New Year Renovation Resolutions for the
Kitchen and Bathroom

Beginning the list of New Years' home renovation projects may be just as difficult as all of the other resolutions you promised for the new year, but proper planning and home improvement materials will ensure your renovations run smoothly.

According to RenovationExperts.com's 2006 Pre-Holiday survey, the most popular remodeling projects to tackle are those for the kitchen and bathroom. But, before you start pulling up the tile in your outdated bathroom and smashing your kitchen countertops, invest some time in learning about new design trends, the materials that you are going to use and the tools needed to install them.

Homeowners looking to purchase new home materials to accommodate the up-and-coming design trends of 2007 are investing in a variety of oversized ceramic tiles and granite countertops.

Kitchen Trends: Granite Counter Tops
Granite countertops offer unmatched durability and quality in the kitchen and have proven to be a wise investment for homeowners. Granite's longevity and beauty bring a sense of warmth and richness to any kitchen.

While polished granite has proven to be a big hit in the kitchen for many years, honed or sanded granite is beginning to make its mark.

According to Marvin Daniel, president of Kitchen Designworks in Richmond, Virginia, polished granite is conspicuous and overbearing in the kitchen. Instead of showy countertops, consumers are leaning toward more subtle and substantial home improvement materials, such as matte granite, in their kitchen.

Though honed granite may be popular amongst consumers, it is not entirely the most practical home improvement purchase. Honed stone is generally more porous than polished versions and therefore more susceptible to chips and stains.

"Polished granite is 99 percent sealed, extremely durable and is still your best bet when it comes to kitchen counters," said Kelley Munoz of West Coast Flooring Center. "It is an investment that homeowners will not regret".

Visit West Coast Flooring Center at www.westcoastflooring.com to find a wide variety of granite countertop styles and finishes.

Bathroom Trends: Oversized Ceramic Tile
Large ceramic tiles are gracing the floors of homeowners throughout the nation and can turn the average room to extraordinary. Environmentally friendly and made of clay, ceramic comes in a variety of shapes, textures and colors.

"Consumers are opting to purchase large and more refined matte and polished ceramic tile styles for a clean and substantial look," said Munoz.

The large tiles provide a refined look that is perfect for rooms with water since they are waterproof, stain-resistant and easy to maintain. Before you begin installing large tile, it is important to consider the size of the room you are remodeling.

"Often times, homeowners think small rooms call for small tile," said Munoz. "Yet, this is not necessarily true."

According to the World Floor Covering Association, incorporating larger sizes of tile into a small space may visually increase the size of the room. Large tiles, measuring 12 inches by 36 inches instead of the traditional 12 inches by 12 inches, offer a cleaner surface cover with fewer grout lines and a no hassle cleaning process.

Whether you decide to upgrade your bathroom or fix up your kitchen, proper planning and expertise will ensure your next home improvement project is complete efficiently and effectively.

This article was provided by West Coast Flooring Center, one of the largest flooring stores offering Southern California flooring services with a wide variety of quality flooring options and other home improvement services. For more home improvement tips and services, visit the West Coast Flooring Center online at www.westcoastflooring.com.