
Apr 28, 2010 @ 01:48 PM
I can also unequivocally recommend Colleen Thompson. We have used her for a kitchen remodel, master bedroom remodel, and remodeling 2 bathrooms at our house. She has great vision and knowledge, and is fun to work with.RSS feed for comments on this post
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