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2 NARI Milwaukee Home Connection • Conley Media • October 2018 Call Today for an Appointment We Offer Free Estimates on: • Bathroom Design • Complete Bathroom Remodeling 117 MacArthur Drive Mukwonago, WI 53149 Telephone: 262-363-7146 www.martensplumbing.com With just one call to our In-House Designers, you can be assured that from start to finish, our highly qualified staff will transform your dream bathroom into a reality! 60+ Years IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD 21st Century continued from page 1 owners definitely gravitate to warmer hues. Many are selecting a warm painted gray finish, a medium wood tone or even a soft driftwood finish. Driftwood gives you that aged, worn, cozy look that many people really enjoy," says Raffensperger. Even if a homeowner has selected white cabinetry, they're often incorporating accents of color and personality through other design elements. "You can add a touch of color with a decorative backsplash, contrasting coun- tertop or patterned wallpaper," says Louis Weiher, CR, owner of Carmel Builders and a NARI Milwaukee board member. "We're actually doing a lot of walls in the kitchen and bathroom that utilize bold wallpaper." Lighting also offers an opportunity to infuse panache into a kitchen and enter- taining space. Pendant lights are no longer just a task light over the island, dining table or bar, they're now artful additions to the room. There are literally thousands of choices that range from retro-industrial to hand- blown glass to geometric shapes. LED under-cabinet lighting is a must for task work but when dimmed adds subtle ambience by producing a soft glow that accentuates countertops. Not so subtle are smart bulbs that can amp up a party or Packer game since they change colors and can be synched to music. According to Christopher Wittmann, CR, who specializes in exteriors for Callen Construction, bringing in natural light is another frequent remodel request. "Window walls, skylights and bay win- d ows deliver natural light while opening up the home to the outdoors. I tell clients for- get their outdated perceptions of skylights! They've really advanced over the years and now operate at the touch of a button. Some even have rain sensors and close automati- cally in case of inclement weather. " A Bathroom Oasis After a long day, who doesn't want to unwind and experience pampering in their own home? "Clients are looking for a respite from daily life, so having a luxurious bathroom where they can relax and de-stress is a common request," says Raffensperger. Walk-in showers, steam showers, free- standing soaking tubs, radiant floors, towel warmers and chandeliers are just some of the luxuries that are finding their way into master bathrooms. As part of a remodel, homeowners are eliminating the old combination shower and tub and switching to a spacious walk- in shower. For added luxury, they're incorporating multiple spray heads at varying heights that drench the entire body, creating a warm, soothing shower experience. With walk-ins, glass enclosures are popular since they bring a bright, open and airy feeling to the bathroom. A transom window or skylight delivers even more light to the shower area. "We're pairing glass enclosures with really spectacular tile that's textured or has an interesting tone or coloration to it," says Perkins. "We have craftspeople who create amazing patterns and designs with tile so there's a beautiful focal point in the master bath." Homeowners are also incorporating steam showers into their spa-like environ- ment. Steam is said to relax muscles, promote healthy skin and help breathing. "Over the past few years, we designed several 'wet rooms' where a tub is actually placed within a walk-in shower," says Weiher. "It's a water environment that clients can completely immerse them- selves in." Many homeowners are embracing free- standing tubs because they offer a deep, luxurious soaking experience. The tubs are often placed in a prominent location and under an impressive chandelier to make a statement. Exterior Innovations While there's a lot going on inside, homeowners are also investing in the exterior and taking advantage of new products that have been reengineered to provide more benefits and durability. In the past 25 years, siding has seen a number of innovations. Composite siding that's made with fibrous materials can replace traditional vinyl or cedar siding. Specifically, cedar is notoriously suscep- tible to insects and birds, plus requires refinishing. "Today's composite materials stand up to Wisconsin weather. The composite siding has a thick coating that adds to its durability and requires very little main- tenance," explains Wittmann. "For home- owners interested in staying with a vinyl option, new technology has now provided materials that help reflect the heat from the sun so it isn't absorbed into the siding." Homeowners also have more color choices for their exterior. In the past, vinyl and composite materials were limited to light or classic colors. Darker, richer colors like deep grays, blues, reds, greens and browns were limited to painted wood siding. "Because of fabrication changes, con- sumers can now have a wood grain look that's been factory stained in darker, richer colors. You're seeing garage doors, entry doors and even certain siding elements in a wider range of colors," says Wittmann. To make their homes more contempo- rary, homeowners are removing ornate, decorative features like turned spindles and balusters. Instead, sleeker, cleaner lines and contrasting colors are being used to make their homes stand out. "With the new colors, products and enhancements, homeowners can give their exterior a totally new, fresh look," says Wittmann. What's NARI? NARI (which stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry) is a nationwide organization of trusted, proven professionals working in or with the remodeling industry. To become a member of NARI, all contractors are vetted by their local chapters to ensure that they are reliable, accountable and have established good business practices. Additionally, all NARI members adhere to a code of ethics that ensures honesty, integrity and responsibility. NARI Milwaukee is the largest chapter in the country, boasting more than 700 members. "Remodeling is a big decision and consumers are looking for quality and professionalism when they hire a contractor. Working with a NARI member means you're getting contractors who've been vetted by us and are trusted professionals," explains Diane Welhouse, executive director of NARI Milwaukee. "At the end of the day, we're talking about qualified contractors for peace of mind."

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