The Keys to a Great Kitchen
19 September 2018
Everybody wants a fabulous kitchen. And
rightfully so. Not only is the kitchen the epicenter of your home, the place
where you spend the most quality time with family and friends, it is also the
room that creates the most value if or when you sell your home. Regrettably,
home improvement and design television have created completely unrealistic
expectations among consumers because those shows rarely include the cost of
labor in their price estimates and they often feature timetables that are even
more unrealistic than the budgets. If you want to create a realistic budget for
your new kitchen, a good rule of thumb is to allocate 10 to 20 percent of the value
of your home, with the spread being determined based on the size of the space,
scope of the renovation and quality of materials selected.
Not all parts of your kitchen are created
equally. The materials that make biggest impact are cabinets, countertops and
appliances. These items set the tone for the remainder of the space and help to
provide direction for other materials such as backsplash, lighting, paint,
flooring, and wall coverings. The Case for
High-Quality Cabinets
We recommend starting product selection with
cabinets, because cabinets set the tone for the remainder of the remodel and
have the greatest impact on the look and feel of the space. Cabinets are also
key to the longevity of your kitchen. It’s relatively easy to replace an
appliance. It’s more difficult to change out cabinetry. If you plan to live in
your home for more than five years, invest in custom cabinets. Custom cabinets
provide the ultimate flexibility to meet your needs and they also can withstand
the test of time. Statement-Making
Countertops
Countertops are where almost every kitchen
activity begins and ends. Because countertops are one of the first things you
see when you enter a kitchen, they naturally serve as a focal point. Countertop
color, shape and material options are virtually unlimited, enabling you not
only to make countertops the functional workhorse of your new kitchen, but also
the ultimate expression of your design and personality.
Investing in high-quality, high-performing,
statement-making countertops makes a lot of sense. Not only are countertops
relied upon for meal preparation, but they are also used for cooking, eating,
entertaining, doing homework, charging electronics, reading, relaxing and
spending quality family time together. Countertops serve practical and
aesthetic functions that can make or break a new kitchen. High Tech Appliances
High-tech, smart appliances can make cooking
easier, healthier and more enjoyable. On our dream list are:
- Combination convection steam ovens
- Commercial-style gas range
- Dual dishwashers
- Smart refrigerator
