Metro Builders to address trends in home appliances

Metro Builders Supply Inc. has been serving the Springfield area since 1994 with sales of appliances and lighting.

A member of the Home Builders Association's Remodelors Council, Metro will conduct a seminar, "What's New In Appliances," at 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the HBA Remodeling Show.

Although Metro deals primarily with contractors, Assistant Manager Ann Howell said that individuals who are building or remodeling are also welcome to come in and purchase appliances or light fixtures.

Every remodeling project is different, she said, depending on the homeowner's budget.

"We'll ask them questions and give them some ideas. Everybody on our staff is extremely knowledgeable about appliances," she said. "We offer information and ideas and let the customer make the decisions."

"Remodeling seems to be on an upswing," said Manager Doug Howell. "A lot of people are updating their kitchens with some of the latest innovations and appliances."

Ann Howell said the current trends in kitchen appliances place emphasis on convenience and styling.

"Many people are updating their color scheme in the kitchen," she said.

"Stainless steel is very popular right now, and white appliances are always in demand."

The latest technological advance is speed-cooking technology, she said, such as General Electric's new Advantium oven, which uses halogen lighting to cook meals in a fraction of the time conventional ovens require, she said.

Another popular trend is a glass-top stove surface instead of the conventional coil system, she said.

Microwave ovens are being placed over the range for convenience and to save space.

"For refrigeration, we're seeing a lot of the built-in look, where the refrigerator doesn't stick out farther than the cabinets," Howell said.

Metro also carries all kinds of light fixtures, she said, and the latest trend is toward earth tones. "Pewter's really popular, and earth tone colors like cobblestone and distressed bronze."

Howell said remodelers often want new light fixtures or ceiling fans to enhance a room's look.

Light fixtures and appliances can make a big difference, she added.

A dark room, for instance, can be brightened with white appliances and additional light fixtures. "You can change the whole look of your kitchen, whether you want a light, traditional motif or a rustic style."