SOUTHWEST FLORIDA KITCHEN MAKEOVERS BECOMING MORE POPULAR

The kitchen has always been the most popular and first area of the house homeowners begin the makeover process. With new advances in eco friendly kitchen technology, new countertop materials and lighting advances homeowners are turning to their local homebuilders to provide the best building materials, appliances and technology when renovating their kitchen. Kaye Homes, a Naples, Florida based builder has witnessed a much higher demand in the makeover market in their Southwest Florida location, and find homeowners willing to invest in their home by improving the appearance and workability of their kitchen. Lighting is a big part of the kitchen makeover. From general lighting to specific task lighting, a well designed lighting plan makes the use and enjoyment of any kitchen a much brighter undertaking. According to the U.S. Department of Energy 41.5% of a home’s energy consumption is from the kitchen, lighting, refrigeration and cooking. So by reconfiguring your kitchen lighting you can significantly reduce energy bills. There are 5 ways to dramatically improve your kitchen lighting. General Lighting – General lighting needs to be bright enough to ensure safe movement throughout the kitchen. Recessed lighting will wash the entire kitchen with a soft, comfortable light. A dimmer switch can be installed to create a softer light and balance the natural light with electric light that will also save on energy bills. Countertops – Most of the work within the kitchen occurs at the counters. Much of this can be in shadow, due to cabinet placement and the individual working in the kitchen. You will minimize shadows by placing more light in front of you and to the sides. Under cabinet lights are the preferred way to light countertops. Island lighting – Islands present an interesting lighting challenge. The preferred way to light an island is with recessed overhead fixtures. Another alternative design, depending on the islands shape and size, is hanging one or two pendant lights over the area. Sink - One of more recessed fixtures should be located over the sink, to provide direct overhead lighting for cleanup and food preperation. Recessed lights work well here, as they can be directed very specifically to light the sink. Cooktop – The cooking tasks require their own light source as well. If you have a range hood that is located above your cooktop or range, the light that is located within the hood may not be sufficient, so adding a recessed fixture to the ceiling to provide direct light down onto the cooking surface is recommended. For other lighting such as display lighting, there are many options your makeover specialists can help you with, whether you need back lighting or front lighting to properly light your displays. Kaye Homes has noticed that their home makeover clients all have different needs and cooking habits, so that all kitchen renovations are customized for each client. When building a new home, it is a good idea to discuss with the builder how you can maximize your kitchen lighting and save energy at the same time. Voted Florida’s best builder, Kaye Homes is Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned homebuilder. Since 1985 Kaye Homes has built over 3,000 homes for satisfied customers. With two model centers in Naples, Florida, Kaye Homes continues to provide unequaled value and quality for today’s homebuyer. Our Personalized Homes present the finest in custom luxury homes, priced from the $600s to $2 Million. Our Performance Collection personifies value for the first time buyer and more price conscious buyer, priced from the $200s to $500s Kaye Homes has a wonderful selection of Showcase Homes available for immediate occuapancy, priced from the $200s to $800s For more information to help you find your next home, please visit us at www.kayehomes.com or call 239-455-1007.