Happy new year Lovelies! We are back into the full flow of things here at the studio, and we are already off to a productive start this year! This month we are focused on kitchens and baths, which is very appropriate as we head to The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando on Tuesday, January 9th
This is actually the first time we will be attending the show, and I am super excited about all the new trends and exciting products in kitchen and bath design. You can learn more about KBIS here. I will certainly be sharing video highlights from the show, so be sure to follow along on social media. Facebook and Instagram are my platforms of choice
Is a kitchen remodel in your near future?
If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel for this year, January is a great time to start. As you know, the process can take months, so starting early will ensure that your beautiful new kitchen will be ready before the end of the year around holiday time.
We are happy to speak to you about your kitchen remodel, so please schedule a FREE 30 minute discovery call or in-studio guidance session to get the process started. Click here to schedule
Whether you are thinking about a complete kitchen overhaul with a new layout, or just a refresh of surfaces and materials, the process can get overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, not just the functionality and aesthetic, but the value of your investment as well. Let us bring our expertise to your project, and guide you through a successful remodel
In the meantime, here are 7 tips for a luxurious kitchen remodel on a savvy budget
Start with the perfect layout. Determine how you use your kitchen and go from there. The working triangle is a good rule of thumb to get a general layout. Always make sure that there is room near the fridge and range to set stuff down. Plan for adequate counter top space; especially for a busy household. An island is a great transition space between walls of cabinetry. Carve out a desk area if possible, or a breakfast bar if your kids like to hang out with you while you cook. Maybe you want the kids to be independent – make the microwave accessible to the little ones by incorporating it into the island, and even a beverage fridge. Make a list of the key activities that happen everyday in your home, and plan for those activities in your new kitchen. Your kitchen should be all about the way you use it to maximize functionality
Good quality cabinets don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Just a bit of elbow grease with assembling and installing them yourself can save you thousands of dollars. Consider site built cabinets as well. They can be customized to whatever your heart desires. Spring for the extras – deep drawers versus cabinets, spice racks, trash roll-out, soft close, lazy susan…..all the little extras can make your life so much easier; especially if you cook a lot. A painted finish can be less expensive than a stained finish. Include some glass fronts on cabinets, or extra cabinets in the awkward space between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. Don’t skimp on the pantry, or make it an after thought. A good sized pantry is worth its weight in gold. Plan it very well so it will be easy to stay organized. Be sure to choose hardware for cabinets
Choose a durable counter top like quartz, quartzite and porcelain. Granite is still a good choice, but stay away from the speckled looks as they tend to be a bit more dated. Visit local slab yards and you may luck out with great looking remnants at a fraction of the cost. Maintenance should be factored into your decision. Most products will require minor maintenance, while others will require more attention. Choosing two different counter tops can save you money as well. Mix high and low to get the luxurious look you are after. Maybe you have your heart set on the beautiful quartzite that is out of your budget – use it for a smaller space like the island, and use a complementary, less expensive material for the perimeter. Marble is still a good choice if you are ok with some patina over time. It is timeless and beautiful
Appliances don’t have to be top of the line. But if you are a chef at heart and want the latest and the greatest, check out local showrooms and scratch and dent appliance stores to see if there are older models, or slightly dinged models that you can purchase for less. Always get a good quality dish-washer. Trust me on that one 🙂
The back splash is the best area to add that luxurious flavor to your kitchen without breaking the bank. It is a small space, but is often the focal point, and where you can splurge just a bit. Choose a striking, but timeless material to really dress it up. There are literally tons of options available: Glass, marble, cement, porcelain in every pattern imaginable
Get the flooring you really want. If that’s wood flooring; go for it. I hear so many people with a genuine fear of wood in the kitchen. Unless you plan to shower in the middle of your kitchen, a good quality engineered wood product is still a great choice. Think comfort when it comes to kitchen flooring
Plan your lighting even if it means consulting with a lighting designer. Nothing says luxurious that a well planned out lighting scheme. Be sure to include a variety of lighting sources: General cans, pendants above the island, under cabinet lights, natural light if possible
So there you have it: My top tips for a luxurious kitchen on a savvy budget. Our studio kitchen is shown above. If you are local to Houston, come on by and find out more about the amazing products we used to achieve this luxurious look
 Well I am off to go pack for my trip to Orlando.
Wishing You Beauty and Inspiration
veronica
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