Kitchen Remodel MUSTS

When you're ready to redo your kitchen, there are a number of things you should consider so your investment in cost and time is done right.  It's worthwhile to meet with a kitchen designer so you can maximize your space, your budget, and get enduring changes without skimping on what's important to you.   If you do a remodel and don't include a feature that you didn't think about, you'll regret it. Understanding materials, care and maintenance, technology and even trends are important both short and long term.

In a typical kitchen remodel, regardless of whether the budget is small or large, your percentages for spending will look something like this:

8-10% Electrical & Plumbing
14-16% Appliances
16% Walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows
29-30% Cabinets and hardware
10% Counters
22% Planning, design and installation

You should visit showcase homes, model homes, showrooms, and think about the pros and cons of your existing kitchen.  You might find that you love specialty appliances like wine centers and pot fillers, but when you consider the cost, amount of use, and space required, they may not be worth the splurge.  Some things that you might think are over-the-top but are value added in the long run are second sinks, finished cabinet ends and shelves and drawers on full extension glides. In the Carlsbad kitchen above, I was able to include a host of useful appliances, carefully placed and concealed for a luxurious end result. Every cabinet was detailed to provide maximum use of space and finished so they blended seamlessly with the furnishings in the adjacent rooms.

Appliances can be tricky to select. Sure stainless is cool, but can you get features you like without the up-charge?  If you're  planning to conceal them, Do you need a professional grade appliance and the changes in counter depth, venting and ductwork that are required?  Is a dishwasher or refrigerator drawer a pro or a con? What refrigerator style works best for you and do you need to sacrifice interior space for an in-door water dispenser?  New cooktops offer fabulous features so be sure to check out options like induction.

Counter top materials get better every year. Granite is NOT the luxury surface it used to be. Quartz has many PROS and few CONS over stone, and the appearance is often more beautiful. Solid surfaces have new styles and benefits and the costs are often more reasonable than stone. Integrating sinks into counters is a huge plus. Combining counter materials like Cynthia Ryan did in this modern space is stylish and functional.

Don't forget to add space for recycling and composting.  Most areas of the country are actively participating in programs now, and more will make it mandatory for household food waste. 

Good lighting is KEY in every kitchen. Know local codes for lighting and be smart in using good, correctly lamped (the right bulb) fixtures. Understand the value of LED, florescent and even incandescent lighting and which works best in specific places in your kitchen.  Technology is your friend in lighting design and control, and a small investment enables a money savings and aesthetically fabulous long-term results. These Arts & Crafts fixtures are all warm LED and toe kick lighting accents the cabinetry around the peninsula serving as guide lights.

Know that there are  many flooring options and learn which is best for you. Wood, porcelain, vinyl, cork, ceramic and even linoleum have PROS and CONS for performance, durability, cost to purchase, install and maintain.  Wood is $8-40 per square foot installed but has performance and care drawbacks. Porcelain is $11-25 per square foot installed but colder underfoot. Cork is warm and $10-20 installed but does need occasional to coating. Linoleum has the best value at $4-8 installed, with beauty and design like never before, but seams are a must in large spaces.

Cabinetry is the usually the most expensive part of a remodel. Is wood better than laminate? Can you upgrade your look yet lower costs with veneers? Should use a custom fabricator or buy manufactured?  Understand the finishes and what will be more durable for your type of use. Antiquing and distressing is beautiful but not always worth the splurge. Consider that open shelves may be easier and better than closed door cabinets.  Be SURE that your interior fittings work for your lifestyle.

Plan a layout BEFORE you buy anything or demolish what you have. It may be better to change the position of your plumbing, gas lines and dedicated oven and fridge receptacles. It was key in this Coronado kitchen for me to relocate the gas line  for ideal work flow and a balanced kitchen. 

 Don't start without having all of your products in hand. Finding a sink you love only to find that it's back-ordered for weeks can wreak havoc with your life and the rest of the kitchen project. 

Give your doors and drawers an update!

Whether you are updating a kitchen or bath, refurbishing a piece of furniture, or just looking for a change,  using decorative hardware will make a custom design statement.  These are some of the pieces we love, and they are available at Touch Of Tradition Home in San Diego. Many come in multiple finishes like chrome, nickel, brass, oil rubbed bronze, silver, antiqued, and black.

Sophisticated polished nickel pull for cabinets and furniture.

The right hardware can often set the style for your space even if very little else changes. For example, you can change a kitchen whose cabinets are in good condition by using pulls in lieu of knobs.  Make them a different style from the existing and enjoy the transformation.  

Glass and chrome - artistic yet classic.

Available in 5 finishes, this knob is elegant and traditional.

Dressers and chests whose style is dated in your home, can be updated with new pulls or knobs.  Antique pieces are ideal for hardware changes, since they will dress up the furniture yet be removable if the piece needs to be sold. Schaub Hardware has several lines of decorative, traditional hardware perfect for this application.





Linen closet and other hallway storage cabinet doors and drawers reap benefits from new hardware. What was a wall of doors can become a work of art with hardware like pieces from Vicenza Designs.  Even simple hardware from a big box retail or hardware store can have a huge impact on cabinets and closets.

Add appliance pulls to larger pieces of furniture. Try adding an element from nature - like these textured bamboo pulls - for a casual yet enduring style. 

Bamboo textured, casual and classic. 7 finishes available

Have a specialty area in your home like a wine cellar?  Use an elegant pull with a theme, to create a stunning, custom space.

Satin nickel and granite for a modern kitchen.

To update a casual kitchen, try these pulls with a brushed metal finish and a stone center. The metals will add sophistication and the granite will provide elegance and artistry.

Lions head style for a European look. 6 finishes.

A wonderful themed knob in nickel.

Must-haves in kitchen design.

We all love to look at new designs and check out the trends. We can use them in our own homes and be smart and savvy in our design.  However, there are some essential elements that make a kitchen truly comfortable to live and work in.  Here are my top 10:


1. Make the floor comfortable.   A mat by the prep area, sink, bake counter, or stove will keep knees and backs more comfortable.  Cork flooring does that naturally, but area rugs and specialty kitchen mats are a great addition to a finished kitchen.


2. Have the best lighting possible. Under and over-lit kitchens are not pleasant to work or be in. Task lighting where you need - over sinks, cooking surfaces and prep counters - it is ideal, and ambient lighting for general use works well for eating, re-stocking, cleaning and gathering. A combination of recessed and ceiling fixtures works well for most spaces; using LED and halogen bulbs on dimmers will provide clean, white light at the perfect level.


3. Keep surfaces clutter free with optimal storage. Rather than leaving oft-used items like spices, cooking utensils and small appliances out, find a handy place to stash them. When you need cooking space, having to move items around is cumbersome.  Tuck a narrow cabinet for spices next to the stove, create shelves for easy-reach of oils and seasonings, and make homes for appliances right where you use them. 


4. Make the distances between counters, appliances, sinks and key usable areas precisely right so there are no long reaches, easy access from one point to the other, and large enough not to feel cramped.


5. Update appliances that don't perform well. Having an inadequate dishwasher, a noisy refrigerator motor, or an oven that doesn't heat evenly, is stressful and likely not energy efficient. 

6. Add color for interest and to create a desired mood.  Spots of color, changes in color between the upper and lower cabinets or an island, and accent walls, can create energy and a focal point. 


7. Create a gathering area. It's often nice to have company when cooking, and an extra prep area is nice but not always possible, but place comfy seating nearby; a padded stool, great counter chairs, even a fold out bench!


8. Add a touch of personality.  Hang a favorite piece of art, a collection of your children's masterpieces, and place travel mementos on shelves. You might find that a collection of glass jars becomes a great display filled with kitchen staple items.


9. Bring in a plant or flowers.  Even a tiny apartment kitchen will feel warm and happy with a few flower stems tucked into a glass.  The greenery, the color, and the texture is relaxing and pretty.

10. Have one movable prep surface. In a small kitchen, preparing a large meal can take up all of your counter space. By having a large cutting board, you can take it anywhere and add a kitchen surface. In large kitchens, it's nice to have a rolling prep center for large meals, baking projects and more.  It can serve as an island every day, or roll into a pantry for use when needed.