Multi-Housing News - July 2009 - (Page 23)

kitchen & bath Color vs. Neutral Command a higher rent with targeted surfaces and countertops By Lisa Iannucci, Contributing Editor When Eric Brown bought and rehabbed Michigan’s Urbane Apartments in 2003, he designed the 1960s vintage rentals with black appliances, metal kitchen cabinets and affordable sleek European furnishings. The rentals also include energy-efficient appliances, environmentally sound bamboo flooring, laminate kitchen countertops and granite breakfast bars. These design decisions were made to attract young renters—ages 24 to 32—and he hopes others who operate apartments will follow suit, especially when it comes to adding splashes of color to a unit. “Hopefully other apartment operators will understand that there are colors other than white,” says Brown, who owns 16 communities and 400 units, including compact studios, onebedrooms and a handful of two-bedroom apartments. “I think it’s a huge mistake to design all with white when people want color. People use white because it’s less expensive, not because any demographic wants it that way. We know if we add color, we’ll command a higher rent.” When it comes to designing for a certain demographic, Nancy Jackson, president of Architectural Systems, Inc. says that in her experience, designing a building means selecting neutral colors because it appeals to a broad range of tastes, but she can see using different designs and colors for a building that skews younger. “If you stick with the neutrals, you’re always safe,” says Jackson. “For younger people, they like clean, cool, monolithic design.” Younger renters are more environmentally conscious, so sustainable design products are important to this resident. For example, Jackson suggests designing with crystallized glass stone slabs and tiles that are made from recycled-glass materials. Jackson says that the product is great for a loft-type apartment; it’s durable and easy to maintain and it has that “wow” factor. The tiles can be used for wall surfaces, flooring and countertops. The smooth, non-porous surface is luminous and subtly reflective, creating a monolithic aesthetic for any classic design. “There’s a growing awareness and demand for recycled products,” says Jackson. “There’s a tremendous marketing advantage to having products that are sustainable. Manufacturers are being pressured to rethink processes and how they’ve done business, and to develop ways to be more environmentally conscious.” Designing for an older resident, say a baby boomer, requires a different type of thinking. “This age group wants the pleasure without the pain,” says Jackson. “They don’t want to worry if their grandchildren show up and spill their wine. They also entertain more, so they want a hard-working surface.” An agglomerate stone would be perfect for this demographic, says Jackson. “It looks like stone, but it’s easier to maintain than a natural product.” The stone is engineered using natural marble and quartz mixed with polyester resins. It’s so durable that it can be used as a flooring solution for commercial projects. Of course, Jackson reminds managers and owners to weigh the pros and cons when using an environmental product. “Bamboo is the original popular green surface because most people are familiar with it,” says Jackson. “It’s mainly grown in China and transported around the world, but transporting it takes up the carbon footprint. ” The Embossed Wood – Geometrix Collection is a new surface material for kitchen cabinets that combines style with green attributes. “It’s innovative and sustainable, and it received the Blue Angel certification, which is the first worldwide certification for environmentally friendly products with no added ureaformaldehyde,” says Jackson. She notes that there’s a marketing advantage for buildings that are including green amenities, regardless of its demographics. To help understand the market of your buyer or renter, work with a professional design firm who can not only understand your market, but also understand your budget and make sure your budget is realistic for your goals. MHN 1 2 3 Dupont Corian [1] recently unveiled its Arctic Series, its newest translucent surface collection, which allows more light to pass through than the company’s other solid surface colors. Available in half-inch thicknesses in five new colors— Blueberry, Mint, Strawberry, Lime or Ice—the surface’s color can be enhanced or minimized depending on the strength and color of the light source (surfaces.dupont.com)…Vetrazzo LLC [2], which recently received an EPA award for its surfaces, has released four new earth-tone colors: Champagne Flint, Margarita Flint, Martini Flint and Porter Flint. The collection combines 100 percent recycled glass in a cement-based, resin-free binder (www.vetrazzo.com)…Architectural Systems, Inc.’s Embossed Wood – Geometrix Collection textured surfaces [3], which are Blue Angel-certified and contribute to LEED credits, have no added urea-formaldehyde. The collection is available single- or double-sided, in four wood veneers—Light Oak, Dark Oak, Walnut and Teak— black and a lacquerable foil, as well as 11 patter ns (www.archsystems.com). To comment, e-mail erika.schnitzer@nielsen.com See Homasote 4400 SoundBarrier, and other product introductions, at MHN’s Online Product Gallery. Visit www.multi-housingnews.com/productgallery. www.multi-housingnews.com | July 2009 23 http://surfaces.dupont.com http://www.vetrazzo.com http://www.archsystems.com http://www.multi-housingnews.com/productgallery http://www.multi-housingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - July 2009

Multi-Housing News - July 2009
Contents
From the Editor
Executive Insight
Market Pulse
Profile
Market Report
Management
Case Study: Luxury
Finance
Kitchen & Bath
Products & Services
Tech Trends

Multi-Housing News - July 2009