Remodeling tour offers updated ideas for kitchens, baths

Tired of scuffed cabinetry, passé pastel paints and cramped showers, they’re ready for a makeover. And members of the local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) have a plethora of suggestions, presented in their sixth annual Tour of Remodeled Homes on Oct. 24. Eight private residences that have recently undergone a re-do will be open to the public who can pick up ideas for their own abodes.

At the top of the remodel list are kitchens and baths, said Mark Buelow, chair of the NARI tour and president of Distinctive Remodeling Solutions in Roswell.

“The kitchen and master bath are the rooms that age a house, so they’re very popular for updates,” he said. “We do lots of these remodels for people who plan to stay in the home but who want a modern space that even in 10 years will bring more value to the property.”

In both of those areas, the cabinetry is the first thing to go.

“For years, Atlanta could not get away from those traditional, stained, cherry cabinets,” said Buelow. “But now we’re moving more toward classic, clean-line cabinetry. And paint is dominating the market; about 70 percent of what we’re doing with cabinetry now is painting.”

And those bright white kitchens of the 1980s that every design expert said were gone for good? They’re back. The finish isn’t quite as shiny, as homeowners lean toward more subtle shades of dove or antique white, even grays, that mesh with lighter counter tops.

“Marble is becoming very popular, even though it’s not as durable,” said Buelow. “It’s very visual and makes a natural fit for the painted cabinets. But people do need to come to terms with the fact that marble will change over time the more it gets used.”

Counters are also sporting a mix of materials, such as quartz edging around a granite or marble center. “It’s not just granite exclusively anymore,” said Buelow.

In the master baths, the spa tub is being replaced by stand-alone soaking tubs that also serve another purpose. “The fact is, people just aren’t using tubs very often, so if there’s space, they can become a decorative element,” said Buelow.

Once the kitchen is reconfigured, many homeowners look for ways to keep it from becoming cluttered, and the most popular solution is a mudroom or drop zone that can handle the backpacks, muddy shoes, coats and the mail that would otherwise wind up on the kitchen counters or floor.

“Twenty years ago, the idea of having the kitchen right off the garage was great,” said Buelow. “It was great when you came in with groceries. But people have gotten tired of it becoming the drop zone. A transition area, like a mud room, can hold a plug-in station for phones, nooks for backpacks, an area for bills and mail, and can be the place where you drop things as you come in.”

With the heart of the kitchen handled, the next remodeling project may be an outdoor area or basement. In both cases, they provide gathering spaces where families can relax and entertain.

“People are still after that fire pit and outdoor area,” said Buelow. “We’re also seeing them add outdoor kitchens to create a space where everyone can unwind.”

The tour also showcases work of the nonprofit NARI’s members.

“Our tour reminds Atlanta homeowners that NARI members represent the gold standard in the construction and remodeling industries and display the highest level of professionalism and expertise,” said Buelow, “which is why my firm has participated in the tour every year.”