Creative Gift Ideas for the 2023 Holiday Season

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season.  In that spirit, we want to share some of the more innovative products that we have encountered and that were tested by Food & Wine magazine’s editors.  We are confident that homeowners In Chattanooga will bring smiles to the faces of friends, colleagues, coworkers and family with any one of the following gifts. 

 

Breville’s Hand Mix Scraper:  For the home baker who doesn't have space for a bulky stand mixer, a hand mixer can be a fantastic alternative. This strong, efficient, and multifunctional option from Breville has a digital control panel is easy to understand, and all the accessories can be housed in a convenient storage container.

 

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL HD9650:  Air fryers are a fantastic gift for home chefs because they add crispy, golden-brown crunch to anything you cook, and they're an easy way to give new life to soggy foods. They're perfect for frying, heating, dehydrating, and baking. In fact, the Philips Premium Airfryer bakes just like a regular oven, and the extra-large cooking surface can accommodate up to 7 quarts of food. In addition, the digital control panel is easy to read, and the nonstick inner surface is easy to clean.

 

Great Jones Hot Dish is a great gift that's as functional as it is attractive. This casserole dish is perfect for lasagna, baked macaroni and cheese, or blueberry cobbler. The large, looped handles make it easy to grab from the oven, and the ceramic construction is naturally nonstick. We baked a ton of lasagnas to find the best casserole dishes, and this one produced perfect results every time — winning it the top spot overall.

 

Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven produces crispy, restaurant-quality pizza right from your backyard. A pizza oven is a fun gift that can add a little variety to your weeknight meals. This one heats up quickly and cooks evenly, so pizzas come out with crisped edges and perfectly melty cheese.

 

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Maple Wood Reversible Cutting Board is so elegant that it can stay on the countertop all day long. Made from hand-selected, American hard maple wood, these cutting boards showcase the rich, natural grain of the wood. Thick and heavy-duty, the high-quality board is perfect for chopping, but it also makes for a chic and decorative serving board.

 

Zwilling Madura Plus 11-Inch Non-Stick Aluminum Deep Fry Pan.  The editors of Food & Wine tested 13 of the leading models, and this option from Zwilling easily bested them all, winning the spot as Best Overall in each of our tests. The nonstick surface is slick and durable, which makes it easy to use and clean. This efficient pan is a game-changer that any home cook deserves to have.

 

Burlap and Barrel Fundamentals Collection offer high-quality spices that produce deep, fresh flavor. The quality of these single-origin spices from Burlap & Barrel can’t be beat.  They're non-GMO and made without additives or fillers. They're ethically sourced and representative of the unique culinary regions they hail from. Any home cook will love this gift bundle's vibrant and pungent flavors with six spices like purple stripe garlic, silk chili, and flowering hyssop thyme.

 

The Kitchen Cube is a smart all-in-one measuring device that saves drawer space, increases organization, and reduces clutter by combining 19 measurement tools in one compact design. 

 

Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet. Food & Wine Social Media Editor Merlyn Miller offered this review:  “I didn't think I'd care about having a luxury cast iron skillet until I started using one. These pans feel (and look) like very high-quality tools, and I can use them for pretty much anything. They're beautifully made, and when I want to give a thoughtful gift to a home cook, they're my first idea.”

 

Need other ideas for the perfect kitchen gift for the foodie on your holiday list?  Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St. 

2025 Residential Remodeling Outlook: A Strong Market with High Demand

April 2, 2025
The home renovation sector is flourishing, maintaining the robust expansion observed in previous years. Homeowners across the country are putting money into homes, emphasizing both functional enhancements and fashionable changes. Projected spending on home improvements are expected to surpass $1.2 trillion, indicating strong demand, fueled by economic conditions, changing lifestyle requirements, and a growing desire for eco-friendly, personalized living environments 2025 Remodeling Industry Forecast: Key Trends & Insights Kitchen renovations make up for thirty eight percent of all home improvement projects, and 26% of homeowners plan to update their bathrooms. 17% of homeowners are expanding homes with additions like guest suites and multi-generational living spaces. 20% of remodeling projects will be on outdoor living enhancements, reflecting the growing trend of creating functional, comfortable exterior spaces. 14% of home improvements will prioritize energy efficiency, with upgrades like solar panels, new windows, insulation, and eco-friendly appliances. 11% of homeowners are investing in storage and organization solutions, like finishing basements or turning attics into usable spaces. Key Factors Driving Home Renovations in 2025 Efficiency and Sustainability: Rising utility costs and environmental awareness are causing homeowners to invest in energy efficient solutions, including improved insulation, solar power, and high-efficiency appliances. Remote Work and Home Offices: With hybrid work remaining a standard practice, many homeowners are creating dedicated office spaces to enhance productivity and comfort. Aging in Place: As more people plan to stay in their homes long-term, renovations featuring accessibility improvements (wider doorways, ramps, barrier-free showers) are becoming more common. Multi-Generational Living & In-Law Suites: The need for additional space to accommodate extended family is driving a rise in home additions and separate living areas. Home Value Appreciation: While property values increase and housing inventory stays low, homeowners choosing to renovate their existing homes rather than relocate, boosting both utility and resale value. Why 2025 is a Great Year to Renovate In spite of economic ups and downs, 2025 is looking to be a hopeful year for home improvements. The renovation sector is experiencing increased stability, especially regarding the availability and prices of materials. Lumber prices have stabilized, and numerous building materials are at their lowest prices since prior to 2020. This makes home improvement tasks more accessible and budget-conscious, enabling homeowners to proceed with assurance, fewer setbacks, and enhanced financial management.

How Kitchen and Bathroom Renovators Can Cut Costs Without Cutting Quality

April 2, 2025
For renovation companies, maintaining profitability while delivering high-quality results is a constant balancing act. Fortunately, there are several ways kitchen and bathroom renovators can reduce project costs without compromising craftsmanship or client satisfaction. 1. Build Strategic Supplier Relationships Partnering with reliable suppliers who offer volume discounts or trade pricing can make a big difference over time. Establishing long-term relationships also helps ensure priority access to materials and better terms, especially during supply chain fluctuations. 2. Standardize Design Elements Whenever possible, using standardized cabinet sizes, fixtures, and finishes can streamline both purchasing and installation. This not only saves time on-site but reduces waste and simplifies inventory management across multiple projects. 3. Train and Cross-Skill Your Crew Well-trained teams work faster and more accurately, reducing costly mistakes and rework. Cross-training staff on both kitchen and bathroom installations can improve scheduling flexibility and help avoid project delays. 4. Buy in Bulk, Strategically For frequently used items like tile, hardware, and grout, buying in bulk at discounted rates can significantly cut costs. However, it’s important to track usage trends to avoid overstocking materials that may go unused. 5. Leverage Project Management Tools  Digital tools that help track timelines, budgets, and labor allocation can minimize miscommunication and reduce overruns. The more visibility you have into the project lifecycle, the easier it is to identify cost-saving opportunities. Conclusion Efficiency is the backbone of a profitable renovation business. By optimizing supplier relationships, standardizing processes, and investing in skilled labor and technology, kitchen and bathroom renovators can consistently deliver high-quality results, while protecting their bottom line. Small changes in how you operate can lead to significant savings over time and help you stay competitive in a fast-moving industry.

Key Considerations for Bathroom Remodels in 2025: A Guide for Contractors and Designers

March 20, 2025
As we enter 2025, demand for modern, functional, and stylish bathrooms continues to grow. Homeowners are prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and sustainability in their renovation projects. For contractors, interior designers, and suppliers, staying ahead of these trends is essential to offering value-driven solutions that align with customer expectations. Whether working on high-end residential projects or multifamily developments, here’s what to consider when planning a bathroom remodel. Showerhead Innovations: Meeting Consumer Demand for Style & Sustainability Upgrading showerheads is a cost-effective yet impactful way to modernize a bathroom. Understanding the latest trends helps businesses recommend the right solutions based on client preferences: Eco-Conscious Showerheads – Water efficiency is a growing concern for homeowners. Low-flow models with aerating technology provide a luxurious experience while reducing water consumption, making them a compelling choice for sustainability-focused projects. Rainfall Showerheads – These premium fixtures cater to clients looking for spa-like experiences at home. They offer an upscale aesthetic that enhances property value and appeal. Multi-Function Showerheads – Flexibility is key in modern renovations. Adjustable settings allow users to customize water pressure, meeting the needs of multi-generational households and luxury home buyers. By staying informed on showerhead advancements, contractors and suppliers can guide homeowners toward solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and water efficiency. Vanity & Sink Replacements: Aesthetics & Storage Optimization Vanities and sinks play a crucial role in bathroom design, blending practicality with visual appeal. For remodelers and suppliers, offering a mix of modern and space-saving options ensures client satisfaction: Dual-Sink Vanities – Popular in master bathrooms and shared spaces, these setups improve convenience and storage, making them a must-have in mid-to-high-end remodels. Wall-Mounted Vanities – Floating vanities create a sleek, contemporary look while maximizing floor space, making them ideal for small bathroom renovations. Designer Faucets – Finishes such as matte black, brushed gold, and polished chrome continue to trend, offering customization options that elevate a bathroom’s aesthetic appeal. Providing a curated selection of modern vanities and sinks enables contractors and designers to align their offerings with client preferences while enhancing overall project value. Bathtub Installations: Luxury & Functionality in Modern Remodels Bathtubs remain a sought-after feature in high-end and family-friendly renovations. Choosing the right model for each project ensures both aesthetic cohesion and functional benefits: Freestanding Tubs – A staple in luxury bathroom designs, these statement pieces appeal to homeowners seeking a spa-like atmosphere. Built-In Tubs – Space-efficient and practical, built-in tubs integrate seamlessly with bathroom layouts, making them ideal for condos and smaller homes. Whirlpool & Soaking Tubs – Homeowners looking for therapeutic benefits appreciate whirlpool tubs with jet systems, while deep soaking tubs provide a more immersive relaxation experience. For contractors and designers, offering tailored recommendations based on space constraints, budget, and customer preferences ensures a well-rounded approach to modern bathroom remodeling. Final Thoughts  As the home renovation market evolves, businesses involved in bathroom remodeling must stay informed about the latest design trends, material innovations, and sustainability considerations. By prioritizing quality fixtures, space-efficient designs, and eco-friendly solutions, contractors, interior designers, and suppliers can enhance client satisfaction and position themselves as industry leaders in 2025.
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