Differences Between the Sexes Sizzle in the Kitchen

It never fails that when I first meet with a new client, one of my first requests of them are:  "Give me 3 words to describe what you want this room to accomplish."  I love asking this and then comparing at the end of the project to see if we have accomplished our purpose for the space.

The Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, RICKI, did a recent study entitled, "Top of the Line: Insights into Upscale Consumers & their Kitchens." This analysis consisted of 700 upscale consumers with incomes of over $100,000.  I am giving you a condensed version of the study.


Top 5 Words Associated With an Ideal Kitchen

Upscale Men 

1. Well-equipped
2. Organized
3. Comfortable
4. Open
5. Modern

Upscale Women

1. Organized
2. Well-equipped
3. Comfortable
4. Open
5. Family

Brenda Bryan, executive director of RICKI, says that women are looking for functionality and while men are focused on function somewhat, they really want more power--bigger, better, commercial-looking.

Men and women agree that their kitchen should say something about them but differ on whether it is their favorite part of the house (24% women, 18% men), whether all finishes should coordinate (39% women, 28% men), or whether they would choose features over brand name (30% women, 24% men).

Other interesting facts:

• Men are more brand-conscious than women
• Both will pay more for products that reflect their personal style
• Women love customized storage solutions for cabinetry
• 3 in 10 upscale consumers are more inclined to remodel this year than a year ago

All this tells me that consumers are staying put and investing in the property they have until they can sell profitably.

If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen or bath, call me today, 847-997-2773. 

I can't wait to hear your 3 words...

Accommodating Special Needs for Life

The Baby Boom generation is redefining retirement. They compose 28 percent of the population and own 48 percent of all homes in the U.S.


Instead of selling their homes and moving into retirement villages or assisted-living quarters, a growing number of older Americans are modifying their homes to make them more user-friendly as they age.

The baby boomers now reaching retirement age tend to be healthier and more independent than previous generations, and are not ready to give up home ownership when they retire. The weak economy means fewer Americans can afford the move into retirement facilities — even if they manage to sell their homes in this depressed market. Three-generational homes are becoming more important as people are living longer.

The special needs of the aging and disabled population comprise of common design situations making mobility an issue. By accommodating their needs in a unique and thoughtful way, solutions are given and value can be added to their quality of life and the investment of their home.


Aging-in-place features should include:

•Wider doors, hallways and toilets

•Same-level transitions or ramps instead of steps

•Roll-in showers with wide, doorless entries, grab bars, non-skid tiles, built-in seats and hand-held shower units

•Walk-in closets, casement windows, lever-style door handles

•Waist-high kitchen appliances and storage drawers.

It should be noted that many retirement community apartments do no have these special amenities even though they are serving a market which will need them most and soonest.

Gina Nunes can be reached at (847) 997-2773 to help with your design solution.