Time for a do-over
Table Spreads for every occasion
Photography by: Joe Saba and Submitted Photos
Compiled by: Greg Seiter
A note from the editor: These days more homeowners looking for a change are choosing to refurbish existing properties rather than custom build. The possibilities with remodeling are nearly as endless as starting from scratch, and the rewards, such as avoiding stressful moves and volatile real estate markets, can be much higher. Thus, with the Winter 2010 issue, South magazine began a series exploring the trends in major home remodeling. In this issue, we explore kitchens.
Thanks to a sluggish U.S. economy over the last year and a half, many companies have been forced to rethink and in some cases, remodel their business philosophies.
That’s certainly been the case at Distinctive Kitchen and Bath in Greenwood as the effects of a global recession have equated to a significant drop-off in local new home construction numbers.
However, a change in focus from new home interior design to the refurbishing of décor within existing structures hasn’t necessarily been a negative transformation for Distinctive Kitchen and Bath President and owner Chris Alspach. In fact, the retooled business approach has allowed the 14-year-old company to capitalize on a market shift that actually seems to favor remodeling projects.
“It used to be that 70 percent of our business was in new construction, but last year, we may have done 10 homes,” Alspach said. “Now, 95 percent of our business is in remodeling.
“People are very price conscious and because of that, remodeling is definitely hot.”
One apparent hot spot target for in-home remodeling these days seems to be in the kitchen, where the utilization of simple and symmetrically aligned box-shaped cabinetry has traditionally proven to be an efficient way to maximize food-prep area storage capacity. That trend continues to some extent today. However, cabinets themselves are changing in appearance and purpose and in a growing number of cases, are as much of a focal point for kitchen remodelers as are countertops, flooring and appliances.
“Straight-line, one-level cabinetry is gone,” Alspach said. “The trend now is to stagger them up and down as well as in and out.”
Founded in 1996 as a cabinet shop, Distinctive Kitchen and Bath, which is now a full-service remodeling business, specializes in providing custom Amish cabinetry made of solid hardwoods that include oak, hickory, cherry and two varieties of maple.
“People are much more interested in the appearance of their kitchen cabinets these days and seem to be looking for more of a furniture look,” he said. “In fact, because we’re doing things like taking cabinet doors off in order to allow for everything from computers to docking stations to televisions in kitchens, we’re actually losing cabinet space in some cases.”
Cindy Pond, general manager of Cabinets by Nichols in Bargersville, is seeing the same trends.
“People are looking for products that add organization, value and style,” she said. “Today, you might see a slide-out tray, a holding area for spices, a place for lids or maybe even a storage area for cookie sheets in a cabinet.
“It’s all about design and functionality.”
While Pond insists that medium to dark wood tones are still often requested when it comes to kitchen cabinet finishing, she also says that non-traditional paint colors and stains are growing in popularity.
“Cherry is our most popular type of wood followed by anything painted,” she said. “We have a wide variety of standard colors and stains, but we can also customize based on the colors of wall paint, granite or tile used elsewhere in a kitchen.
“The possibilities are almost endless.”
Based on the variety of colors being incorporated in today’s kitchen décor, there almost has to be an infinite number of alternatives.
According to “Best Kitchen Trends For 2010,” an online article written by Maria Polidoro for Ezine Articles, vivid blues, oranges and even corals are particularly popular selections for tiles, back splashes and wall paint.
However, not all kitchen walls are being painted.
“We’re moving a lot of walls, including supporting wall, and putting beams in,” Alspach said. “People are getting away from separate kitchens and dining rooms and doing what they can to make the overall kitchen area larger.”
Despite the race for more space, kitchen islands continue to have an ongoing appeal.
“Because society is so busy today, islands with seating around them are more convenient for people who are always on the run,” Alspach said. “If there’s enough room, some people request two islands, one for cooking and food prep and the other to eat on.”
But ultimately, kitchen remodeling trends indicate that homeowners want their kitchens to be open and spacious.
“In many cases, the kitchen is now the focal point of a house, and people want a nice, open, circular plan, if possible,” Pond said. “You don’t want a peninsula anymore. You don’t want to trap people in the kitchen.”
Rather than opting for an island or two, some traditionalists continue to utilize dining tables in their kitchens.
“Counter-high dining tables have been around for years, and they’re still popular,” said Ron Parsons, sales consultant at Gerdt Furniture in Southport. “They’re generally the same level as kitchen countertops, and when you have an open-room concept, you can watch TV, keep an eye on the kids and monitor what’s going on in the living room while you sit around the kitchen table and have a bite to eat.
“Oak and cherry finishes are popular, but we’re also starting to see an emergence in the popularity of stone tops.”
Perhaps that’s no coincidence.
Local remodelers say that while granite is still often requested for kitchen countertop remodeling projects, quartz is gaining a stronghold in the local marketplace.
“Quartz is very popular now,” Alspach said. “While granite is like rock, the product being used is approximately 93 percent quartz and 7 percent resin.
“What’s great about quartz is that it doesn’t allow for the growth of bacteria. It’s very safe for food preparation.”
He also said laminates, many of which closely resemble granite, are still the preferred choice for some.
“Here again, solid surfaces have taken a back seat because of the incorporation of colors.”
Going green is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens today and not so much because of the color itself but because of the eco-friendly concept the word “green” represents.
In her online article, Polidoro, who is president of Ace Tool Online, says that a few minor changes can really have an impact on the environment.
In fact, she believes the incorporation of materials like recycled glass countertops or formaldehyde-free bamboo for work surfaces and flooring are trendy options along with built-in recycling centers and food composters.
While stainless steel appliances are still popular, Alspach says other finishes are beginning to gain market share.
“We used to see a lot of white, black or almond before the big transition to stainless steel, but now, even that seems to be fading a little,” he said. “Oil-rubbed and bronzed finishes are doing well. I’ve even seen red and blue finishes.
“The traditional kitchen and its colors are fading away.”
Stainless steel undermount and cast iron sinks continue to be a mainstay in the marketplace, while tile and wood remain popular selections for kitchen flooring.
“I’ll bet nine out of the 10 sinks we do are undermount because people like to have the ability to scoop things right off the counter and directly into the sink,” he said.
As far as anticipated future trends in kitchen remodeling goes, Alspach expects to see even more of a consumer demand for what he refers to as integrated appliances.
“I think we’re going to continue to see a lot of smaller appliances being used inside cabinetry,” he said. “Look for things like built-in coffee makers and even warming drawers, which don’t cook food items but are simply used to keep things warm.”
For those considering a remodeling project, Alspach has some advice.
“The thing I recommend most to consumers is that they go with a remodeler who will be on the job each day,” he said. “Use referrals and get to know the people who will be on your job.
“I don’t believe in initially tearing somebody’s house up and then making them wait till all the products are in. I’d rather be late in starting a remodeling job than to unnecessarily stretch it out for several weeks, and I’m sure most consumers feel the same way.”
- March 19
“The Mikado”
, Clowes Memorial Hall - March 19
“Coffee Talk: A discussion group for twenty and thirty-somethings”
7 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - March 20
“Easter Egg Craft Bag”
10 a.m. to Noon, Beeson Hall at the Franklin Cultural Arts and Recreation Center - March 20
“The Elegant Vintages Twelfth International Wine Auction”
5 p.m., Conrad Hotel, Indianapolis - March 20
“Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit”
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - March 20
“Going Green Festival ”
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Indiana State Museum - March 20
“Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit”
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - March 20
“Easter Egg Craft Bag”
10 a.m. to Noon, Franklin Parks & Recreation - March 20
“Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Special Event – The Music of Pink Floyd”
8 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre - March 20
“The Elegant Vintages 12th Annual Wine Auction”
, Conrad Hotel, Indianapolis - March 20
“Gabriel Iglesias”
7 p.m., Murat Theatre - March 20
“A Celebration of Spring”
, Salt Creek Golf Retreat, State Road 46 West, Nashville - March 21
“Indiana State Button Show”
, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Columbus - March 21
“Indiana Flower & Patio Show”
Times Vary, Indiana State Fairgrounds - March 21
“Indy 1500 Gun & Knife Show”
Times Vary, Indiana State Fairgrounds - March 21
“Winter Warm-up Weekend”
Noon to 6 p.m., Mallow Run Winery - March 21
“Seed Starting for Kids”
3 - 3:45 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - March 21
“Heirloom Seed Starting”
1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - March 22
“Going Solo: The Year of Magical Thinking”
, Indiana Repertory Theatre - March 23
“Yo-Yo Ma”
8 p.m., IU Auditorium - March 23
“Nurturing Your Health: Learn to Relax with Qigong”
6:30 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - March 24
“David Gray”
7:30 p.m., Murat Theatre - March 24
“Dining with Diabetes Series”
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - March 25
“Random Film Festival: Surf's Up”
3:30 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - March 26
“Spring Bulb Show”
Times Vary, Garfield Park Conservatory - March 26
“Late Night in Genealogy”
6 pm to midnight, Johnson County Museum of History - March 27
“Historic Artcraft Theatre - “Blue Hawaii””
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - March 27
“Columbus Bluegrass Jamboree”
4 p.m., Donner Center, Columbus - March 27
“Columbus Philharmonic: Carmina Burana”
7:30 p.m., Erne Auditorium at Columbus North High School - March 27
“Guided Conservatory Tour”
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - March 27
“Blue Hawaii”
Times Vary, Historic Artcraft Theatre - March 27
“5th Annual Civil War Spring Drill”
12-3:30 p.m., Indiana State Museum - March 27
“Greenwood Parks & Recreation Department's Annual Easter Egg Hunt”
10 a.m., Craig Park - Main Shelter - March 27
“Fourth annual Women in Art Market”
, Eiteljorg Museum - March 27
“Basic Pruning”
, Indianapolis Museum of Art - March 28
“Butler Symphonic Band”
3 p.m., Clowes Memorial Hall - March 28
“12th Annual Spring Indianapolis Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show”
Times Vary, Indiana State Fairgrounds - March 28
“Green Fest Indy”
Times Vary, Indiana State Fairgrounds - March 28
“Printing Partners Pops Series - “The Wizard of Oz” with Orchestra”
Times Vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - March 28
“White River Gardens' Butterfly Exhibit”
, white River Gardens - Indianapolis Zoo - March 30
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid Day”
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - April 1
“Chef’s Table Series”
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - April 1
“Craft Classes”
, Greenwood Community Center - April 3
“Brown County Chamber of Commerce Sock Hop”
7 p.m., The Old Golf Club - April 7
“Punch Brothers”
7:30 p.m., IU Auditorium - April 9
“Carrie Underwood”
7:30 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse - April 10
“Historic Artcraft Theatre - “Treasure Island””
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - April 10
“Lilly Classical Series – Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2”
Times Vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - April 10
“Treasure Island ”
Times Vary, Historic Artcraft Theatre - April 10
“Youth Gardening”
1 to 2 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - April 10
“Spring Craft Show & Sale”
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Donner Center, Columbus - April 10
“Grey Goose Antique”
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - April 11
“Becky’s New Car”
, Indiana Repertory Theatre - April 14
“Barbie The Fashion Experience”
, Indianapolis Children's Museum - April 16
“Indianapolis Indians”
7 p.m., Victory Field - April 17
“Forensics of an Assassination”
Times will vary, Indiana State Museum - April 17
“Symphonic Hits powered by Lilly – Dvorák’s “New World” Symphony”
Times vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - April 17
“Indiana Caledonia Pipe Band”
10 a.m. to Noon, Indiana State Museum - April 18
“Swan Lake”
Times will vary, Clowes Memorial Hall - April 18
“Orchid Show”
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - April 18
“St. Vincent Family Series – Peter and the Wolf”
2:30 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre - April 18
“The Republic's 3rd Annual Home & Garden Show”
Times Vary, Bartholomew County Fairgrounds - April 19
“Greater Greenwood Community Band Spring Concert”
5 p.m., Greenwood H.S. Auditorium - April 21
“Inaugural Southside Cooking Showcase”
5 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - April 22
“Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Meeting of the Minds”
9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Indiana State Museum - April 24
“Historic Artcraft Theatre - “Breaking Away””
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - April 24
“Breaking Away”
Times vary, Historic Artcraft Theatre - April 24
“Columbus Philharmonic: Music of the Masters”
7:30 p.m., Columbus North Auditorium - April 24
“Seventh Annual Indiana Wine Fair”
12:30 - 7 p.m., Story Inn, Story - April 24
“Spring Plant Sale by Friends of the Brown County State Park. ”
9 a.m., Brown County State Park - April 24
“Pregnancy Expo: Birth, Baby and Beyond”
9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - April 25
“The Brain from Planet X performed by Buckcreek players”
Times Vary, Buck Creek Players - April 25
“Peter Pan”
Times Vary, Our Town Players - April 25
“Classically Cinematic performed by the Indianapolis Symphonic Orchestra”
Times vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - April 25
“Printing Partners Pops Series - Classically Cinematic”
Times vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - April 25
“24th Annual Wildflower Foray ”
Times vary, TC Steele State Historic Site - April 25
“A Taste of Brown County”
Times vary, Village of Nashville - April 25
“Celebrate Spring!”
2 to 3 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - April 28
“Avenue Q”
8 p.m., IU Auditorium - April 29
“The Random Film Festival presents The Secret of Nimh”
3:45 - 5:45 p.m., Greenwood Public Library - April 30
“Arbor Day Tree Giveaway”
8 a.m., Greenwood Community Center - April 30
“Arbor Day Celebration”
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Indiana State Museum - April 30
“Family as an Art Form: The Photography of Jason Allender”
, Johnson County Museum of History - May 1
“Lilly Classical Series- Waves & Echoes featuring Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade””
Times vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - May 1
“Stepping Stone Workshop”
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 1
“Brown County Spring Blossom Parade”
11 a.m., Downtown Nashville - May 1
“IN Shape IN / DNR Day”
10 a.m., Brown County State Park - May 1
“Morel Mushroom Festival”
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brown County State Park - May 1
“6th Annual Garden Celebration”
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - May 3
“500 Festival Kick-Off to May”
, Monument Circle, Indianapolis - May 5
“Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour”
7 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse - May 6
“Chef’s Table Series”
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Indianapolis Museum of Art - May 6
“Eat This, Not That”
6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - May 6
“Survivor”
7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - May 7
“500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo”
Times Vary, Indiana Convention Center - May 8
“Symphonic Hits powered by Lilly. Brahms’ Second Symphony”
7:30 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre - May 8
“Finish Line 500 Festival 5K”
7 am, Downtown Indianapolis - May 8
“OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Maratho”
After the 5K, Downtown Indianapolis - May 8
“Find Your Pleasure in Herbs”
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 8
“Youth Gardening”
1 to 2 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 8
“Brookhaven at County Line Community Garage Sale”
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Brookhaven at County Line - May 9
“Legally Blonde The Musical ”
Times vary, Clowes Memorial Hall - May 10
“Spring Blossom Arts Festival”
Day long event, Town of Nashville - May 11
“Jungle Tales”
10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 15
“Historic Artcraft Theatre - “The Wizard of Oz””
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - May 15
“Lilly Classical Series - James Beckel World Premiere and Stars of the ISO”
8 p.m., Hilbert Circle Theatre - May 15
“Major Taylor Fitness Fest”
Times Vary, Indiana State Museum - May 15
“The Wizard of Oz”
Times Vary, Historic Artcraft Theatre - May 15
“Master Gardener Plant Sale”
9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 15
“Garfield Park Paper Jam”
1 to 4 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 17
“Greater Greenwood Community Band Park Concert”
7 p.m., Surina Square Amphitheatre - May 20
“Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Meeting of the Minds”
9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Indiana State Museum - May 20
“Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Meeting of the Minds”
7 to 8 p.m., Indiana State Museum - May 22
“Guided Conservatory Tour”
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Garfield Park Conservatory - May 22
“4th Annual Indiana Performing Arts Festival”
Times Vary, Indiana State Museum - May 22
“Before the Shadows Flee”
Times Vary, Indiana State Museum - May 22
“Lilly Classical Series – Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony”
Times Vary, Hilbert Circle Theatre - May 22
“2010 Breakfast at the Brickyard”
9:30 a.m., Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza - May 22
“Indianapolis Indians”
7 p.m., Victory Field - May 23
“Mecum Car Auction”
9 a.m., Indiana State Fairgrounds - May 23
“19th Annual Auburn Spring Motorfair”
Times Vary, Auburn, Indiana - May 23
“500 Festival at the Chase 500 Festival Kids Day”
Noon to 4 p.m., Downtown Indianapolis - May 23
“Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run”
11 a.m., Downtown Indianapolis - May 26
“American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day”
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Indianapolis Motor Speedway - May 28
“Historic Artcraft Theatre - “Jaws””
2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Artcraft Theatre - May 28
“500 Festival Memorial Service”
Noon, Downtown Indianapolis - May 29
“Jaws”
Times Vary, Historic Artcraft Theatre - May 29
“The IPL 500 Festival Parade”
noon, Downtown Indianapolis - May 29
“Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball”
6 p.m., Indiana Roof Ballroom - May 30
“Indianapolis 500”
1 p.m, Indianapolis Motor Speedway - June 4
“Gregory & Appel Insurance's Picnic in the Park”
6 p.m., Greenwood Amphitheater - June 5
“Indianapolis Indians”
7 p.m., Victory Field - June 5
“6th Annual Event Fiberarts Festival”
Times Vary, Johnson County Fairgrounds - June 12
“Furtakers of America National Rendevous”
Times Vary, Bartholomew County Fairgrounds - June 12
“Scales and Tails Fest”
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Indiana State Museum - June 13
“Ghosts”
Times Vary, Buck Creek Players - June 17
“Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Meeting of the Minds”
7 to 8 p.m., Indiana State Museum - June 19
“44th Annual Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Festival”
Times Vary, Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground - June 19
“ICC Summer Choral Festival”
3 p.m., Clowes Memorial Hall - June 19
“Girlfriend Ride ”
10 a.m., Columbus - June 20
“Rods for Riley - Car show”
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds - June 25
“Multicultural Indiana: Teaching About Hoosier Diversity”
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Indiana State Museum - June 26
“4th of July Celebration”
7 p.m., Surina Square Amphitheatre - June 27
“18th Annual Indian Market and Festival”
Times Vary, Eiteljorg Museum - June 28
“12th Annual Brown County "Studio & Garden Tour!"”
Times Vary, Various locations throughout Brown county - June 29
“Michael Bublé”
8 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse - July 3
“Jersey Boys”
Times Vary, Murat Theatre - July 11
“Pops in the Park”
, - July 11
“Pops in the Park”
7:30 p.m., Mill Race Park, Columbus - July 19
“Greater Greenwood Community Band Park Concert”
7 p.m., Surina Square Amphitheatre - July 24
“Johnson County Indiana 4-H & Agricultural Fair ”
Times Vary, Johnson County Fairgrounds - August 8
“Alice in Wonderland Junior”
Times Vary, Buck Creek Players - September 18
“22nd annual Hope Ride”
, Hope, Ind.
