Look for these features when renovating kitchen
The kitchen is the focal point of any home. It’s a place where you eat, congregate and celebrate life’s big moments.
If you are an empty-nester looking for the kitchen of your dreams, a parent seeking to match your kitchen to your growing family, or you simply feel inspired to change things for the better, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning.
Your dream kitchen has many details that complete the look. Three popular upgrades sure to add style and substance are granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and new cabinets. Here are a few things to look for when considering a kitchen upgrade, courtesy of the professionals at DirectBuy.
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS You’ll discover plenty of options when shopping for granite countertops. Here are three things you should consider. • Pick your color. You want the countertops to stand out and be the focal point of the kitchen. Choose countertops that are significantly lighter or darker than your cabinets. This contrast will draw the attention the counters deserve. • Find the pattern. Some countertops have a small formulaic pattern while others feature more variety. It all comes down to what you find visually pleasing and what fits your style. • Select a finish. Granite countertops are available in polished or honed finishes. If you’re seeking to create a classy, state-of-the art kitchen, the polished finish is probably the better choice. But if you’re more interested in that classic kitchen feel, consider the honed look.
The best place to get answers to any of your questions is your local kitchen products supplier and design center, where professionals can work with you to determine the best fit for your needs.
STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES Today’s stainless-steel appliances not only look great and are easy to clean, but they are also available in a tremendous range of choices. So how do you determine which model is right for you? Here are some things to consider. • Less is more. How big does each of your appliances need to be to satisfy your needs, and what are your space options? If space is tight, you can improvise by selecting a smaller refrigerator and then have a separate wine and drinks fridge. A wine and drinks refrigerator can often fit under the counter, replacing a standard cabinet. • Energy efficiency is a must. Selecting energy-efficient appliances will save money in the long run. Look for Energy Star models whenever possible, and you’ll cut expenses while reducing your carbon footprint. • Where do you start? If you are replacing all of your appliances, start with the largest one — the refrigerator. What size unit are you looking for? Do you want dual French doors? What about an in-unit water dispenser? Is counter-depth important? Consider these questions in advance to narrow your search.
Stainless-steel appliances have different finish patterns, so select your refrigerator first and then look to match that pattern while shopping for your other appliances.
NEW CABINETS Kitchens cabinets provide functional storage options as well as aesthetic appeal, based on their color and quality. This makes selecting the right cabinets very important. Here are some things to consider when shopping for new cabinets: • What’s your style? Do you love big, bold vibrant colors or are you a person that enjoys the sleek, clean look of polished glass? Decide what type of cabinets appeal to you — and be sure to compare your choice to your appliances and countertop selections. • What about the environment? Want to find the perfect cabinets and protect the environment at the same time? You can do this by looking for cabinets made from bamboo, reclaimed wood or wheat board. • Find new space. Installing new cabinets provides the opportunity to improve storage space options in your kitchen. Floor-level storage is a great bonus, and you can extend your cabinets all the way to the ceiling just by removing the soffits.
The kitchen of your dreams is waiting for you. All it takes is understanding what you want and asking the right questions.
— Courtesy of Brandpoint