Kitchens - Go Big or Go Home!
Ah, kitchen renovations are happening everywhere these days. Having updated (that’s being kind, I completely have gutted and remodeled four of my own kitchens in the past 7 years) has been a sometimes daunting task, but in the end I loved the results. Here are some tried and true considerations to make when updating your kitchen. Take it to the top with . . .
Cabinets
Whenever possible, raise cabinets to the ceiling as well as backsplash tile. It’s a richer look and you’re already spending the money, so why not take it to the top where your walls meet your ceiling?
As a vertically challenged person myself, I convince others in this position who fear not being able to reach so high up in their kitchen that a two or three step stool can do the trick. You can store less frequently used items in the upper cabinets so you don’t have to climb up and down on a daily basis.
Range Hoods
A statement hood is always a welcome addition in a kitchen. If possible, stash your microwave in an island or above a wall oven and make your stove a statement in your kitchen with a stylish hood and backsplash.
Backsplashes
Bringing backsplashes to the ceiling also accentuates the height of a ceiling and adds greater appeal to the wall. There are some tried and true tiles that are cost effective and will never go out of style, like ceramic or porcelain subway tiles. What you can save here can be applied to cabinet features or countertop options.
Open Shelving
Personally, I love the look of open shelving instead of upper cabinets or in addition to when warranted. Many fear that open shelving will never remain organized and therefore look messy. I disagree. Having had open shelving in three of my kitchens, it is a cinch to simply place items where they belong. Buy all white dishes, uniform glassware and you’re in business.
Lighting
Choosing a task and ambient lighting in your kitchen is an easy way to upgrade a room at a lower cost. Lighting can date a room almost more than any other aspect of a home. Think of function (lighting over kitchen sink, recessed dimmable lighting) as well as for visual interest and appeal (fixture over dining area as well as a kitchen island).
I’ve had great success finding unique lighting fixtures through Etsy and even Facebook Marketplace. Don’t forget your local lighting stores as well as the big box options as well. Great lighting options can be found in many places these days.
Countertops
This is usually a big spend after cabinets. In a more traditional home, I love a wooden countertop that can be more affordable (IKEA butcher block options) or not (maple). One way to keep costs reasonable is to use a butcher block on an island or quartz or marble on the remaining countertops for an updated look.
Appliances
You can go crazy here. I did once and probably won’t again. It depends on if it’s worth it to you or not, the style of your home, resale value, etc. I’ve had the Sub Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, etc. and they’re excellent products. So are GE Profile series among others. Up to you. Stainless steel has been a safe bet for years now, however, if you have white cabinets, white appliances can work well -- same for darker cabinets when black appliances. It’s more common now to see some colorful retro appliances in kitchens as well. Just be sure you won’t tire of this look and want to repurchase anytime in the not so distant future.
There’s no doubt that there are many decisions that go into remodeling a kitchen. They’re costly decisions as well however, when thinking about selling a home (at some point) kitchens help to sell them. No doubt.
Loving your home’s interior space is more important than ever. Contact Nancy at nmichaels@nancymichaelsinteriors.com if you would like to schedule a 20 minute virtual consultation to discuss how she can help you fall in love again with your home.