Dan's Papers - June 5, 2009 - Make Your Dream Kitchen a Reality

Although kitchen styles and designs have evolved to match today's changing lifestyles, one thing remains constant - kitchens are the heart of every home. "Any time a family undertakes a project to remodel and upgrade their kitchen, they will be faced with countless decisions, from cabinet styles and colors to countertop materials to work space and storage areas, and that's just the beginning," said Harris Boshak, lead designer for Bradco Supply's kitchen showroom in St. James. "Costs can mount quickly when remodeling, so homeowners looking to update their kitchens really need to work closely with professionals who can recommend cabinetry and accessories that will fit their lifestyles and budget." A designer can offer workable solutions for every problem. Families today tend to need multiple workstations in the kitchen and increased storage space to accommodate their large assortment of cookware and utensils. As Boshak pointed out, "Today's family owns almost twice as many utensils and accessories as their parents, so their kitchen layout must make the best and most efficient use of space, yet be welcoming and aesthetically pleasing."

With today's emphasis on "green" products and the increasing awareness of our carbon footprint, consumers are looking to make wise choices when remodeling. When it comes to kitchens, energy efficiency is a major consideration when replacing old appliances, but there are plenty of green considerations to be made when it comes to kitchen cabinetry. For instance, all wood contains some degree of naturally occurring formaldehyde, causing it to emit a certain amount of gas into the environment. Cabinet manufacturers who have met certification standards and bear the Environmental Stewardship designation have taken measures to reduce the amount of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions from the components used in the manufacturing of their product line. "For instance," said Boshak, "some solid wood cabinet lines have low-VOC emissions. On top of that, laminates and thermofoil cabinets can eliminate gas emissions from VOCs contained in substrates."

With the economic recession, now is a great time to consider renovation over relocation. Give your home a brand new feeling with a kitchen that matches your ideal.

Bradco Supply in St. James features a full service kitchen showroom that carries cabinets from quality manufacturers. Call 631-265-8888 or go to www.bradcosupply.com.