The 97-Percent Solution for America's Kitchens (ARA) -
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Think it’s time for a new kitchen? You’re not alone. An astonishing 97
percent of American homeowners would like to alter their kitchens, according to
a recent survey of consumers conducted by Wilsonart International. Asked what
impression their kitchen makes, nearly a third, 32 percent of those surveyed,
answered, "in need of decorating." Now more than ever, kitchens are
the heart of the home. People are not just cooking there, but socializing as
well. Kitchen-entertaining is becoming an increasingly popular mode of relaxing
with family and friends. "Americans have an obsession with their kitchens,
and because we spend so much time in them, it's not surprising that most people
want to renovate this room," says Ron Gagnon, Wilsonart's director of
design and marketing. Yet, just 15 percent indicated that they plan a kitchen
renovation within six months. And, for a whopping 68 percent of these Americans,
renovation plans will not take place for up to five years. So what can you do to
spruce the place up in the meantime? Wallpaper represents an ideal solution for
all 97 percent of those surveyed. No other decorating component so significantly
alters the ambience of a kitchen as wallpaper, regardless of the scope of that
room's renovation or redecoration. Furthermore, wallpaper represents a fraction
of the cost of new cabinetry or appliances. So, for those who are delaying a
kitchen renovation for reasons of cost, and for those who want to give their
renovation a stunning finishing touch, here are some ideas to stew on and help
bring your dream kitchen to the front burner.
Many collections from S.A. Maxwell Co. offer a stunning tribute to the
importance of kitchens and the changes that are taking place in kitchen décor.
Once limited to fruit-drenched designs and kitschy novelty prints, kitchens now
take on a sophistication of pattern previously reserved for parlors, grand
entryways and living rooms.
Witness, for example, how a zebra print from Maxwell's British Colonial
collection complements the stainless steel appliances, sleek black countertop,
and modern accessories of a contemporary kitchen. Two different wood finishes on
the cabinets and white moldings warm the room, and a tropical monkey wallpaper
border removes any vestige of hard-edge modernity while preserving the overall
contemporary style.
Wallpaper can dramatically alter perspective. Three very different, yet
coordinated patterns and a border from the Maxwell Kitchen & Bath collection
combine to transform the eating area of a more traditional kitchen into a
seemingly high-ceilinged special family enclave. A cheery overall pattern of
trailing sunflowers is installed 18 inches from the ceiling and topped with a
die-cut border in which the sculpted edges of larger sunflowers, against a field
of navy, drape downward onto the wall. A wide stripe pattern rises above the
border and extends onto the ceiling to create a tent effect. Corners of the
stripe on the ceiling are mitred. The sunflower border is repeated on the
ceiling framing a square of a coordinating plaid wallpaper pattern from which
hangs an elegant chandelier.
Instead of traveling to Tuscany, create your own Tuscan kitchen with designs
from Maxwell's Antiquities collection. An overall pattern of little roosters on
a tonal gingham pattern complements the large rooster harlequin border. Complete
the theme with a textured stucco pattern in the same warm brown and copper
colors for the ceiling. Carry the Tuscan theme for room-on-room decorating by
using the coordinating harlequin design which features glints of gold into the
adjoining room.
Only wallpaper truly gives your kitchen décor a unique and custom look that
is yours and yours alone. To explore the possibilities, locate a retailer near
you that carries British Colonial, Antiquities, Maxwell Kitchen & Bath and
other collections by S. A. Maxwell Co., by calling (847) 932-3700 or visiting
www.samaxwell.com on the Internet.
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