Tip #3: Where can I save money and what items are worth the splurge?

Many of our clients begin kitchen remodeling projects in the summer.  Kids are out of school and our commitments tend to be less (for some of us) in the summer months.  Today's client query is one that I hear a lot.  Naturally we all want to get the most for our money in all our investments but where can you save money in a kitchen remodel and what items are worth the splurge?The answer to that is largely subjective as we all have differing needs and priorities.  That said, there are some principles that should never be compromised and those include efficient use of space, safety and the best quality you can afford.

Contemporary Kitchen with standard depth refrigerator.  Courtesy of Houzz.com

Eclectic Kitchen by Indianapolis General Contractors Wrightworks, LLC This counter depth

refrigerator is a much better fit.  Courtesy of  Houzz.com

 SplurgeI must confess, there are some standards in the kitchen industry that are just plain wrong.  One of them is the standard depth refrigerator.  A standard base cabinet depth is 24" (25" including doors).  A standard refrigerator is about 33" deep!  It might look perfect standing solo at the appliance store but it could look like a beast in your kitchen!  Yes, they stick out.  Depending on the layout of the kitchen we can sometimes work around the depth by surrounding the fridge with extra deep side panels and a cabinet above pulled forward.  But if you're tight on space it is worth investing in what's known as a counter, or cabinet depth refrigerator.  This means that the cabinet box will be flush with your counter top and your "stick out" will just be the thickness of the door.  It makes a big difference.  Here GE shows the difference between standard, or free-standing and counter depth.  A standard GE french door refrigerator would be about 26 cubic feet and retails at about $2,100 vs. a comparable counter depth model which is around 21 cubic feet and retails at $2,700.00. Yes, you will have less cubic footage with a counter depth fridge and I suggest keeping the old fridge in the garage if that's an option.  If the kitchen is large enough you can add a beverage cooler.  When water, soda, beer and wine are taken out of the main fridge you get all kinds of space. There is also a third category if you've got the big bucks and that is true built-in or integrated.  Those are even shallower but they are also more than a foot taller to compensate.  Whether you opt for Sub Zero or GE. a built-in refrigerator is pricey but the most visually seamless, particularly if you add matching cabinet panels. 

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets by Other Metro Tile, Stone & Countertops Quality Stone Concepts

This kitchen was created using stock cabinet.  Courtesy of  Houzz.com

 SaveYou can save money on your cabinets if you can keep to standard, or stock, sizes.  Simpler cleaner lines with minimal molding can also save you enough money to splurge on that refrigerator!  There are just two things to keep in mind.  Make sure the quality of the cabinetry you buy is sound and backed by a warranty.SplurgeMany professional kitchen designers will be happy to consult with you on the layout and selections for your kitchen.  An hourly fee is well worth it to have your plan validated by a pro.  In many cases, if you purchase your cabinetry through your kitchen designer, design services are included. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Washington Architects & Designers Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc

Here they saved on cabinetry by selecting clean simple slab doors with no moldings and

they splurged on the counter depth refrigerator and focal point pantry door.

Splurge

You may have heard me say this before but I'll say it again.  Buy a good quality faucet.  Your faucet is arguably one of, if not the most, used items in your kitchen.  Splurge up front and you won't be sorry.  Buy a cheap faucet and within a couple years you will have drips and leaks.  By the time you pay the plumber and replace the faucet you haven't saved anything. If you buy a stainless steel sink make sure the gauge 18 or lower to avoid denting and horrible water spots.

Kitchen Faucets by Bonita Kitchen & Bath Designers Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS

You can get this Solna faucet by Brizo for under $400.

Save

If you've decided on granite counter tops, think about using 2cm material with no build up so that your total cabinet thickness is 3/4".  The minimal look works especially well with contemporary designs.  You'll get the functional advantages of a stone counter top without the extra labor to build up the edge to 1 1/2".  The look happens to be great, especially in dark counter tops.  If funds are tight you can also leave the back splash for last.  The area between your counter and upper cabinets can be tile or otherwise and it can always be finished at a later date.  However if you have enough material leftover from your tops maybe you'll want to use it for the backsplash. A word of caution: if you're using a slide in style range you'll want to make sure it's compatible with the finished height of your cabinets.

 SaveI love unique artsy cabinet handles as much as the next person but did you know that you can spend anywhere from $1.99 to upwards of $50 a piece for them?  Aim towards the $5-$10 for really good quality knobs or pull.  If you happen to fall in love with one of the $50 buggers maybe you can use just a couple for a special area. 

Asian Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Designers John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Focal point hardware is on refrigerator (true built-in).  The rest are simpler designs

in the same finish.  It works!  Courtesy of Houzz.com

 Next up, Tip#4: Granite or Quartz?            

Tip 2: New Cabinets, All or Nothing?

Contemporary Dining Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs When mixing, a total contrast works best.

 Anyway where were we??  Ah yes, I was sharing with you five big questions I get from clients.  The first post in the series was about under cabinet lighting and here is number 2:2) Some of my cabinets are still really good, can I save money and just get more to match? While at first thought this may seem like a great way to save money, usually it's not.  Even if your cabinet doors are simple, chances are you've had them a long time so the color may have changed.  Also, each cabinet manufacturer makes their products slightly different so unless you can locate the original cabinet maker matching will be a challenge.  Styles also get discontinued.  If you're going to use a custom cabinet maker to replicate what you have you might as well just get new cabinets (unless he's a very very good friend).  If you work within standard sizing parameters you can get some very good quality cabinets in today's competitive market.  That said, there are some situations in which you can have the best of both worlds.  Two toned kitchens are very popular.  If you are replacing some cabinets, consider getting something totally different but complimentary to what you already have.  Every situation is unique and it's worth investing in a little consultation with a kitchen design professional to see what can work for your case. The design solution below works because the lighter maple of the upper cabinets is picked up in the flooring.  Usually I  prefer to see a darker finish on the bottom rather than on the top.  Darker colors are visually "weightier" so there is a "grounding" effect when you use them on the bottom. The operative word is "usually".  Never say never as shown in the photo above.  I love it. It works beautifully in this design. Lesson is don't be rigid.  Think outside the box, pardon the pun! 

Contemporary Kitchen by Chicago Interior Designer Claudia Martin, ASID

A word about refacing- Refacing your cabinets means you will be replacing your drawer fronts and doors.  The cabinet boxes themselves will remain including the drawer boxes.  The thing to consider is that most of the cost of a cabinet is in the doors and drawer fronts.  Along with that all exposed surfaces such as the ends and the frame around the front will have to be veneered or laminated to match the new doors.  Depending on your existing cabinets, this could be a very labor intensive process resulting in less savings than you would have thought.  One situation where I would recommend reface instead of replace is if you have already have great countertops which you now have a vested interest in saving. Then perhaps it would be worth it.  Also, bear in mind, a reface doesn't allow you to improve your layout or add drawers. Whether new cabinets or just new doors and drawer fronts, remember that a clean simple flat slab style door is always the easiest on the wallet.Next up:  #3: Where can I save money and what items are worth the splurge?    

My Favorite Under Cabinet Lighting

It's been whirlwind of activity since my great NOLA adventure!  Installations are underway, new designs are being created and the busy summer season is ramping up!  I'm meeting so many new prospective kitchen clients and although they are all unique, many of them have the same questions.  Based on the very real inquiries of my clientele, I will be dishing out my answers and perspectives on five biggies that will give you a head start if you're beginning to plan your own dream kitchen. 

Traditional Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting by San Diego Lighting EnvironmentalLights.com

1) What kind of lights should I use for under cabinet lighting? I love to use strip, or rope, lighting to illuminate the area between upper cabinets and counter tops. This type of LED lighting casts an even glow without the need to worry about placement of individual lights. Because they are LED, you do have to locate a transformer inside or above the cabinets. They are energy efficient and long lasting allowing you to see what you're doing on the counter or simply providing ambient, or mood, lighting. I like to place them under the front of the upper cabinet either tucked behind the face frame or perhaps concealed with molding.  This position will cast light on the center of your counter top. As you can see in the photo above, they are also a perfect option for illuminating the toekick area between cabinet and floor. Not only does this look very stylish but doing this is also a great option for safety and aging in place design. There are many brands on the market with some easier to install than others.  I like the Loox line by Hafele.  In addition to the rope lights they offer all kinds of stylish, functional and efficient options for lighting the inner recesses of your kitchen. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Birmingham General Contractor Structures, Inc.

Some of the newest ways to use rope lighting is to illuminate the interiors of cabinets.  Seems so logical!Up next:2) Some of my cabinets are still really good, can I save money and just get more to match?

10 Etsy Treasures For Your Kitchen

In case you enjoyed a fabulous holiday weekend and are finding the Monday grind somewhat anticlimactic, I thought we'd have a little fun today.Recently I wrote about the value of “the handmade” and the Arts and Crafts Movement of the turn of the last century.  (If you missed it, it's right here.)  It must be a part of our American cultural DNA, we like to make stuff and we like to have stuff people made.  Think of the wedding quilt made by your great grandma or even the home cooked meal.  Anything made with love is imbibed with soulfulness.   The website phenomenon etsy.com is evidence of this love affair with hand crafting.  I’ll be the first to admit you have to wade through a lot of “kitsch” to find the treasures but they can be found.  SO just for you, my peeps, I have uncovered ten treasures for your kitchen.  The Holidays are but a distant memory.  Maybe it’s time to treat yourself or a loved one with something beautiful, original and handmade just "because".  What are your Etsy favorites ?   PS  Unfortunately I have been in no way compensated or influenced by any of these shops.  I just give them my "cool" stamp of approval.  I have however, in the past, been a customer of Pats Pottery and probably will be again in the future, just in case you're wondering. 

Show House Features Tropical Island Living

I hope all you peeps up north survived the blizzard without too much hardship.  As a public service to you I thought I'd serve up so toasty tropical visions to thaw you out.  Read on!  Here in South Florida we’re currently experiencing a phenomenon called “The Season”.  November through April can be referred to as the season.  Our population swells with snowbirds, the weather is usually beautiful and it’s when all the big events seem to happen.  One annual tradition is our very own Red Cross Designer's Show House.  Both local and national design talent converge to show us their creative skill.  This year’s house is located in the historical West Palm Beach neighborhood known as SoSo (South of Southern Blvd) The theme this year is Tropical Island Living.  Each designer, or design firm, is given a room.  They can do whatever they want as long as it fits the theme.  Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. was asked to build some custom cabinetry for the Master Bedroom Suite by Gary McBournie Inc.  We were thrilled with what we were able to contribute and to be a part of this high profile and worthwhile event.  I recently had the pleasure of exploring the completed house and I’m so excited to share my favorites!  Without further ado, Kitchens for Living does the 2013 American Red Cross  Designer’s Show House.         The Designer Show House is open to the public through Saturday February 23rd, so there's still time to catch it.  General admission tickets are $30 (for a good cause) and you can get them on line here.

Mad For Mid Century

If you're a Mid Century product of Florida, like me, you probably grew up in what's fondly known as a "ranch style house".  Our friends over at Wikipedia define the ranch abode as " a domestic architectural style  originating in the United States. The ranch house is noted for its long, close-to-the-ground profile, and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration. The houses fuse modernist ideas and styles with notions of the American Western period working ranches to create a very informal and casual living style."   In addition to the above, the Florida ranch house  usually came in pastel colors with what we call a "Florida room".  This is kind of like a family room with lots of windows. 

Modern Living Room design by Atlanta General Contractor Cablik Enterprises

 Although not as grand as the house above, my childhood home shared several elements.  Our Florida Room ceiling had a similar wood treatment and it also had a stone feature wall.  We had lots of green and brown and that EXACT furniture.  The authentic flooring would have been terrazzo, like ours.  I never knew it was cool then but now it's all the rage.  Think about it, there are lots of these houses still around!  Mid-Century has firmly established its niche in design history and has left its mark on our culture.  We've got MadMen, Modernism Magazine, the website Atomic Ranch and numerous blogs. If you're looking for that 50s vibe in the kitchen, keep it simple.  Door styles were just flat and were either a warm wood finish or painted.  Guess what? Wall ovens with a separate cook top were much more common in the typical Mid Century kitchen.  Today most homes have ranges.Throw in a little atomic patterning and you're there.  If you are really embracing this you can get the vintage look for your refrigerator.Elmira Stove Works has introduced the latest addition to its retro Northstar collection, the French-door refrigerator.  By combining iconic 1950s-style with the modern amenities of contemporary appliances, this new model is larger capacity than previously available in the line.  It comes in a full-depth model as well as counter-depth.  You don't have to get red.  It comes in nine standard colors OR you can even get it custom-colored (for a price, I'm sure).