In residential real estate, it's kitchens and bathrooms that count -- in more ways than one -- but too often the full significance of their contribution is overlooked and, therefore, full investment potential may not be realized. Consequently, property owners may settle for substandard, even unsafe, living conditions or may concentrate on short-term fads instead of long-term gains when renovating.

Kitchens and bathrooms are value elements that can be responsible for the greatest return on renovation investment. The state of one or both of these rooms may be the deal maker or deal breaker in a real estate sale. The design of this necessary duo can also make a home more liveable, particularly for those facing physical or mobility limitations. Representing the true comfort and luxury centres of a home, do these two multi-function essentials receive the respect they deserve?

These rooms are considered pricey to redecorate or rebuild, so they rarely receive annual overhauls or frequent up-dates, even when they deserve them. In kitchens, modernizing or renovating is often postponed until a major appliance dies. Consequently, these rooms can slip into a time-warp that echos the era when the home was originally built or the owners moved in.

Since home is the centre of our lives and will be more so as the years pass, why do we let the two key rooms fall so far behind technological progress and lifestyle dictates? Why do these rooms only get "made over" when it's time to leave? Why do we feel it is all right to live at a lower standard of living than a buyer is prepared to?

Television "make overs" have proven the power of a new can of paint, an update or two, and tossing out accumulated junk. If a buyer is prepared to pay considerably more for such a superficial cosmetic spruce up, perhaps you should consider sprucing up your kitchen and bathroom so you can enjoy the value of living with their rejuvenation. Aren't you worth it?

Whether you tackle a redecoration project or a full-fledged renovation, think beyond today's "in" colours and "must haves." Colours date quickly and today's cool bathroom pedestal sink may become tomorrow's lack-of-storage eyesore. Think about what might unfold in your life and in your home over the next few years before you reach for demolition tools. Instead of concentrating on "what's in" right now, spend some time tracking projected trends, emerging technology and upcoming shifts, so that you can incorporate key ideas now and rough-in those that you'll want to add when they become affordably available. Tap into pundit and professional forecasts in trade publications, industry magazines, association communications and European markets. Some you'll find online, and others at reference and university libraries.

For instance, this writer, along with recognized kitchen experts, was invited to contribute insight into kitchen trends to help consumers make decisions about their kitchens in KitchenAid Kitchens for Cooks Trend Report. Among the key trends in the free download are:

• The kitchen will continue to be a central gathering place, but on a more social level, as it has becomes the room of choice to entertain guests.

• The work triangle is expanding to provide additional room to welcome the help of a second person when it comes to preparing meals.

• Computer-chip embedded products will lead to materials like chameleon wall surfaces which change colour on demand to match mood and weather, and heated floors that recognize the walker, automatically adjusting room temperature to suit that person's preferences close at hand.

• According to Trend Report contributor Sean Ruck from the National Kitchen & Bath Association:"Although many of the 'green' treatments we're beginning to see in North American have been on the market for some time in Europe, expect to see an even greater increase in the use of materials and appliances under this category as more provinces look to address issues regarding shortages of resources or landfill areas."

• Culinary historian Liz Driver believes steam dishwashers and induction ovens will become commonplace, but that the basic elements have not changed much. "What we have seen are kitchen design and utensils honed to such a peak of efficiency it is difficult to imagine saving any more time through this route, although "smart homes" governed by computers offer the tantalizing promise of remote control."

• This writer contributed trend forecasts that included kitchens as our first Age-Free Environments, where the elimination of all barriers to functionality and enjoyment allow everyone equal access, and kitchen-centric housing that can resolve many sustainable community challenges.

The overriding prediction for kitchens is the continuing transformation from isolated workroom to a central social, technology and entertainment hub used by the whole family. How can you let your kitchen miss out on this transformation?

Published: January 22, 2008

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Strategist and Futurist is The Catalyst -- intent on "Helping The Best Get Better." An internationally-recognized "new retirement" authority, PJ's research, writing and speaking programs focus on decisions Baby Boomers face to achieve a successful future. Author of 6 books, PJ knows that, since home is headquarters for the "new retirement," professionals and consumers need relevant knowledge and insights, along with solid decision-making skills, to protect and enhance this private oasis. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more, visit TheCatalyst.com.