Tag Archives: kitchen remodel

How to plan your dream kitchen like a Pro

Choose a style

Buy magazines, jump online and research the latest in kitchen styles. James says this is the time to think big and consider what you like, need and want.

“Don’t flood yourself with design options but just grab enough information about the different styles of kitchens available,” he says.

Will a kitchen remodel add value to your home?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Organize appliances

Once you have a few style options selected, focus on the tools of the kitchen: the appliances. The type and number of appliances will impact on kitchen space, aesthetic appeal and functionality. So plan how, and how often, each appliance in your new kitchen will be used and the space it will require. Then integrate its presence and purpose in your design.

“You don’t need to buy all of your appliances in advance but you should educate yourself on how the appliances you will use in your future kitchen actually work. Talk to retailers and manufacturers, and ask them as many questions as possible.”

Budget

Work out a budget range and choose a priority expenditure goal.

“Do you want your kitchen to be really durable, aesthetically beautiful, hygienic or low maintenance?” James asks.

“If it is your forever home, spend that little bit extra on quality materials, like drawer runners and hinges, as you want it to last and stand the test of time.

“If you are going to be selling in a few years, and if you are in a certain real estate market, budget to design your kitchen at that level. Otherwise, pull back on cost. Get good quality finishings but stop at that.”

James also recommends putting an extra 10–20 per cent aside to pay for unexpected emergencies or hidden charges.

read more at:http://www.domain.com.au/blog/how-to-plan-your-dream-kitchen-like-a-pro/

Improving the Kitchen in Small (or big) Ways

Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive and challenging, but you can make substantial cosmetic changes with just the help of a painter and electrician, says interior designer Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design in Los Angeles. And if you’re ready for even bigger changes, it’s still possible to stay on budget and create a gorgeous kitchen with a minimum of stress.

Will a kitchen remodel add value to your home?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Step one is deciding what really needs to be done. Can you work with the appliances and cabinets you’ve got, or is it time for a full-scale remodel?

Step two is the budget, coming up with a realistic estimate for each expense, says designer Brian Patrick Flynn of Flynnside Out Productions.

STORAGE

A smoothly functioning kitchen has space for everything to be stored away, within reasonable reach. Can you achieve that with your current cabinets? If so, Flynn suggests keeping them and just replacing or refinishing the doors. “Cabinetry installation adds a lot to a budget,” he says, “so saving by simply reusing what you’ve got can be a massive help.”

read more at: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/06/ask-a-designer-improving-the-kitchen-in-small-or/

disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Tracking the latest trends in countertops, appliances

kitchen

Question: I’m hearing that granite counters and stainless-steel appliances are out. Is this true? I want to update our kitchen, but unfortunately my husband surprised me by putting a deposit on new stainless-steel appliances. They’re the ones I want, but is that why they were on sale? I don’t want our kitchen to be out of date before we even finish it!

–Joanna

Answer: It’s really hard to stay on top of the trends, even for experts like me. So stick to what you like, unless you’re selling your house soon. Even so, neutral finishes for your counters, paint and cabinetry don’t need to be boring. I love warm neutrals, including off whites, buttercream yellows and grays.

Granite has been used for counters for decades for very good reason. It’s durable, resists stains well unless it’s a light color, blends with a variety of styles and is still very popular. Granite is available in a rainbow of colors from solid blacks to whites to soothing earth tones to wildly patterned reds, greens, blues and yellows.

Do these upgrades add value to your home?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Granite as a countertop material is still most definitely in. For a fresh look, choose a variety that is a mix of gray, off whites, creamy colors or even white. A satiny “honed” finish will make the granite look warm and modern.

Read more at: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/23/countertops-applicances-latest-trends/

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only.