Think Simple, Smart and Stylish When Renovating Your Space by Christine Brun on Creators.com

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Think Simple, Smart and Stylish When Renovating Your Space

We want smart, warm and snug spaces where we can bond. Those who predict home trends resoundingly proclaim that American homeowners are scaling back and settling into cozier, smaller spaces. As our economy slowly strengthens, remodeling and home renovations are also creeping along an upward path.

"Homeowners are looking for ways to update their current homes, rather than buying a new property," said Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. It might be as simple a task as cleaning out closets and finding ways to make the space you have function better. Purging from a disorganized abundance of clothes, shoes and hats or ties might allow you to create visual order.

Consider finding storage pieces at resale shops or yard sales instead of calling in an expert closet company if the budget is tight. Most people buy white bookcases, you can always find an assortment of random storage components at furniture consignment stores, thrift stores or even yard sales.

Reep went on to say that from simply adding a new faucet to completely gutting a bathroom, there are many ways to revitalize any home. Look for storage units that might sit over the toilet area, towel bars that feature a shelf and vanity filler pullouts that create storage while saving space. If you're in a position to redo your bathroom cabinetry, mull over the idea of a pull-out for makeup — just like a spice-rack pull-out in a kitchen. With use of a sink that is ADA compliant, you may also gain a Euro-style storage drawer that fits around the plumbing for the sink.

Think outside of that old, proverbial box for excellent ways to decrease clutter and increase organization in your bathroom and kitchen. A majority of Americans have told researchers that they want no-space-wasted design and ample storage in their next home, whenever that new home might become necessary.

At the same time, we're seeing about 30 percent of families "doubling up" with multi-generational living that demands efficient use of space in existing homes and new purchases.

The pictured urban revival kitchen is situated in a loft condo. Obviously, maximum storage is more artfully attained when you start from scratch. Remodeling this space enabled abundant storage, and an open floor plan allows for attractive storage of artifacts; cooking and serving pieces; and books. One can store CDs, household files and records or photographs. A smashing purple finish from Wood-Mode's Designer Color Collection enables the refrigerator and wall ovens to float in the space as a room divider with panache! Optimal city views are retained while a huge amount of storage is created.

Whether your situation calls for a complete do-over or demands that you get smart about how to coax more performance from your existing situation, there remain many terrific ways to get a kitchen to be more than just a place where you cook. We want "catchall" kitchens that are the center of activity in the home — a place to pay the bills; do work or homework; and entertain guests. Homeowners no longer seem to mind seeing a computer or large, wall-mounted TV screen in a living area. We are more practical, more centered on use of available space than ever before and more demanding that our homes be friendly to how we actually live day-to-day.

Simple, smart and stylish are the watchwords for our times.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.