We asked the local experts: If you could choose only one “to do” this winter, which home improvement project would be the best investment and the most personally satisfying?

by Melissa Lofaso

Michael J. Siggins, Architect

Redo a room to make the rest of your house feel a bit cozier, says Michael Siggins, a State College architect. Although it’s a hard choice between a kitchen and a bathroom, Siggins suggests taking on the task of remodeling your kitchen when the weather turns colder. “Kitchens are a great place [to improve] because people like to gravitate there,” he says.
Since any project you decide to begin this winter would likely take place indoors, Siggins suggests starting your project before the weather gets too chilly. It’s never too early to begin planning and if you can get started early enough in the season, your kitchen will be finished and ready for wintertime parties and events.

Roxanne Breon, owner and designer, Lemont Kitchen and Bath Gallery

Roxanne Breon agrees that the kitchen is the best place to focus on for a cold weather project. “The most wonderful season for family get-togethers and entertaining is right around the corner with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s coming up,” Breon says. “Chances are, most of the entertaining will be done with the kitchen as the party’s central location.”

Breon, who has a background in engineering, suggests opening up the room as much as possible. “Often I take out peninsulas, add the ever-important island if room size permits, and, not only create better traffic flow, but visually increase the size of the room by taking out what cuts the space in half.”

Beyond entertainment, Breon says that a properly designed kitchen can bring the family together. “[Kitchens] have become important spaces in the home, integrating family life and activity in this age of busy schedules and mobile lifestyles.”

Linda Reed Friedman, American Society of Interior Designers

The best investment you can make, suggests Linda Friedman, is cleaning the clutter out of your home this winter. Straightening up would make your house look and feel more welcoming. “Personally, I find that an orderly space creates a more peaceful and visually stimulating environment,” she says.
Although Friedman is today more focused on her business coaching work than on interior design, she sees a relationship between the two worlds. “As a coach, organization is key not only in my life but in the lives of the people I am working with,” she says.

There are many ways to go about organizing your home. The ancient oriental art of feng shui (rearranging items in your home in relation to energy) is a popular way to tidy up and improve your health. Buying file cabinets, closet organizers and baskets to keep your work and living spaces simplified will help the de-clutter process.

“You can never be too organized,” says Friedman, “so I would take my own advice and buy items to maintain the balance in my home and work areas.” – SCM