Design Notes
If you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry. Although they have often been seen as a luxury item, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for this option when building or renovating their kitchen due to the benefits it brings to their space. We know that the kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, the place where we enjoy gathering together while cooking or simply socializing, which makes the design choices particularly important. Paneled appliances significantly enhance the overall look and feel of the kitchen, often creating a harmonious ambiance in the home, especially when paired with an open-concept layout. Let’s talk about why they may be a great option for your upcoming renovation.
What are Paneled Appliances?
A paneled appliance is one that has a cabinet panel installed over it, giving the appearance that it is also a cabinet. This option allows it to become part of the cabinet, matching the overall design of the cabinet instead of standing alone. These cabinet fronts can also be fitted with hardware that matches the other cabinets, helping it to further blend into the kitchen. The typical hardware choice is a longer pull that provides a good grip for you and is strong enough to manage the day-to-day usage that will be required from it. Multiple companies now offer a wider selection of sizes for a specific hardware style, which means you won’t be limited in your choices. As a custom cabinetry company, we can create a panel for any of them, even though there are several different appliance models available. We recommend that you confirm with the manufacturer about the appliance’s ability to be paneled, as some may not be designed for this purpose.
The benefits of paneled appliances
There are several reasons why these custom panels are a great investment for your new kitchen renovation:
- Aesthetic
- Increase in value
- Ideal for open floor plans
Paneled appliances create a beautiful aesthetic in the kitchen as they form a unified look throughout the space. While having your appliances on display is not a bad thing, in fact, they can be integrated into the design and look great, there is something special about blending them with your cabinetry. Having the appliances hidden within the cabinetry also keeps the area looking clean and seamless. Paneled appliances are a wonderful choice for kitchens in more luxurious homes. Additionally, this option can increase the value of your kitchen, as it is perceived as an upgrade compared to the traditional look of exposed appliances. For those who enjoy an open floor plan, paneled appliances provide the perfect solution for the design process. Since the kitchen can be seen from multiple areas within an open floor plan, having your appliances covered gives the entire space a more cohesive appearance, rather than having your stainless steel refrigerator gleaming into the living or dining room. Be sure to discuss with your designer the option of incorporating paneled appliances into your kitchen renovation.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
This deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
You love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.






Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking

Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking