By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
The Home Design Center staff at S.W. Collins, Inc. in Caribou is encouraging anyone who may be considering a kitchen remodeling project but are in need of ideas to attend Aroostook County’s first Kitchen Home Tour on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter in Presque Isle.
The event promises to showcase some of the area’s finest kitchens, designed by the S.W. Collin’s kitchen and bath designers. The self-guided tour will allow for an opportunity to view kitchens in Presque Isle, Caribou and Fort Fairfield, that feature granite and quartz countertops; designer hearth hoods; stylish tile backsplashes; painted and glazed cabinetry, as well as the latest in kitchen gadgetry.
Of particular interest during the tour will be a home and kitchen designed for a quadriplegic. This home, when completely finished will be fully automated with the opening of windows and blinds operated from the owner’s cell phone. This home also features a custom tile roll-in shower and a unique specialty designed concrete vanity countertop in one bathroom. The cherry wood cabinets, granite countertop and the tile flooring in the kitchen will also draw viewer’s attention.
Another home on the kitchen tour creates the feel of a hacienda with all its beautiful tile. This kitchen boasts cherry wood cabinets with nutmeg stain accented by a chocolate glaze. The cabinetry has many special features including pull-outs, highs and lows, large crown molding, two large pantries, granite countertops and tile. Spectators will also enjoy viewing the butler’s pantry.
According to the kitchen and bath designers, these are just a small sample of what is in store on what they hope will become an annual event. Each kitchen on the tour represents varied styles of design allowing those interested in kitchen remodeling or new construction, a hands-on tour to help with visual planning.
Only 50 tickets will be sold to the event and may be purchased for $25 at any of the S.W. Collins locations: Caribou, 496-0103; Presque Isle, 764-2720; or Houlton, 532-2263.
