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The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, September 29, 1998 - RE3 Kitchens becoming focal point of home activity Kitchens are taking on a renewed importance in the '90,s as they return to heingc the focal points of home activity, say imembers of the Toronto Home Builders' Association (THBA). Morrie Wolfman, president of Paris Kitchens, said kitchens are becoming more family room- oriented as the old-fashioned, open-kitchen con- cept - where the kitchen, dining and living rooms essentially form one Great Room - enjoys renewed popularity. "There is also a trend to entertain at home rather than going out to restaurants; not just because of economics, but because it's more fun and personal. People today, including a lot of men, love to prepare food at home. It's a great couple activity," he said. Regarding design, Mr. Wolfman said many new kitchens feature lighter, brighter cabinet fin- ishes, so that they are airy-looking and cheerful to work in. In addition, there is a strong move toward a "fumiture look" in cabinets, such as the use of solid oak or oak veneers. And "the use of mouldings to create an eye-pleasing look is very much in vogue," he said. "Kitchen design as it relates to function is very important," said Mr. Wolfman. "A good kitchenis comîiplemented by all its parts, includ- ing counters, tiles, appliances, lighting and floor- ing." Functionally, "there is a growing number of convenience-oriented cabinets on the market today, such as cabinets with built-in garbage cans and tray sections for quick and easy storage of utensils," he said. Klaus Bogner, general manager for Normac Kitchens Ltd., said convenience extras can also include pot and pan drawers, and roll-out units. "More and more people are also asking for a slide-out garbage container from Europe that features separate recyclable/non-recyclable waste compartments," he said. "The emphasis today is to make kitchens as usable as possible. Consumers are mu'ch more time-conscious now than in the past and there- fore are willing to pay for convenience. In fact, many of them, particularly empty-nesters, insist on having convenience features," said Mr. Bogner. In terms of design, Mr. Bogner said the clean, European look, which can include frameless cabinets with concealed hinges and obscured handles, and built-in, compact appliances, is in derand. Bill Greer, sales manager for Raywal Ltd., concurs. He said the growing number of work- ing couples in recent years has resulted in a greater demand for kitchens that offer "simplici- ty, convenience and easy maintenance." In new homes particularly, Greer said kitchens are growing in size relative to other rooms because people are spending more time in them. "Kitchens have, in a sense, become family room extensions, in which husbands and even children are more involved than ever before," he said. Cal McCathie, contracts sales manager for Canac Kitchens Ltd., agrees that kitchens in new and renovated homes are generally bigger than in the past. "Many kitchens today feature large windows, high ceilings and walkouts to the backyard," he said. Mr. McCathie added that the colour white is currently "Very, very popular" in new kitchen cabinets and appliances. "We're also seeing more glass cabinets. And centre islands are pop- ular in larger kitchens," he said. The necessity of many European households to use available space and energy resources as efficiently as possible is having a major influ- 'e' Mn ihe dtesî0ign and operation of kitchen appliances in the '90s. Geoffrey Hedges, vice-president and general manager of Miele Appliances Ltd., said his com- pany markets high-tech, German-made kitchen appliances, including ovens, fridges and dish- washers, that consume less than half the water and/or energy of standard North American units. Advances in operation that are making their way into today's kitchens include "convection ovens which use fans to circulate heat, so that food cooks quicker, more evenly and more ener- gy efficiently," said Mr. Hedges. Regarding design, Mr. Hedges said demand is rising for "integrated" kitchen appliances that complement and fit right into cabinetry, includ- ing appliances that have the same depth as adja- cent countertops. "Ceramic cooktops, where the heating ele- ments are hidden underneath, are also growing in popularity," he said. This article was prepared by the Toronto Home Builders' Association as part of its con- sumer information program. Phone 391-HOME for information on new homes or renovation. What you should look for in a furnace tune-up Just as with the family car, your oil or gas-fired heating system can serve you more efficiently and cheaply if it is well tuned and maintained. To help keep heating bills under control, an oil furnace should be serviced annually and a natural gas system every two or three years. To be sure you get a complete job, specify what you want when booking a service call. When the serviceperson arrives, take time to discuss any particular problems you may have noticed and clearly outline the work you expect to be done. Some items that should be included in a thorough servicing of your oil or gas forced-air system: 1) a visual inspection, interior and exterior of the heating and venting system; 2) inspection and cleaning of flue pipe and chimney base; 3) for natural gas equipment, inspection, testing and cleaning of bumer and pilot; 4) heat exchanger inspection; 5) inspection and cleaning of air circulation fan motor and filters, and adjustment of belt and lubrica- tion of motor if appropriate; 6) check of ducts, humidifier and fan temperature settings to assess efficiency of distribution system; 7) on oil-fired systems, an effi- ciency test if there has not been one in two or three years; 8) inspection and cleaning of damper, draft controller and stack controller. Additional items for oil furnaces only 9) replace in-line oil tilter; 10) burner maintenance, includ- ing check of electrical connections and ignition electrodes, replace- IAN OLIVER Publisher General Manager: Bill Begin Real Estate Rep: Kathy McLean Published by: The Canadian Champion, 191 Main St. E., Milton, Ont., L9T 4N9, 878-2341 Fax: (905) 876-2364 Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize and reject advertising. In the event of typographical error, advertising goods or services at the wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. Produced on behalf of the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board. be (anabian Ciampion ment of oil nozzle, cleaning burner fan motor, inspection of pump and check of safety controls; and 1l) check of thermostat for accuracy of settings and a check of the distribution sys- tem to make sure the air flows are bal- anced; these checks are valuable for sav- ings and comfort. When the job is finished, the serviceper- son should clean up and give you a written record of what has been done and any rec- ommendations for further work. With reg- ular professional care, your heating system can give you cheaper service. ampbelville Reaity inc. ..Pyur Mon"r propely specialists! 90 Main Street North, Campbellville (Guelph Line 1 block south of 401) Phone: 854-2294 A RARE FIND - Large century home on approx. 1/2 acre mature lot conveniently locat- ed min. north of 401 at Guelph Line. Has 4 large bedrooms, beautiful formai living/dining rooms with stain glass windows, oak floors, 9'6" ceilings, woodburning fireplace, antique mantle, main floor den, family & laundry rooms. In-ground pool, double garage. The property is zoned "hamlet" permitting a variety of residential and commercial uses. Vendor leaving country, price to sell $279,900. To view cali Sylvia. e-maiî:cviîle@sympatico.ca