Four Ideas for Transforming Your Space
How to Create Your Dream Kitchen
Whether you have executive chef-style cooking skills or prefer to stick to Chinese takeout from the restaurant down the street, we’ve all fantasized about a Pinterest-worthy kitchen at one time or another. But when it comes to transforming your space, sifting through all of the material options, design styles, and hot-right-now fads to determine which make sense for you can be overwhelming.
For the best use of your time and creativity, focus on updates that will withstand the test of time. Here, we’ve gathered a few tips that are sure to turn your kitchen from bland and dated to dreamy and stylish (and ensure your space won’t need an update when the next big trend rolls around).
Think Sinks
When remodeling a kitchen, the sink space is often overlooked, but it’s one element that can make a valuable style statement. While shopping for a new sink and faucet, search for the highest quality materials, like stainless steel, that are just as beautiful as they are practical. You can even consider updating to smart products when you go to remodel your kitchen. Styles such as Moen's Brantford Smart Kitchen Faucet come in oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and spot-resistant steel.
If you’re looking for a dramatic focal point, as well as a sink that can accommodate all your pots, baking sheets, and glasses, try an apron-front design. While this style of sink was common in farmhouse kitchens of the past, they’ve been modernized, accessorized, and streamlined to suit the needs of today’s homeowners. Moen also offers a stainless steel version that gives this classic a contemporary twist.
Be Smart with Appliances
Unlike a rug or lamp, kitchen appliances are not simple to return, so be smart – not flashy –when upgrading these items. Before making a purchase, it’s best to work with a professional for guidance, and weigh all factors, such as who uses the kitchen, how many people are cooking at one time and how often your family cooks.
If you’re an aspiring chef, consider a gas range that allows you to control the flame with precision. Consider upgrading your gas range by adding a pot filler kitchen faucet for easy access to water while cooking. If you’re a busy mom, electric versions allow you to heat food and boil water faster. It’s also important to consider finishes – if the rest of your fixtures are Chrome, you may want to opt for a stainless steel range, refrigerator and dishwasher for a coordinated look.
Remember, even if a feature sounds interesting, it doesn’t mean you need it. It’s best to purchase what suits your needs and lifestyle. By making smart choices, and not splurging on unnecessary features, you’ll have the budget to spend money where it matters most for you.
Add a Kitchen Island
If you like to cook and entertain, you also may want a design that includes a bar/prep sink and beverage faucet – this will aid in prep and provide fresh drinking water. The SIP™ beverage faucet from Moen offers a coordinating style for every decorating taste: traditional, transitional or modern. Enjoy cold, filtered water on demand, and enjoy extra convenience when filling pitchers, coffee makers, and more, thanks to the high-arc rotating spout.
Amp Up Lighting
Simply changing out the decorative lighting fixtures over the breakfast nook or center island can have a significant visual impact, creating a fresher, more up-to-date design.
For a warm and inviting environment, combine four layers of lighting: task, ambient, accent and decorative. This will help you obtain your desired style while still providing the appropriate amount of light for working in the kitchen. The ability to adjust light levels also is important. When cooking or cleaning up, a bright punch of illumination makes the job easier. For lingering over a meal and conversation, dimmed lights help create ambiance. To accomplish this, make sure the design calls for separate dimmers for each type of lighting.
Whether making just a few changes or completely renovating the entire space, these updates can help make your dream kitchen a reality.
Featured Products
Weymouth Chrome One-Handle High Arc Pulldown Bar Faucet
Model: S53004
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Brushed Gold
Matte Black
Chrome
Polished Nickel
Spot Resist Stainless
Brantford Smart Kitchen Faucet Chrome One-Handle High Arc Pulldown
Model: 7185EVC