5 Designers Share How to Avoid a Dream Kitchen Renovation Nightmare

Image via: Cheryl Kees Clendenon – Interior Designer, In Detail Interiors

Ensure You Aren’t Remodeling For Only Today’s Trends

“When planning a new kitchen renovation, take a good look at your family’s current lifestyle needs, rethink old habits and design the kitchen with an eye to the future.” – Susan Serra – President, Susan Serra Associates, Inc.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to only follow current trends. Unless you can afford to remodel your kitchen every year or two, steer clear of designer trends that are unconventional. Trends are always changing, and what may be popular today will not be popular tomorrow. Renovate your kitchen to suit your habits and lifestyle and you’ll never regret your decision. Often times bright colors, new materials that haven’t been tested expansively, and new technologies need a chance to have stayed the test of time in kitchens. Consider hiring a Kitchen Designer who can help you weed out today’s trends but still stay modern and classic.

Image via: Susan Serra, President, Susan Serra Associates, Inc

Prioritize Functionality in your Kitchen Remodel

In the past kitchens were considered just for their functionality. Today, they are multifunctional rooms where homeowners prepare food, entertain, the kids hang out and of course eat. Kitchens are the focal points in homes and a large part of modern households. When refurbishing your kitchen, give priority to function. The layout you choose should be determined by the way your family uses your kitchen on a daily basis. Keep in mind that you won’t renovate your kitchen again for many years to come so it is important to make it functional. Interior Designer Linda Merrill from Linda Merrill says it best, “Kitchens can be beautiful spaces, but never forget that they are workspaces first and foremost.”

Thoroughly Plan in Advance

Interior Design Consultant, Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors says, “A kitchen renovation can require more thoughtful decisions than any other room in the house, planning is key!” A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking. Before you start the project, strategize. Note down what you want it to accomplish for you and your family and guests. You can write a detailed list specifying your goals for renovating and create an idea folder that you collect kitchens, products, and architectural details you find appealing.

Image via: Michelle Cortizo – Cortizo Interiors and BLANCO.

Invest in the Best Sink

According to Interior Designer, Cheryl Kees Clendenon from In Detail Interiors, you should “Buy the best sink you can afford because you are not replacing it without replacing the countertops too!” Her words hit home because the sink is one of the most overlooked kitchen fixtures. When most homeowners refurbish their kitchens, they replace their cabinetry and countertops but forget to replace the sinks. While the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, the sink is its centerpiece. It handles most of the daily chores as it is the only workspace used to prepare meals and to clean up. Consider what type of sink will grow with your family and will help make prepping and cleaning easier than your current sink.

Image via: Cheryl Kees Clendenon, In Detail Interiors

Don’t Just Replicate your Kitchen from a Magazine

Many people find it easier to copy other kitchen designs when renovating their kitchens. But interior designer Jamie Gold, Kitchen & Bath Designer from JGKitchens, warns against it. Jamie says, “Before you renovate your kitchen, know that the latest fad you loved in a movie or magazine may not look right in your home or work well for your household.” The design you want to replicate can be out of your price range or be incompatible with your home’s structure. While interior design websites and magazines are full of ideas, the design you choose should be perfect for your space. Consider hiring a design professional who can look at your specific space and help you choose what fits your needs.

Kitchen renovation mistakes come in all sizes. Some are small and unnoticeable while others are big and visible. But they all have one thing in common: they can be avoided. If you are remodeling your kitchen and want to avoid a renovation nightmare, look to these designers’ tips to help you save money, energy, and time. Your kitchen is the heart of the home – take the time to make it right for you and your wallet.

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Colors can do the trick! This will definitely be your impression when you see the design concept of designer, Jonathan Adler and Kohler in his recent collaboration. People who come to see his collections can’t help but be amazed with how colors perfectly blend with kitchen and bath interiors, or make a stark contrast.

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Adler and Kohler intends to highlight the kitchen and bathroom with these eye-popping colors of inspiration.  The soothing or eye-popping effects of colors exhibited in your interiors, provides a distinct and innovative approach in interior designing.

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Here are some features of the KOHLER Colors design concept:

“Our unabashed love of color is the reason we partnered with designer (and color fanatic) Jonathan Adler. Together, we’re proud to introduce four special edition KOHLER colors available on select KOHLER enameled cast iron kitchen and bathroom sinks.”… Kohler

Colors that Pop

This is really what makes this design on top of its competitors. You will be presented with a number of beautiful and attractive colors that are very suitable in any theme. Colors available are Picadilly yellow, Greenwich green, Palermo blue and Annapolis navy. These colors are eye-popping to anyone who will take a look at it especially for first timers.

Take a look at Jonathan Adler – discussing adding yellow to your home

Fresh Fabulous Hues

The shades of Piccadilly yellow, Greenwich green, Palermo blue and Annapolis navy are just so lovely to see. It provides a soothing and relaxing tone that will give viewers an impression of warmth and elegance. It blends well especially with white background for a stunning look that will highlight the tint of this design concept.

Bold Color, Multiple Styles

KOHLER Colors have three stylish designs to offer. These are all complemented with special edition white Purist® faucet for added features. It comes in Iron/Tones®, White Heaven and Riverby® designs. Consumers will surely love the combination of color and style all together in one design concept.

You just can’t just ask for more when it comes to style and color with KOHLER colors. This creative design proves the influence of colors as an effective tool for modern interior designing.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There is a false belief that an eco-friendly bathroom cannot possibly be beautiful or chic. Nothing is further from the truth. A plethora of green products on the market can be selected for your bathroom to make it one of the showplaces of your home. Today, these products are affordable for every budget. Some water saving appliances qualify for rebates. Local water boards and tax entities can give specific information to consumers.

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Double vanities for bathrooms allow greater use bathrooms while eliminating waiting in line. Low-flow faucets are available in a wide array of finishes and designs. If you desire a lever, dual-handle, single handle, with or without pop-up drain, there is a model for your décor style.

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Sinks

Eco-friendly sinks are available on the market. Several products are used to make sinks including:

Bamboo • Glass • Copper • Recycled metal or glass bowls • Stone • Composites

It is considered very chic to recycle unusual bowls to make a custom sink for a bathroom. It can become the focal point of the vanity.

Vanities can be made from terrazzo, composites, stone, concrete, sustainably harvested woods and more. Vetrazzo is made from recycled glass. It is highly desired and requires a professional hand to install. These products are easy to maintain with cleaners that have low abrasive levels.

Saving water should be the focus of the eco-friendly bathroom. This one room uses most of the water in the house. Low-flow shower heads on the market supply water that feels like high flow modes. In some, air is incorporated into the shower head where a small turbine creates pressure. Instead of 5-10 gallons of water per minute, 2 to 2.5 gallons of water per minute are used. This will save significantly on the water bill.

Low flow toilets

Low flow toilets are required in any new construction or remodeling project. Single flush models and dual flush models are available. The dual flush models use less water than the single flush models. The draw back is that more than one flush may be necessary to remove solid waste. For most people, this is not a problem.

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The toilets are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. Dual flush models cost more than single flush models and may require more attention to cleaning. They tend to streak inside the bowl.

Using recycled mirrors, sink materials, vanities and cabinets, you can have a luxurious bathroom while spending very little. Selecting low flow toilets, shower heads and faucets will save money and help save water for the environment.

For more eco-friendly ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When we did our kitchen renovation, we didn’t realize how many sinks there are to choose from.  Depending on how much space you have, and the needs of your family will dictate your choice of sinks.  Below are a few kinds of sinks to choose from, depending on its function and decor style you crave.

Single bowl sinks:

When space on your counter top is a concern, consider a single bowl sink.  This one from American Standard allows big pots to fit in, as well as keep a nice, clean profile.

Double and triple bowl sinks allow for more versatility, as well as separate work stations for multiple people using the kitchen at the same time.  Pots can be filling with water, and the garbage disposal can work separately.

Trough sink:

This Kohler sink is ideal as a secondary sink, in a bar or island.  It allows for preparation and disposing of vegetables, fruit, etc…  They also work great for washing food, and hands without tying up the main sink.

Undermount sink:

If you are considering solid surface counters, concrete, or granite, undermount sinks are installed from the underside of the counter.  This allows for the solid counter material to “flow” right into the sink.  This type of sink is great for brushing food and debris directly into sink, and not worrying about caulking lines above the counter. This Moen sink looks sleek and modern:

Entertainment sink:

These sinks are not used for cleaning dishes, they are used where water and drainage would be helpful. They can be located at the kitchen island or in the living room at a side bar.  They are also popular in master bedroom suites that have the convenience of a small refrigerator, and bar area.  Moen has a gallery of beautiful sinks waiting for you to choose.

Tip:

Don’t forget the faucets! The sink is only half of what makes a great looking sink.  Choose fixtures that fit with your decor and your family.  There are some great, sleek, modern fixtures, but they may be difficult for kids to operate.

For more kitchen renovation ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Steal? That might not be the right word… how about admire and then use in your own home? Sounds better, eh?  Throughout the month of March Apartment Therapy is focusing on kitchen and bathrooms.  I thought the following article had some beautiful, simple ideas from some past LA house tours. – Article by Laure Joliet

Think chandeliers are only for the dining room and grand foyers? Used in the bathroom, they add a touch of elegance, and the stone back splash is an unexpected treat!