Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview kitchen designers, home remodeling experts, and homeowners who have recently built a new or remodeled kitchen for the following topic:
STAINLESS IN THE SHADE: New kitchen appliance collections are adding a touch of color to the ever popular and oh-so-shiny stainless steel, including new black stainless steel from LG, KitchenAid, and Samsung, Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze finish, GE’s Slate, and Jenn-Air’s Oiled Bronze. This article will explore this trend, if it has legs, and how to incorporate the look into your kitchen. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Monday, June 20.
QUESTIONS:
1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) What stainless alternative finish/product(s) did you choose for your new kitchen and why? What do you like about it? Why do you think this look will last? What is your full name, and city/state location?
2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) Can you cite any new/recent examples of new shades/colors being added to stainless steel besides the new black stainless steel from LG, KitchenAid, and Samsung, Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze finish, GE’s Slate, and Jenn-Air’s Oiled Bronze?
3. How did this trend arise? To what factors can you attribute it?
4. What are some of the features/benefits/advantages of these new stainless/stainless alternative finishes? Why should homeowners consider these alternatives to traditional silver-tone stainless steel?
5. If a homeowner is planning a brand new or remodeled kitchen, to what extent should they consider incorporating any of these new stainless colors/finishes? Which appliances would you recommend in any of these finishes?
6. How should homeowners mix and match materials in the kitchen (e.g., doing the dishwasher and microwave in traditional silver stainless steel, while doing the range and fridge in black stainless) in any way?
7. What do you personally think of these traditional stainless finish alternatives cited? Why are they worth considering/installing?
8. Does this trend have staying power, or is this going to be a short-lived fad? Is traditional stainless steel as an appliance finish on its way out? When/why?
9. What types of kitchens and kitchen designs (e.g., modern vs. classic/traditional) are best suited to these types of alternative stainless finishes? Why?
10. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?
11. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
kitchen designers, home remodeling experts, homeowners
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