The 8 Things You CAN'T Forget in a Kitchen

When remodeling a kitchen it's important not to over look these details!

1. LIGHTING:
Lighting can be an inexpensive way to add a lot of punch to a kitchen. A beautiful fixture over an island can make all the difference in a room. Think of term of "layers" in regards to lighting: Task lighting is essential, which usually includes under-cabinet lighting and focused lighting over the sink, island and any other work spaces. Then general lighting, such as recessed can lights in the ceiling or hanging fixtures, can add ambient light to the room. Finally, accent lighting can serve to put a spotlight on a beloved decorative item or collection.

2. HARDWARE:
Drawer pull and cabinet knobs not only help communicate the style of a kitchen, but as one of the elements you touch most most often, their quality and feel in the hand are essential. You don't have to match the metal of your cabinet hardware to you faucet, however you should match it to the finish on the cabinets. For example mix pewter hardware on off-white cabinets with black iron pulls on a green-painted island.
Hardware is often referred to as the jewelry of the kitchen, but it should also be functional. Watch out for sharp edges and corners that might pull on clothing or drawer pulls that are so shallow you can't fit a large hand in them.

3. FAUCETS AND SINKS:
    You should buy the best sink you can afford, because it's very difficult to change your sink without changing out the entire countertop (if it's been cut out for an undermount sink) so you'll be living with it for a long time. Thin metal will dent and make more noise. Opt for sturdy 18-gauge stainless steel or a solid composite sink that matches your countertops.
   Faucets are another essential where you shouldn't skimp. Faucets are one element where price is closely related to quality. A $150 faucet is one you will replace in two years. A $500 faucet is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

4. COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASHES
   To add interest to your countertops consider and edge treatment, such as an ogee or a more natural chiseled rock edge. OR create a thicker edge on your island for a simple yet dramatic look. Keep the perimeter countertops the standard 3/4" or 1 1/4" and then laminate the edge of the island countertop to create the illusion of a 2 1/2-inch-thick slab.
  The options for backsplashes are unlimited. there is an almost infinite range of tiles available or you can use back-painted glass which has no grout lines for a very clean look. You can do a mosaic or glass tile-which doesn't have to be colorful: there are some stunning neutral glass tile for walls. If you do opt for a bright backplash, it should be the only colorful element or else it will create too much "noise" in the room.

5. CABINETS
  While many designers like the idea of using some glass-fronted cabinets or open shelves to break up an expanse of upper cabinets, but it can difficult to keep open storage as perfectly styled as it looks in magazines. One solution: Choose glass doors that aren't crystal clear, but rather glass that is reeded, seeded, feathered or obscured in some way. Another option to add interest: Mix up the planes-choose cabinets of different depths or add some horizontally hinged doors in place of vertical ones. A furniture leg or foot on your island or sink cabinet can add depth and detail to base cabinetry. Adding a furniture base, like the base of a buffet or dresser with a deep piece of molding of your island creates a handsome finish.

6. FLOORS & CEILINGS
 If ceilings are said to be the "fifth wall", floors are the sixth and should not be ignored. Wood inlay borders, diagonal designs, and tile "rugs" all add interest to this space.
  The most overlooked area in  a kitchen in the ceiling. A room with a ceiling treatment looked the most finished whether it has beams; added texture though grass cloth; a bit of color or even just a high-gloss paint finish, which  can make a room without much light appear brighter and more lively.

7. PAINT
It takes some bravery to paint the wall a different color; but it really can make the whole room pop. It there is a piece of art that you love, see what colors can be pulled from it that will work with the room,. whether it's a soft blue or deep okra. Paint is certainly one of the least expensive ways to make a big impact in the kitchen.

8. ARTWORK & COLLECTIONS
Art in the kitchen doesn't have to be expensive; if it helps tell the story of the people who live there, it offers a tremendous avenue for self-expression and personalization. Instead of hanging a mass-market plaque that says "Cappuccino", got to a community art fair and get to know a local artist whose work you like. Or frame your children's artwork or hanf a gallery of black-and-white family  or vacation photographs. It's often nice to add open shelves in the dining area of the kitchen for collections of things you actually use, like mid-century teacups.





It's your kitchen-let it reflect your personality!