Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-02-05T16:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.

Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year:

Year-round enjoyment

Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a year-round mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck.

Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment

Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability.

Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold — and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

Comfy cozy

Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) — the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting.

Residential goes commercial

While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail — a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view.

Hide and chic

With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting.

Fun and games

Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation cornhole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball.

Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly — and potentially unsafe — cords and cables.

For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com.

2018-02-05T12:37:00

(BPT) – For the avid DIYer in you, the winter season may cause a little anxiety while you’re cooped up inside and unable to tackle those outdoor projects you’d love to finish. The good news, however, is that the inside of your home needs just as much DIY attention as the outside — sometimes more — and the winter is the perfect time to tackle these projects.

Each of the tasks on the list below can be finished in a single weekend and, once completed, will make your home more enjoyable for the rest of the winter and beyond.

* Apply a fresh coat of paint. Whether your drive to paint comes from a style choice or a need to repair dings and dents, there’s no reason you can’t tackle it now. Head to your local paint store to research options for colors and tools and then set aside a day where you can focus solely on your project. Whether you touch up your existing colors or go bold with an accent wall, this is one project you’ll be glad to finish.

* Seal up those air leaks. This one isn’t just good for your house, it’s good for your wallet as well. Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air drafts to seep into your home as they let out the warm air needed to keep you comfortable. GREAT STUFF(TM) Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant is a solution you can use to seal gaps around your windows and doors quickly to help make your home more comfortable and to reduce the cost of your next heating bill.

* Clear that clutter. A few months cooped up in your home can really lead to some excessive accumulation, so why not start your spring cleaning early? Tackle your home’s clutter over the course of several days and review everything you find. If you haven’t used an item in more than a year — or you don’t even know what it is — now’s the time to sell it online, donate it or simply throw it out.

* Vacate the vermin. A visit from the in-laws is par for the course during the holidays, but there are plenty of actual intruders trying to enter your home once the weather turns cold. Arachnids and insects of all varieties need only the smallest opening to access your home, so help block their access with GREAT STUFF(TM) Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant. Apply this water-resistant sealant around any exterior openings to your home — such as heat or water pipes and cracks in your siding — and you’ll create a barrier between you and the pests trying to sneak in.

* Make a big splash in your bathroom. No, you’re not going to spontaneously decide to remodel your bathroom, but a few tiny changes in this space can make it seem as though you did. Replacing your existing fixtures is a cost-effective way to give the space an entirely new appearance. A little elbow grease goes a long way too. Don’t be afraid to get down on your knees and bid that mildew goodbye once and for all with a simple mixture of bleach and warm water.

Start your winter DIY project today.

The winter season doesn’t mean your indoor projects also need to hibernate. You can get to work right now even while there is a chill in the air. Start with the list above and see where inspiration takes you. Your home could have a dramatically new look and feel once spring has sprung.

(TM) Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

2018-02-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you dreaming about an incredible family escape your loved ones will always remember? Perhaps your dream vacation is filled with adventure while eating around the world and exploring castles in faraway places, or maybe it’s relaxing on a private island with picturesque views of crystal clear water. Before taking off, you need to tackle the logistics. Fortunately, with a few tips from those in the know, creating an unforgettable getaway can be as magical as taking one.

Tip #1: Get the inside scoop

No idea where to begin? Talk with a trustworthy resource or fellow parent who has “been there.” The honest and relatable vacation tips you’ll receive are invaluable and can ease the planning process. For example, individuals thinking about planning a Disney vacation should visit www.disneyparksmomspanel.com, an online resource providing authentic answers to guests seeking advice from in-the-know panelists with years of vast experience.

The panel, which recently announced the addition of 11 new moms, dads and grandparents, includes your next-door neighbors, your good friends, and above all else, seasoned vacationers you can count on for genuine advice when planning your next getaway to a Disney destination. The panel can give you a personalized response in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese.

Tip #2: Find an all-appealing destination

You probably have a few ideas of where to go, but brainstorming destinations with your travel crew can provide helpful feedback and insight into everyone’s interests. Maybe your best friends are making brunch a priority for your girlfriends’ getaway. Or Grandma has a few “memory making” ideas for her vacation with the grandkids. Your fickle pre-teen even has a dream destination you might not know of, and your kindergartner is sure to throw a few ideas into the ring.

After you make a list of everyone’s thoughts, do some research online. Poke around travel websites, talk with other parents and search www.disneyparksmomspanel.com for guidance. With a little digging, you can find experiences that appeal as much to your toddler as your teenager and even your best friend. The key is to make it a discussion, talk with others who are in the know and overall, enjoy helping you plan your escape. Whether you’re going for a dream Disney vacation, planning a beach getaway, indulging in one-of-a-kind foodie experiences, (or all three!), there are plenty of places that grant everyone’s wishes.

Tip #3: Be proactive about special requirements

Keep special needs top of mind when booking accommodations. For example, all U.S. hotels are required to offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, but international hotels follow different guidelines, so be sure to ask. Additionally, if you have a sensitive child who prefers a calmer environment, book a hotel room away from the pool or other entertainment spaces.

Another common concern for families is food allergies. To ease worries, plan ahead. Experienced jetsetters suggest asking restaurants for their ingredients charts and nutrition information or requesting to speak directly to the chef. You can even call airlines and hotels early to ask about allergy policies.

Bottom line: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when planning a family getaway. Each age has different considerations, but with some smart strategizing and advice from the right people, you can create memories to last a lifetime. These three tips will have you well on your way to experiencing an epic family vacation.

2018-02-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – The last year of high school is a whirl of activity, and it’s no different when it comes to the final leg of college selection. Once the acceptance notifications arrive, it will soon be time to sit down with a different stack of mail: financial aid letters.

As you undoubtedly know, the cost of college is no small investment. In the 2017-18 academic year, the average tuition and fees for four-year public colleges is $25,620, while for private colleges, the costs are $33,520, and public two-year colleges cost $3,570, according to the College Board.

At the same time, the College Board reports that more than 70 percent of students receive grants to help pay for college. Hopefully, those financial letters contain some good news.

For most families, analyzing the letters is a process of uncovering the college that can offer the best education at the best value for your student. One way to get there is to parse the details of the letter itself so you understand the net cost of your student’s education. Still, it’s critical to look at other factors and opportunities around higher education costs. Taking a deeper look at these can help you and your student reach the best possible decision.

Deciphering free aid vs. other options: Take a close look at each line in the aid column. Key words, such as scholarships, grants and fellowships, signal no-strings money for school. Work-study and student loan packages are options that will need students to find a job or pay the money back.

Cost-of-living expenses: Think about those extra costs that come up over the weeks and months of any college year, such as meals, phone, transportation and laundry. Don’t forget entertainment. After all, they’re not going to spend all their time studying in their dorm room. Does the campus and community offer plenty of low-cost and no-cost attractions and entertainment so they can have fun with their friends without breaking the bank?

Local economy: One thing worth considering is the local economy of the first-choice school, especially if your student may want to pick up a part-time job along the way. Even better, look for local employers that are compatible with your child’s career goals. An entry-level job at one of these workplaces can help make ends meet, while making your student more marketable when it’s time to graduate.

Student achievement: Do a little digging on the success rate for students and graduates, so you have an idea on whether the school has a high job placement rate after graduation. Know the school’s graduation rate, along with the average first-year salary for graduates.

Ongoing costs: The financial aid letter describes the student’s first year. As much as you can, do some forecasting for the next three to four years. It’s especially important to understand whether awards are renewable, or if they’re available only to first-year students.

Negotiation: If the college isn’t coming through with enough aid to make college affordable for your student and family, don’t give up. You might be able to negotiate more aid. Submit a letter and ask for a follow-up appointment. Be specific about what you are requesting, and be sure to explain if you have specific circumstances such as medical costs or a job loss that may have affected your ability to meet the expected family contribution.

If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn’t enough (including the amount offered in federal loans), families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Look for competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options that match your budget. College Ave Student Loans also offers a calculator that showcases how much families can save with various loan options at www.collegeavestudentloans.com.

2018-02-13T13:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re redecorating your home, changing up that old carpet for warm hardwood flooring, or just longing for a fresh coat of paint and some new accents in the living room, the design trends this year are all about texture, style and surprises. It’s hardwood floors celebrating knots and imperfections or variations in plank sizes and color. It’s wood on your walls and faux stone tile backsplashes. It’s mixing unexpected materials to create an entirely new look. Mix, match and mosaic is what it’s all about this year.

Sara Babinski, a designer for Armstrong Flooring, offers her view of the top design trends of 2018.

Inspired by nature

Earth tones are big this year in everything from accent pieces, to linens and walls, to flooring. Think natural-colored solid hardwood and rattan dining chairs. Also on trend: breezy, uncomplicated seaside styles that incorporate natural aquatic blue and green shades.

“We are seeing an ode to the elements in interior design — walls and flooring that look distressed or weathered, and an ongoing demand for the look of reclaimed wood,” says Babinski.

A trend that was hot in the ’90s is also making a resurgence: faux stone, and designers taking artistic license with depicting natural stone in decor, flooring, and walls.

Diamonds are a floor’s best friend

Looks can deceive, and what may appear to be a hardwood floor is actually luxury vinyl or LVT. Thanks to incredible advancements in printing technology, these are no longer your grandma’s floors. A perfect example of this trend is Armstrong Flooring’s vinyl or engineered tile floor with Diamond 10 Technology, a proprietary flooring innovation that infuses cultured diamonds into the floor, providing the ultimate in scratch, stain, and scuff resistance.

If you still want solid hardwood with the same protection, consider Paragon Solid Hardwood, which incorporates the same Diamond 10 Technology without any compromise. Paragon floors are made from 100 percent solid Appalachian hardwood, ensuring your floors will remain beautiful for a lifetime.

Stimulation of the senses

Create a mosaic of varying colors and textures in your home.

Hardwood flooring in 2018 will celebrate the natural beauty of the wood, showing and highlighting knots and naturally occurring imperfections, including varying plank sizes, colors, and widths. Artisan styles will also be popular this year, with hand-brushed and -scraped patterns.

The “raw meets polished” trend is all about high shine versus ultra low gloss. This may include reclaimed wood furniture, updated with modern, shiny metal hardware or the aesthetic of using both low gloss and medium gloss on your floor.

Also on tap this year is mixing metals, especially in the kitchen. “Warm-toned fixtures can now live harmoniously with stainless appliances and with the latest appliance trend — a beautiful black finish! Copper, rose gold and oxidized metals are especially popular,” Babinski says.

Cultural influences and animal prints

Globally, Babinski sees trends of warm minimalism (warmer shades of gray, blue and brown evoking Hygge), and on the flip side, bold maximalism, a strong mix of bold colors and patterns balanced with gray walls and blonde hardwood and wood-look floors.

Cultural influences in accent pieces continue to trend. Whether it’s a hand-woven basket or a lamp with a Moroccan design, they add a sense of global style to your rooms.

Although exotic hardwood is going out of style in favor of American domestic species, Babinski is still seeing fun pairings with animal prints in furniture and accessories, such as area rugs, which pair perfectly with natural material floors.

Victorian and antique

The reemergence of Victorian and antique decor can translate easily to flooring trends like Millwork Square Solid Hardwood parquet and strip hardwood in Prime Harvest.

Also in 2018, patterns are meant to be broken, especially in floors. Herringbone-patterned flooring is trending, and floors will incorporate different colors, textures, glosses, plank widths and lengths.

“Flooring can even go on the walls, as seen by the continuation of the wood-on-walls trend,” adds Babinski. “Overwhelmingly, though, hardwood floors will continue to be low-gloss and ultra-matte.”

2018-02-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something magical about taking a cruise. Is it the open ocean? The indescribable feeling of warm sea air blowing through your hair? The endless access to world-class food, drinks and entertainment? Whatever the reason, each year millions of people around the world set their sights on the fun, adventure and luxury that cruise ships have become known to deliver.

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, bustling Port Canaveral is one of the largest and busiest cruise ports in the U.S. As the home port to some of the most-innovative players in the cruise world, there’s a good chance that your next cruise might depart from this vibrant east coast venue.

With so much to see and do on the Space Coast, many cruise passengers extend their vacation by a day or two in this fun-filled port city, so they can settle in before their departure and bypass any last-minute travel challenges. It’s called taking a “pre-cruise,” and it’s a perfect way to immerse yourself into the rhythm of your vacation and ensure you’re well-rested and prepared for your cruise adventure. To truly experience and get an intimate feel for the special way of life on the Space Coast during your pre-cruise, you’ll need to explore the area like a local, starting with these five must-do activities:

1. Treetop Trek — Located at the Brevard Zoo, the Treetop Trek allows visitors to climb, crab walk and zipline through different animal habitats and have an up-close experience with wildlife. With three different aerial obstacle courses, this heart-racing activity provides something fun for everyone.

2. Duran Golf Club — What would a trip to Florida be without a few rounds of golf? And we’re not just talking about any old kind of golf. No, we’re talking a world-class course that attracts pros, beginners and everyone in between. A favorite among locals and nationally recognized players, Duran has been voted “Best Public Course” and ranked as one of the top 50 courses in the country for practice ranges.

3. Riverfront Park — Once you experience Riverfront Park in historic Cocoa Village, you’ll quickly understand why this is a favorite place for locals to hang out. With public access to nearly 10 acres of prime riverfront land, you’ll see plenty of people jogging, playing, relaxing and loving the sun, as good Floridians do. The park includes a playground, amphitheater, boardwalk, spacious covered pavilions and areas for fishing.

4. Ossorio Bakery & Cafe — We could write pages about how delicious the food here is, but this handful of words usually will suffice: hand-rolled pastries and homemade ice cream. Caught your interest yet? Located in historic downtown Cocoa Village, Ossorio has been providing locals with unforgettable meals and treats in a relaxed and friendly setting for the past 15 years.

5. Superb Fishing — You know how they say there are plenty of fish in the sea? Here, that’s literally true. Along the Space Coast, there are something like 500 different species of fish inhabiting the local waters. From deep-sea fishing to surf casting to quietly angling along a peaceful river or lagoon, there are numerous guides and outfitters who can take you on a fishing adventure like no other.

You’ve spent months, maybe even years, planning your dream cruise vacation. Take an extra day or two and make it even more special by exploring the Space Coast. You deserve it.

2018-02-12T06:01:00

(BPT) – Your day is feeling dreary until the doorbell rings. Who could it be? It’s a surprise delivery full of beautiful blooms that instantly brings a smile to your face. Whether for Valentine’s Day or any celebration, flowers always make someone feel special.

Receiving flowers as a gift is a joy and you want that feeling to last for as long as possible. Luckily, you don’t have to be a florist to give them the proper care they need. Just follow these simple steps from the experts at 1-800-Flowers.com to give your blooms the extended life they deserve.

Step 1: Remove foliage

Remove all foliage from the flower stems that could fall below the water line in the vase. Not only does this give your display a clean look, but it also reduces bacteria growth in the water so your flowers stay healthy.

Step 2: Use warm water

Fill the vase two-thirds full with bath-temperature water. Flowers drink cold water more slowly, which lengthens the hydration process. Warm water is lighter and easier for flowers to absorb quickly.

Step 3: Feed your flowers

It’s best to use the floral food that arrives with the flowers and follow according to package direction. However, if you misplace this packet, you can always create your own by adding three teaspoons of lemon-lime soda (non-diet) and one teaspoon of bleach to one quart of water.

Step 4: Cut stems

Right before placing your flowers in the prepared vase, give the bottom of each stem a fresh cut at an angle. This prevents the stem from sitting flush on the bottom of the vase, allowing maximum water intake. This is particularly important for roses, a popular gift for Valentine’s Day.

Step 5: Water and recut

Check the water level in your vase on a daily basis and add fresh water as needed. Around the third day you’ll need to recut the flowers. Do this by removing the flowers carefully, so as not to change the design. A large rubber band or tie can keep them together until you recut the stems; remove any flowers that have passed their prime. Clean the vase and refill with warm water two-thirds full, plus more floral food. Remove the tie and replace the flowers in the vase.

With a little TLC, your flowers will continue to look beautiful for several days. For more floral care tips and unique gift ideas, visit www.1-800-Flowers.com.

2018-02-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Winter is in full swing and extremely cold temperatures continue to grip much of the U.S.; which mean hats, gloves and high home maintenance bills could be in your future. According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, in 2016 severe winter weather cost homeowners more than $1.7 billion in property damages. While the seasonal shift can be a challenge for homeowners, taking these four steps today could ease home maintenance burdens this season and all year-round.

1. Take a look at your windows

Old windows — especially those with multiple panes of glass— are notorious for air leakage, allowing heat to escape the home while letting in cold air. If your home still feels drafty after you’ve turned the heat on, it may be time to upgrade to more energy-efficient windows.

Mark Montgomery, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Windows, www.plygem.com, recommends that homeowners pay attention to insulating values and glass packages when selecting new windows for their home. “Manufacturers have made significant technology advancements over the years. Thermal performance of windows can now achieve performance well beyond building code and Energy Star levels, significantly increasing energy efficiency. Along those same lines, low-E glass coatings allow us to customize windows to specific regional climate conditions. So, if a home has old windows, replacing them with new energy efficient ones can make a significant difference in comfort, while also saving energy.”

One window example is the Premium Replacement Series from Ply Gem, which can be configured to meet Energy Star requirements in all climate zones, and is available through a network of building product distributors.

2. Seal up any leaks

Air leakage through holes, gaps, or cracks in the home’s structure is one of the biggest causes of home heating and cooling loss. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that reducing drafts could save homeowners from 10 to 20 percent on their annual energy costs. To help control air leakage through gaps and cracks larger than two inches, such as where the wall sets on the subfloor or where pipes and wires go through wall plates, homeowners should use caulk or foam sealant materials. For smaller cracks, typically found around windows and doors, weather stripping can help manage leaks. Steps taken to seal your home and save heat in the winter will also help improve indoor air conditioning flow during summer months.

3. Think about adding insulation

In addition to sealing up any small leaks, it’s important to evaluate your home’s air tightness on a few fronts. For instance, consider adding materials such as fiberglass, cellulose or natural fibers to interior walls for enhanced insulation. On the exterior, look at areas like your home’s cladding and consider upgrading to an insulated vinyl siding system. In addition to boosting curb appeal and minimizing ongoing maintenance, insulated vinyl siding, such as Mastic’s Structure Home Insulation System, efficiently reduces air leakage by providing continuous insulation along the entire exterior and covering wall studs that are left exposed by traditional wall coverage.

4. Keep your gutters clean

As temperatures drop, check your gutters to ensure they are completely devoid of leaves and debris so that water can flow freely. If needed, have professional gutter protection installed, such as a gutter protection system that includes a continuous hanger, to reduce the possibilities of ice damming. If melting ice is unable to drain due to buildup, it could seep into the walls and ceilings of your home. Having an effective gutter system installed is a simple solution that can prevent the hassles of gutter cleaning and damage throughout the year.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to better protect your home from Mother Nature’s ways this winter and throughout the remainder of the year.

2018-02-08T13:15:02

(BPT) – It’s your home’s focal point. The site of some of your best moments and the base of operations for entertaining — it’s your kitchen, and no room in your home is more valuable. A magnificent kitchen defines a home, and bringing your kitchen to this level means capitalizing on today’s top trends.

Many of the trends that will define kitchens for the year appear first at KBIS, the kitchen and bath industry convention held every year in January. More than 600 brands attended this year’s event, and here are the five trends that stood out from the show and are sure to dictate kitchen styles for the rest of this year and beyond.

* Appliances that can do it all. As home chefs have become much more refined, the need for kitchen appliances capable of delivering to these expectations has increased. Signature Kitchen Suite, the new-to-the-scene luxury brand, for example, debuted the first-of-its-kind pro-style range with built-in sous vide for the ultimate in precision cooking. The range is among the most versatile available with two extra-high burners that deliver 23,000 BTUs of cooking power and two ultra-low burners to maintain temperatures as low as 100 degrees. This appliance is also Wi-Fi enabled, which means you can monitor and control your kitchen wherever you are.

* Unique backsplashes. The tile backsplash still has plenty of staying power, but the latest trends are upping the wow factor of this kitchen mainstay. From mirrored glass and backlit onyx to decorative sculptures, the kitchen backsplash is becoming the statement piece of any kitchen and a unique way to express your own style and taste.

* Matte black finishes. The standard appearance of kitchen fixtures is taking on a darker tone in 2018, as matte black finishes are flourishing in a big way. This elegant, luxe appliance finish complements any kitchen and is also designed to conceal fingerprints and smudges. This smooth, low-gloss design option enhances any style kitchen, from modern to farmhouse, traditional to contemporary and every style in between.

* Design elements everywhere. Long a place of functional purity, the kitchen is getting a dramatically artistic makeover in 2018. Designers from one side of KBIS to the other were showcasing lavish kitchens complemented with unique patterns, angles and texture choices. You simply wanted to go out and touch and savor every single detail they offered. The takeaway? It is possible to enjoy looking at your kitchen as much as you enjoy working in it.

* Smarter kitchens. New Wi-Fi enabled appliances are helping people control their homes in new ways, allowing for greater convenience — either through the touch of a button on their smartphone or via voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Want to preheat the oven before you head home from work? Done! Need a fresh batch of ice before company arrives? You don’t even have to get up. Forget to turn on the dishwasher? No problem. Choose a cycle and turn it on from virtually anywhere. Smart home leaders like LG have also teamed with food and recipe services such as Innit and SideChef to better assist home chefs with planning, shopping, preparing and cooking delicious meals.

Taking your kitchen to the next level The latest and greatest innovations for your kitchen were on display at KBIS, but bringing them home is up to you. Need more renovation inspiration? Check out new virtual design tools to experiment with different styles and appliance combinations to create your dream kitchen. You may just find a whole new look for your kitchen.

2018-02-08T10:17:00

(BPT) – While everyone would love a complete kitchen makeover, you can still freshen and update the look of this room by taking on smaller projects.

The perfect place to start is the kitchen sink. Most people don’t realize it, but a well-chosen sink has the potential to create the perfect focal point, and transforms the look and feel of one of the most important rooms in your house.

Reasons to replace

Swapping out an old kitchen sink with a new one allows you to:

Update your kitchen’s style — The style of sink should underscore the overall design theme of the kitchen. If you’re opting for a farm-house aesthetic, look for key design details, such as an apron front and a deep, roomy bowl, such as the ones found in the Ludington line from Sterling.

Add function and beauty — When you replace your sink, it’s also natural to replace the faucet, allowing you to choose one that better meets your needs and preferences, such as a pull-down unit or a vintage design.

Improve your work space — Perhaps the existing sink is too shallow to comfortably allow for filling large cook pots. Or, overmount installation makes it difficult to keep the sink and surrounding countertop as clean as you would like. Replacing an underperforming sink with a new one allows you to increase sink depth and create an easier environment for cleaning.

Top kitchen sink trends

Some sink styles are timeless, like stainless steel and shiny chrome faucets. Still, trends constantly emerge in sink design and in how homeowners find new ways to make things like healthy meal prep easier and more convenient. If you’re considering replacing your kitchen sink, here are some trends to keep in mind:

Two sinks for safer food handling — Houzz reports a growing number of builders are including two kitchen sinks in new homes. This design improves workflow and food handling safety. One sink can be used to prepare meats, while the second is still a safe place to wash and prep produce.

Stainless steel still shines — Stainless is the most popular sink material, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). In terms of durability, it’s difficult to beat stainless steel, making it a practical and long-lasting update for any kitchen. What’s more, the finish blends well with virtually any kitchen design theme, whether it’s contemporary, farmhouse or traditional. Options like Sterling’s Ludington series offer deep basins, undermount installation, and SilentShield sound-absorbing technology. Visit www.sterlingplumbing.com to learn more.

Integrated accessories — Of course, accessories can make an already great sink even better, and the NKBA reports demand is growing for sinks with integrated accessories. In addition to built-in garbage disposals, homeowners want sinks with soap dispensers, water filters and hot water dispensers, the organization says.

Stunning display — Sinks with apron-front designs calls attention to the sink and showcases the beauty of the stainless steel. Undermount sinks work with solid surface countertops such as granite, marble or quartz, and attach to the underside of the countertop, allowing the countertops to shine.

Every kitchen needs at least one sink; after all, it’s a critical point in the work triangle. Upgrading a kitchen sink can be a simple, cost-effective and visually appealing way to transform the entire room.