Have you ever noticed how your kitchen is like a magnet? The family seems to collect there. When you have guests, they all seem to end up there. We are in the kitchen many times per day, preparing every meal, drink and snack. We see that space A LOT. The kitchen really is the heart of the home, and it should be a place that is pleasing to your eyes.
Taking on a kitchen renovation project is not something to be taken lightly, and the time one takes now to plan can make all the difference. Budgeting for the costs of a dream renovation may involve refinancing the home or saving over the years, which gives you ample time to consider a design that fits your style. While the term “timeless” is often tossed around in the design world, trends do come and go, but the opportunity to remodel a second time may not. So you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the results for years to come!
Increased time at home thanks to the pandemic has people looking at their kitchens in a new way. They want something that works for them and reflects their personal style. Now, homeowners are weighing both the resale value as well as, “What do I want to see in my home?” equally in their design decisions. They want something timeless that will take them through whatever comes next.
But timeless doesn’t mean bland and it doesn’t mean neutral either. Timeless design is about making sure your choices aren’t bound to trends that quickly change and become dated (how is that avocado accent wall holding up for you?). It includes choosing high-quality materials that can age gracefully throughout decades of frying, broiling, baking, and memory-making.
Good choices for your project means, most importantly, you will end up with a kitchen you love spending time in and showing off.
We’re always going to be eating, entertaining and gathering in the hearth of the home. Let’s create a kitchen that inspires, one that surrounds us in functionality, that adds to the joy we create and the memories made. Adrienne Gallmann, showroom manager of Short Hills Marble and Tile gave us some tips.
Go Neutral? Not Necessarily
Kitchen designed in partnership with Stonington Cabinetry & Designs features a Dynasty White slab countertop.
For a while, people thought white cabinets and white subway tiles were timeless because the color is neutral. But more and more we find people longing for some personality. Gallmann suggests looking at the details. “Details on cabinets can add personality. You can use ceramic tiles but use them in different patterns,” she suggests. While at first glance, this kitchen is predominantly white, brass accents and fixtures add warmth to the design. The walnut range and navy blue island bring a richness and depth the design would otherwise lack with traditional platinum accents.
You Don’t Have to Play It Safe
Custom cut-to-fit Roberto Waterjet mosaic was designed and installed in collaboration with Toth Construction & Design
Many experts recommend staying ‘safe’ regarding style and design choices to ensure the best resale value. With the pandemic, more people are “nesting” and staying put. They plan to stay in their homes for a few years and want to invest in design choices with more of their own unique personality. Gallmann says one way to do this is to opt for the many spectacular colors and styles out there. “The way you put them in patterns makes a big difference,” she says.
This backsplash was done in Allstone / Short Hills Marble & Tile exclusive Roberto Waterjet pattern. Blue Macuba and Lagos Azul natural stones add pops of blue that pair with the offset mosaic used for most of the backsplash without being overpowering. The shades of blue, gray, and taupe that compose the Roberto Waterjet mosaic create a statement piece in a kitchen without falling into the trap of being “trendy”; the muted tones are adaptable to changes in fixtures and accents to keep this kitchen on trend for years to come.
What are Qualities of a Timeless Kitchen
Featuring Nestos stone slab, subway tile, Adelaine mosaic, and Penny Round mosaic.
If you aren’t an expert in design, sometimes it’s hard to know what are timeless choices and what are trendy items that will end up looking dated in a very short time. It may also be difficult to know what pieces work well together and what’s clashing. While giving your kitchen some personality, it’s easy to take an “anything goes” attitude and just pick what you love. But if you want a timeless design that has some longevity, there are some considerations to keep in mind. “Timeless is about balance and harmony,” says Gallmann. “Choose where you want to create impact and make sure it plays well with other elements.”
Where to Start
A classic stacked subway tile approach featuring Ice White in a 3” x 12” field tile.
This kitchen was a collaboration with Moore Development
For many homeowners who may be planning their first kitchen build/remodeling project, there are so many things to consider, the process can feel overwhelming. Where should we start?
“Work on the largest surface coverage first and then work your way in,” advises Gallmann. “However, if you’ve already chosen that one dynamite piece and want to work around that - that’s where you begin.”
“Consider the layout. That will influence choices for everything else. Flooring and tops go hand-in-hand. Many people choose one and find the other to compliment it.” she adds. In addition, don’t forget the backsplash. That typically goes in last, but it can make a big impact because it’s on display at eye level. Be sure to budget for something you love.
Common Mistakes
Classic stacked subway tiles in Calacatta Gold stone 3” x 12” field tiles. This kitchen was a collaboration with Moore Development, staged by Lara. Photo credit: Christian Garibaldi.
A kitchen redesign is an investment in time and money. As a place you’re going to spend a lot of time in, it’s worth planning (and patience) to get something you truly love. Gallmann offers some common mistakes she’s seen.
“Trying to save a little time and money - when you should have waited or saved up to invest in the things you really love. There can be lengthy lead times for decent quality, but they are worth the wait. The average kitchen remodel is once every 20 years, so it’s worth the wait to get what you really want. Box stores may try to push you to buy what’s in stock, but once you get it in [you don’t love it] and then you go ahead and buy what you really wanted and end up spending more money.”
How to Find Good Contractors
Dynasty White Herringbone in a Polished finish adds dimension to this tonal kitchen design. A collaboration with Moore Development and staged by Lara.
We’ve all heard the saying, “good help is hard to find.” That especially goes for contractors. Start asking around and usually you’ll get some recommendations along with some horror stories of poor jobs and workers who didn’t show up. Gallmann suggests, “Find good people that specialize in the materials. Word of mouth is an important opportunity to connect with the right professional. You should find a company that is very customer service oriented and gives personalized service.”
When to Ask for Help
There is no shortage of design inspiration out there, from magazines and blogs, Instagram to Pinterest. Some people know what they want, and others have no clue what good design is. Just because you love a certain piece that becomes a “must-have” for your kitchen doesn’t mean you know how to build a balanced, timeless design around it and you can spend a lot of money on a kitchen project that is ultimately a let-down.
This is where asking for help from a specialty supplier that offers design services can help. “Every single decision can make or break your kitchen. The right professional can provide personalized attention and focus on your project, plus years of experience,” says Gallmann.
“Short Hills Marble and Tile is very hands-on. We go to the home for field measurements and deliver AutoCAD drawings so you can see how the project will look when finished. We can provide up-to-date information about materials. We have a good working relationship with other professionals in the industry to make the job go as smoothly as possible.”
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