Since opening in 1995, Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring has expanded from specializing in kitchens, to all things flooring, bathrooms and countertops. As a family-owned business, focusing on clients' needs is top priority.

"Our business model is for each designer to measure and design their client's space directly. We feel this creates a bond and allows our designer to get to know you better," says Steve Matteo, co-owner and store manager.

With new trends emerging, it can be difficult for homeowners to determine exactly what fits their living atmosphere. Kitchens and baths are two of the most popular rooms to remodel and House & Home spoke with Matteo to determine what direction customers should take when renovating.

What are some of the more popular new additions clients want when redesigning or renovating their kitchens?
Farm sinks are still the build around item we are using in the majority of our designs. What's nice about a farm sink is that it doesn't have to make your kitchen a "farmhouse" kitchen; we use them in all colors and styles of cabinets and with various countertop materials. Farm sinks can be stylish and functional.

What about master bath remodeling, what kind of trends are you seeing there?
Bathrooms have been the majority of what I have worked on this past year. Larger walk-in showers are more useful in most lives rather than a large soaking tub from the past. We are still using tubs in our designs, but more of the free-standing style tub which opens up the space to a more versatile shower design. Showers with niches and lights inside give you better storage and functionality.

With so many different options of flooring available, how can a homeowner decide which is the best fit for them?
When it comes to flooring, we like to know how you live in the house, because not every floor is for everyone. Hardwoods add value and a natural look to your house but require maintenance that not everyone wants to deal with. Laminate floors have taken a beating due to the way they used to separate and swell with water along with the cheaper market pushing these products and them not holding up. Laminates have made a full turn in quality and durability for the active family. Vinyl plank has been the overwhelming choice for a floor for our clients, the styling and durability along with ease of install make it a great do it yourself product. We really try to ask all the questions to find out which floor might be best for you and your family. Many times people come in with expectations to get a certain floor and after we find out their lifestyle we put them into something better suited for them.

Whether you're looking to potentially sell your house or just upgrade the look and feel of your home, how much can a newly remodeled kitchen or master bath help boost a home's value?
Kitchens and baths are a huge difference maker in selling a home. People want to turnkey houses where they are ready to move in without the stress of purchasing a home and then finding a contractor to work with for a remodel. Kitchens and bathrooms will return upward of 80% of the cost of the remodel and in today's housing market it's producing over 100% of the cost.

Keeping the current trends in mind with kitchens and baths, what are you anticipating will become the next hot item or must-have features in the near future?
Whatever HGTV wants to promote will be the next BIG item! Shaker cabinets, farm sinks, subway tile and quartz countertops are what we have been selling for the last few years directly due to the way they are promoted on all the TV home remodeling shows. I don't see these trends changing anytime soon, other than small color adjustments as we navigate the white/gray world and incorporate blues and other tones into it.

Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring
Woodstown, N.J.
(856) 769-2490 | MatteoKitchens.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 8 (May 2022). 
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