Making The Most Of A Favorite Kitchen Feature (NAPSA)—For prospective new homebuyers, the kitchen can make or break the sale. This was determined in a study, Merillat’s Model Behavior: How people act, think and shop in a model home. The study, the first of its kind, am examined the key motivations and actions of homebuyers. The study found that new home shoppers ranked the kitchen as extremely important. In fact, only 3 percent would consider pur- chasing the homeif they didn’t like the kitchen. Kitchen Feature Shoppers Liked Most Certain features caught the eye of prospective homebuyers. This island’s contrasting finish and glass front doors add visual interest, while the built-in sink makes the work area even more functional. Among those features, islands were the most-cited “wow”factor. Why? The island can be a great island adds visual interest.” additional workspace and even netry. In this case, visual interest can still be accomplished by adding way to add style and personality while serving multiple functions such as storage, convenience, comfort. Island Function One way to put the island to work is to incorporate dual-height surfaces dedicated to separate tasks, such as a cutting prep area. It can also be used as a serving or buffet area or for seating at an informal dining area. Adding organizational features is another way to makean island as functional as possible. Pullout wastebaskets, cutting board kits and spice drawerinserts are just a few features to enhanceefficiency. The workspace can become even more streamlined when essentials such as sinks, cooktops or dish- washersare added. style, wood speciesor finish on the However, in some cases, the homeowner may prefer the island to seamlessly match the other cabidetails like a built-in wine rack, open display shelves or glass- front doors. Merillat also offers decorative accents that work to enhance cabinetry style and design with details such as feet, legs, corbels, ornamental onlays and molding inserts. These decorative details can changethe look of an ordinary island into heirloom furniture, turning an average kitchen into something exceptional. Islands for any Kitchen Whether the kitchen is big or small, homeowners of today expect their kitchens to accommodate their busy, multitasking lives. island are a great way to They want islands that can handle a variety of activities, from cooking to entertaining to family time. However, when designing a “A high-end look can easily be accomplished by contrasting the island with the other cabinetry in homeowners are going to live in their kitchens and how they intend to use their islands. Moreover, by Island Beauty Decorative elements on the increase the kitchen’s overall style and personality. the kitchen,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat, a cabinet company spe- cializing in kitchen design. “Simply using a different cabinetry kitchen island, the most important point to keep in mind is how the incorporating Merillat design ele- ments, a kitchen island can become a functional focal point. For more kitchen design ideas, visit Merillat.com.
