January 18, 2001

Creative kitchens

Kitchens draw attention and people in today's home

By STACIE CARLSON
Special to the Record-Eagle
      As the command center in many homes, kitchens are playing an increasingly important role in family life.
      Today, people are interested in open-style kitchens where everyone in the family can meet.
      "We accommodate that desire for open styling by using an island stove and snack bar combination," said Gayle Struble, showroom manager at Standard Kitchens in Traverse City. "We're seeing everything from island stoves with grills built in to traditional Shaker style cabinetry."
      Kitchen areas that open into dining areas are also increasingly popular, according to Dan Pohlman, owner Pohlman's Interior Remodeling in Grawn.
      "We're seeing more and more people move toward open spaces in the kitchen," said Pohlman.
      For floors, materials range from hardwood and knotty pine and ceramic tile.
      "They're easier to maintain than carpet and warmer and more durable than linoleum," said Pohlman.
      In addition, custom laminates are a frequent choice.
      "Hickory is very popular, but we carry many types of cabinets to meet a broad range of tastes and styles," said Struble.
      "Laminates are popular on sinks with some ceramic tile, as well," said Randy M. Kyes, a designer at Creative Kitchens in Traverse City.
      High-fired porcelain sinks from Italy or the stainless steel variety are currently popular.
      In a trend toward user-friendly features, suppliers like Creative Kitchens carry fun new amenities like warming drawers, wine cabinets and dishwashers that look like drawers.
      "Roll-out drawers for low cabinets and specialty drawers with built-in spice racks or knife holders are very popular," said Kyes.
      Other touches like pull-out shelving on base cabinets, cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling for increased space and detailed crown moldings for a decorative effect on the tops of cabinetry are other current kitchen trends.
      Kyes suggested that consumers have a basic look in mind before redesigning.
      "Lifestyles play a significant role. We need to know whether people entertain guests in the kitchen, as well as the types of cabinetry found throughout the home," said Kyes. "That way, we can tie cabinetry into the rest of the home."
      When redesigning or building from the ground up, Struble noted that space and size dictate kitchen accessories.
      "It's helpful to bring in ideas or magazine clippings," said Struble. "That way, we can direct people toward a style that appeals to them."
      However, home remodelers should try to have their new kitchen design blend in with other surroundings.
      "We theme kitchens to tie in with the rest of the house," said Kyes. "In fact, we can theme kitchens to just about any taste - '30s, '50s, Arts and Crafts, Southwest or Victorian."