Life, Styled
You are considering doing a kitchen renovation, but are a little nervous because of what your friend told you when they renovated their kitchen. The project was completed, and they settled into their new space and enjoyed many of the latest amenities. Then something happened. As they adjusted to the area, they thought about something that could have been done differently or that they wished they had added.
Don’t worry, this happens more than you think. It is impossible to anticipate everything we may need or want since our lives are constantly changing and require adjustments. With that being said, we thought it would be interesting to hear from those who have completed a kitchen remodel and find out what they wish they had done differently, added, or loved adding to the plan. Here are some of their answers, broken down into categories. Maybe it will help as you prepare to start your own renovation journey.
Appliances
- Paneled doors allow you to have a large fridge, but it still blends in with the look of the cabinets. *Appliances must be purchased panel-ready
- Double ovens and warming drawers allow you to finish and warm the whole meal easily.
- The microwave, built into the kitchen island, keeps it off the countertop and within easy reach of everyone, including the kids.
- Two dishwashers are especially helpful if you have a large family.
- If your dishwasher is open, can you still get to the cabinets around it?
Sinks
- Undivided non-stainless steel bowl sink- fewer scratches and water drops.
- There should be two sinks, as this allows you to do more at one time. Dirty dishes can be placed in one, while the other can be used to prep and clean food items.
- A deep sink that allows you more room to wash dishes, even the larger items.
- A sink with a low divide allows you to have an area to let dishes dry or soak while you wash the others.
- The Galley Workstation is a brand we carry exclusively and can easily incorporate it into your design for ease of prep, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. Follow this link for more information.
Islands
- Seating areas on two sides versus one allow you to fit more people and facilitate easier conversations.
- A regular or prep sink on the island can be an added bonus. It is in the middle of the kitchen, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere.
- Outlets on both sides.
- Additional storage can be planned for the island.
Drawers
- Having a pull-out drawer instead of a lazy susan is more convenient and easier to work with.
- Having more drawers in the bottom cabinets allows you to store plates and silverware easily since the dishwasher is usually located nearby. Another advantage is placing a large drawer where your trash pull-out can be placed; this keeps it handy but hidden.
- Avoid putting a drawer above a trash pull-out; this can give you a larger trash can size.
- Deep drawers that can store pots and pans
- The charging station in the drawer is convenient and efficient since we usually have our phones nearby.
- Pull-out drawers in the pantry make finding and organizing your items easy.
Odds and Ends
- Under-cabinet lighting provides that little extra light that is so often needed.
- Paper towel holder. By creating a little recessed area in one of your cabinets, you can clutter your countertop with one less item.
- Pot filler by the stove, no more carrying heavy pots from the sink to the stove.
- A beverage center is perfect for storing extra drinks like juice boxes and soda cans.
- Spice pull-outs can also be used to store oil bottles and keep them conveniently closed when cooking.
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.
Walker WoodworkingThis 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.
Walker WoodworkingYou 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.
