San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Upgrades for better function, look
Homeowners tackling interior upgrades often focus their attention on two of the most-used rooms the in the house: the kitchen and bathroom. Tailoring these rooms to your personal preferences may enhance your enjoyment of the space, but most experts recommend thinking long term for the biggest return on your investment.
Kitchen considerations
As the hub of activity for many households, the kitchen is a space that commands ef ficient, functional design. Aside from the practical issue of losing access to the space while it’s under construction, there’s another important challenge for homeowners to consider when tackling a kitchen remodel: for maximum return on your investment, avoid making choices that are too trendy or personal.
Design trends come and go, so while a contemporar y update is almost always a good idea, many design experts recommend sticking with classic looks and styles that have broad appeal, especially for big ticket (and big price tag) elements like cabinetr y. Save your flair for aspects like the backsplash tile or wall color, which can be relatively easily changed.
Another area to give special attention is the overall ambiance of the room, which is largely influenced by the light from natural and electric sources. For a room that needs brightening, skylights are a smart option because they free up wall space for more storage and cabinets while adding abundant natural light.
However, natural light from above isn’t the only advantage of adding skylights. Some models, such as a Velux solar-powered, fresh-air skylight, can be opened with a remote control to bring fresh air inside, which helps keep the kitchen fresh and rids indoor air of pollutants from daily activities like cooking and cleaning.
Skylights can be ordered with light-filtering or room-darkening blinds, which give homeowners maximum control over the exact amount of light they want. Plus, solar-powered blinds come in over 75 colors and patterns for customizable design options that allow you to truly make the space your own.
Be sure to ask whether the line you're considering qualifies for a federal tax credit. Solarpowered skylights and blinds are eligible for a 26 percent federal tax credit on product and installation if purchased and installed by the end of 2020. The credit decreases to 22 percent in 2021.
A better bathroom
In the bathroom, modern upgrades are also a smart investment. However, many exper ts recommend considering needs far into the future.
Universal design is especially relevant in the bathroom, where simple adjustments can provide added accessibility for aging homeowners, and these updates can flow seamlessly into the design. This means considering a vanity with a raised counter height and a taller toilet base, which can add stylish enjoyment no matter your age. Other features, like a zero-entr y shower, deliver high-demand design and safety.
Outside of accessibility-oriented updates, upgrading fixtures and adding fresh paint and contemporar y tile can go a long way toward transforming a bathroom. If you find your space is still in need of a boost, a skylight may be the answer. Natural light can be that last touch to bring a space from just OK to great, and skylights in the bathroom allow homeowners to maximize their natural light without losing privacy.
In a space like the bathroom, where ventilation is a top concern, a choice like Velux No Leak Solarpowered “Fresh Air” Skylights provide natural light as well as fresh air ventilation to make the environment healthier. They help rid indoor air of bacteria, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide.
Explore more design ideas to enhance your kitchen and bathroom spaces at whyskylights.com.