HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR APPLIANCES
Creating the perfect kitchen requires balance between style and function. When it comes to selecting your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and other appliances, Tony Dowling of Elmira Stove Works has a few tips to help.
• GO FOR QUALITY. Appliances are an investment, and you want pieces that stand the test of time. Elmira Stove Works appliances deliver many years of delicious meals. “A Heritage range can weigh up to 500 pounds,” Tony says. “They’re not only sturdy; they’re also built around reliable premium components.” While doing your research, look out for reviews from trusted sources such as Consumer Reports for the reliability of the model you’re considering.
• TRY A VINTAGE LOOK. There are many options for appliance finishes, so choose a look that enhances your kitchen design rather than taking away from it. “Incompatible appliances can detract from the design,” Tony says. “Vintage-inspired appliances can add a magical splash to a farmhouse kitchen.” For a vintage or classic farmhouse look, Elmira Stove Works appliances have plenty of vintage charm. If you like the modern farmhouse look, consider stainless steel.
• FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE. “When you’re creating a great meal—perhaps ‘slow cooking’ (not in the Crock-Pot sense, but in the relaxed, unrushed sense) with friends and family, you’ll often spend more time with the appliances than you will at the table,” Tony says. Choose appliances that bring you joy, not only in how they look but also in how they help you accomplish your daily cooking tasks.
COUNTERTOPS
One of the most important surfaces in your kitchen is the countertop. Each option comes with its own pros and cons. The key is to decide what material will best meet your and your family’s needs. Quartz is classic and low maintenance— however, be mindful that it’s not heat resistant, so pot holders are necessary. Butcher block is a great way to get a rustic vibe, and a cost-effective option to DIY. On the other hand, it requires maintenance with regular waxing. Granite is the most popular countertop option in the U.S., mainly because it’s heat and scratch resistant and requires little maintenance. However, it’s not as friendly to the farmhouse look.
MIXED METALS
When selecting hardware, appliances, range hoods, plumbing and light fixtures, think about the metals you’re choosing. You can go with all one metal or mix and match. Brass is a popular choice that will give your kitchen a modern farmhouse look. Bronze and copper add warmth and contrast, especially with white or painted cabinetry. Polished nickel and stainless steel are more subtle but still very classic. When mixing metals, choose two to three that will work well together to give you the overall look you want.
SINK
Nothing says farmhouse kitchen more than a deep, apronfront sink. When selecting one, think about whether you want one or two bowls (the sections inside the sink). This is also a great place to go vintage, if you can find an old sink at the flea market.
BACKSPLASH
The kitchen backsplash serves the practical purpose of protecting the walls from spills and splashes. That’s why most backsplashes are tile or brick—materials that are easy to clean. Try a simple white subway tile for a classic choice, or make a statement with a colorful or patterned tile. Just make sure that the tile you pick reflects the timeless look and feel of your farmhouse aesthetic.