Homeowners prefer islands that can be used for food preparation, seating, and storage as well as fixtures that look like furniture with carved moldings, glass panels and feet. Though stainless steel appliances continue to be fashionable, many homeowners are concealing their refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens behind wood panels and hiding exhaust hoods within fireplace-mantel enclosures.
These high-end upgrades most often are seen in custom dwellings. However, many subdivision builders are beginning to incorporate such amenities as granite countertops, moldings, built-in accessories, islands, and butler pantries in homes with price tags of $400,000 to $600,000.
"The Great American Upgrade," Washington Post (10/15/03) P. 10; Dietsch, Deborah K.