Cabinet Details: Make a Statement!!!!!!
Anytime I am going over a kitchen design and layout with a client I always advise them to use their upgrade money in their kitchen. Kitchens sell homes and there are a few easy tricks to really upgrade the look of your kitchen without spending a ton of extra cash.
#1. Built in Appliance Package Vs. "Apartment" Appliance Package. Below are 3 tiers of kitchen upgrades.
Option 1: standard slide in range with microwave hood above. This option does not allow you to have a decorative hood or show piece in your kitchen. For clients who want to add a little more character to their kitchen but don't have a huge budget, I always suggestion option 2.
Option 2: Keep the slide in range but upgrade the range to a backsplash range (Usually about a thousand more). Move the microwave to a wall cabinet or pantry, this is minimal in cost, just the trim kit for the microwave and a cabinet panel and some electrical but this will make a huge impact because it now allows us to design a decorative hood for above the range that will act as the centerpiece of your kitchen and in the end give your kitchen a custom look. Adding a cabinet hood will be slightly more expensive because the custom hoods will cost more money and a vent insert will also be needed but this is the best way to upgrade your kitchen for the lowest cost.
Option 3: Go all out! A built in single/double wall oven package with a built in microwave and custom cooktop/grill will give you kitchen a high end look. The gourmet appliance package will be a great selling feature down the road. You can still upgrade your hood but because cooktops are usually 36" as opposed to a 30" slide in range, this allows you do go bigger and better on the cabinet hood allowance for a 48"-60" hood giving the kitchen a grand look.
Kitchen1:
Kitchen 2:
Kitchen 3:
#1. Built in Appliance Package Vs. "Apartment" Appliance Package. Below are 3 tiers of kitchen upgrades.
Option 1: standard slide in range with microwave hood above. This option does not allow you to have a decorative hood or show piece in your kitchen. For clients who want to add a little more character to their kitchen but don't have a huge budget, I always suggestion option 2.
Option 2: Keep the slide in range but upgrade the range to a backsplash range (Usually about a thousand more). Move the microwave to a wall cabinet or pantry, this is minimal in cost, just the trim kit for the microwave and a cabinet panel and some electrical but this will make a huge impact because it now allows us to design a decorative hood for above the range that will act as the centerpiece of your kitchen and in the end give your kitchen a custom look. Adding a cabinet hood will be slightly more expensive because the custom hoods will cost more money and a vent insert will also be needed but this is the best way to upgrade your kitchen for the lowest cost.
Option 3: Go all out! A built in single/double wall oven package with a built in microwave and custom cooktop/grill will give you kitchen a high end look. The gourmet appliance package will be a great selling feature down the road. You can still upgrade your hood but because cooktops are usually 36" as opposed to a 30" slide in range, this allows you do go bigger and better on the cabinet hood allowance for a 48"-60" hood giving the kitchen a grand look.
Kitchen1:
#2: Upgrading Your Kitchen Island: There are many difference details you can add to your island/bar to make it look more custom and these details usually range between $350-$1000 depending on what you select, the size of the island, and the type of wood and paint treatment.
- Bead Board
- Door Panels
- Upgraded Corbels
- Posts
- Stone
- Bookshelves (Don't forget to add detail to the sides of the island/bar, not just the back)
These details are relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme of things but will add character and warmth to your kitchen.
#3: The Details: Details are the easy part but they do add up a little bit.
- Cooktop Area: Add drawers and posts for added detail and pot storage. Posts also allow for extra granite dimension. Add detail to the backsplash or a pot filler in this area. Where you'll be cooking is where you'll be looking, keep it interesting!
Sink Area: Give the cabinet under the sink posts or legs. In this picture we simply added an arch to replicate the arch on the hood. Warmth is in the details. You can also add a valence over a window with a spot light.
Cabinet Details: Wine racks, pull out garbage's, glass doors, spice racks....these are all things that will improve the look and function of your kitchen. I also always suggest roll out trays in all the lower cabinets for easy access to your cookware etc. These little upgrades can be costly but will greatly improve the functionality, organization, and look of your kitchen. After all, most of us spend a great deal of time in our kitchen, why not make it beautiful to work in.
Like they say, "the kitchen is the heart of the home," make it amazing!
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