Kitchen Updates That Pay Back
The kitchen is the heart of any home and is one of the smartest spaces to invest in
Slide 1 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
One of the trends we continue to track at Traditional Home is the growing importance of kitchens. They are the heart of any home and one of the smartest spaces to invest in. This elegant kitchen is the Southhampton from Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry. [1]
Slide 2 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [4]
Plain & Fancy
So if you're looking to update, what are the choices that will pay off, not only financially if you ever sell, but in terms of lifestyle? How do you get a real return in terms of function and style? Let's take a look at some of your best bets. This charming kitchen features a Shaker Beaded Inset door in Soft Maple finished in Dove White enamel from Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry [5].
Slide 3 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [8]
Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry
First up, install an island. Functionally, they have a long list of benefits. This furniture-style island from Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry [9] is from the Georgian Cottage Collection and features a Crackle Finish in Tavern White
Slide 4 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [12]
Plain & Fancy
An island defines work areas and provides additional work and serving surfaces. Stylistically, there are lots of options, such as this classic Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry [9] Contemporary-styled island in Buttercream.
Slide 5 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [15]
Custom cabinets, antique table islands
Go rectangular or round, there's a style to fit any space. Antique tables function as dual islands in this Atlanta kitchen by interior designer Kay Douglass.
Slide 6 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [18]
Mick De Giulio design
Kitchen designer Mick De Giulio [19] created this hardworking island in a Chicago condo kitchen for a family that frequently entertains.
Slide 7 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [22]
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
An island offers additional storage space, too. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry's [23] Southhampton collection features a furniture-style island with bin storage.
Slide 8 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [26]
Plain & Fancy
Refrigerator drawers are tucked into this island from Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry [9].
Slide 9 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [29]
Quality Custom Cabinetry
To really make your island stand out, vary the countertop and the cabinet finishes, such as this two-level island from Quality Custom Cabinetry. [30]
Slide 10 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [33]
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
Pay attention to detailing. This fine-furniture-style Stonehill island from Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23] features the Square Edge Andover Raised door style in the deep elegance of Java finish on Cherry.
Slide 11 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [36]
Baking island
A baking cabinet was built into this custom island designed by homeowner Eliza Gatfield and New York architect Stuart Disston [37].
Slide 12 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [40]
Vasi Ypsilantis design
A marble slab tops the oval island that was fashioned using two chinoiserie chests and a center cabinet that was stained and painted to match. The kitchen was designed by Vasi Ypsilantis, a certified kitchen designer at The Breakfast Room, Ltd. [41], in Manhasset, New York.
Slide 13 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [44]
KraftMaid Cabinetry
Details such as s elliptical mullions on glass front cabinets and curvaceous Roman spindle legs on the island make a sophisticated style statement. The KraftMaid Cabinetry [45] is Rutherford Maple in Dove White.
Slide 14 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [48]
KraftMaid
Architectural detailing, such as crown molding, makes a kitchen feel more like a living room than a working kitchen. This KraftMaid Cabinetry [45] is Glenberry Cherry Square in Vintage Biscotti.
Slide 15 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [51]
Quality Custom Cabinetry
Two butcher block sections flank a marble-topped center, creating a multi-functioning island by Quality Custom Cabinetry. [30]
Slide 16 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [54]
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry
A wood-topped center island contrasts with the elegant white Southhampton cabinets from Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23], and helps to visually ground the room.
Slide 17 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [57]
Christopher Peacock
Another important design element of any kitchen is seating. A casual dining area is adjacent to this New York kitchen designed by Christopher Peacock [58].
Slide 18 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [61]
Louise Brooks design
The kitchen opens to a sunny family room in this Connecticut home by residential designer Louise Brooks [62], allowing family and friends to converse with people working in the kitchen.
Slide 19 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [65]
KraftMaid kitchen and TV room
Furniture-style cabinetry helps to blend a kitchen with other living areas. KraftMaid's [45] Marquette Cherry in Burnished Ginger in the kitchen complements the Marquette Cherry in Vintage Onyx finish in the TV room.
Slide 20 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [68]
Christopher Peacock
If you want to draw people into the space, you have to provide seating for eating and socializing. Think about where you want people to gather, around an island is an obvious choice. Upholstered chairs provide comfortable island seating in this kitchen designed by Christopher Peacock. [58]
Slide 21 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [71]
Mick De Giulio design
Create a cozy nook in a corner or around a fireplace. Banquette seating in a Chicago kitchen designed by Mick De Giulio [19] makes smart use of a kitchen corner.
Slide 22 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [74]
Louise Brooks kitchen
Backless stools make it easy to pull up to the countertop in this Connecticut kitchen by residential designer Louise Brooks [62]. When not in use, the stools easily slide out of the way.
Slide 23 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [77]
Sitting area by Denyse Rinfret
One end of a kitchen is transformed into an inviting dining area where guests want to linger. Designer Denyse Rinfret created this kitchen in for a New York show house.
Slide 24 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [80]
Plain & Fancy
Banquettes provide seating without eating up valuable floor space in this kitchen by Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry [9].
Slide 25 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [83]
KraftMaid
Seating at a rounded triangular island allows people to converse with those in the kitchen or adjoining living area. The KraftMaid Cabinetry [84]are Putnam Maple in Willow finish and Putman Cherry in Cinnamon finish.
Slide 26 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [87]
Stone countertop
Countertops are one of the most visible design choices you make. Natural stone countertops such as granite continue to be top sellers for kitchens.
Slide 27 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [90]
Stone countertop detail
Each slab of granite is unique and colors options are great, so you'll want to visit the stone yard to make your choice.
Slide 28 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [93]
Stone countertop edge
You can choose countertop edge treatments to complement the style of your room, from an elaborate ogee to a thick square edge.
Slide 29 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [96]
Black marble countertop
Black marble countertops add elegance to a traditionally styled kitchen.
Slide 30 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [99]
Sensa by Cosentino, Floresta Verde
Branded granites are also sold by some manufacturers. SenSa Granite [100], which is treated with SenGuard technology in Cosentino's facilities, comes in many colors, including Floresta Verde.
Slide 31 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [103]
Sensa by Cosentino, Silver Silk
Sensa Granites [100] by Cosentino, such as Silver Silk, are treated at the factory so they do not need to be sealed each year.
Slide 32 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [106]
Sensa by Cosentino in Tuscany Brown
Tuscany Brown Is one of most popular colors offered in the Sensa Granite [100] by Cosentino collection. The granite is treated to resist stains.
Slide 33 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [109]
Marble
Natural marble is prone to stain but develops a beautiful patina over time and is a time-tested classic in traditional kitchens.
Slide 34 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [112]
Cardosa limestone
Elegant gray-blue Cardosa limestone resembles soapstone but is harder and more durable, says designer Christopher Peacock [58], who chose the stone for a show house kitchen in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Slide 35 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [115]
SenSa granite by Cosentino
SenSa Granite [100] in the color Giallo Latina is finished with a curving, waterfall edge.
Slide 36 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [118]
Silestone by Cosentino in Amarillo Palmira
Natural quartz is ground and mixed with a resin to make quartz surfacing, a highly durable surface that never needs sealing. The material also has a consistent pattern and color, so homeowners are assured what they see in a sample chip is what they get. Silestone Quartz by Cosentino [119] in Amarillo Palmira is shown in a honed Leather finish. Polished finishes are also available.
Slide 37 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [122]
DuPont Zodiaq Quartz
DuPont [123] Zodiaq Quartz in Licorice tops an island that doubles as a cozy bench.
Slide 38 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [126]
Christopher Peacock kitchen
Storage never goes out of style, and with so many great options and add-ons out there, this is a perfect way to make a real impact in your kitchen. Many storage-rich pieces feature furniture styling, such as these glass-front cabinets with diamond mullions designed by Christopher Peacock [58] for a New York kitchen.
Slide 39 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [129]
Wood-mode Provence
Cabinets such as Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry's [23] Provence cupboard can stand alone or serve as subtle room divider, screening the kitchen from the dining area.
Slide 40 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [132]
Vasi Ypsilantis
A red-painted china cupboard designed by New York kitchen designer Vasi Ypsilanti [41]s is a charming accent piece in a New York show house kitchen.
Slide 41 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [135]
Plain & Fancy
Look for clever updates such as Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry's [9] pull-out trays to store heavy items such as stand mixers.
Slide 42 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [138]
KraftMaid Cabinetry
Drawers are constructed to handle stacks of dishes. KraftMaid Cabinetry's [45] dish drawers with divider pegs keep plates in order.
Slide 43 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [141]
Wood-Mode
Wire dividers in Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry's [23] units provide vertical storage for trays and platters.
Slide 44 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [144]
Wood-Mode
A swing-out Lazy Susan puts pots and pans in easy reach. From Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23].
Slide 45 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [147]
Plain & Fancy
Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry's [9] swing-out wire shelves make the most of tight corner spaces.
Slide 46 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [150]
Wood-Mode/Brookhaven
Wood-Mode's Brookhaven Cabinetry's [23] stainless steel cutlery dividers organize flatware and cooking utensils and are easy to remove and clean when needed.
Slide 47 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [153]
Wood-Mode/Brookhaven
A snap-up shelf lifts a heavy mixer to countertop height. Cabinets shown are Oak Park from Brookhaven, a division of Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23].
Slide 48 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [156]
Wood-Mode
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23] offers a pull-out towel rack to keep towels within reach but out of sight.
Slide 49 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [159]
Wood-Mode/Brookhaven
Recycling organization is a must-have these days and Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry [23] features a convenient pull-out center with two bins.
Slide 50 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [162]
Plain & Fancy
Plain & Fancy Fine Cabinetry [9] maximizes space with dual pull-out pantries flanking the stove for storing bottles of seasonings and oils.
Slide 51 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [165]
Open floor plans
More than ever, families are living in their kitchens and are designing the spaces to flow into dining and living rooms.
Slide 52 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [168]
Quality Custom Cabinetry
Cabinet design takes on greater importance with kitchens opening to other living areas. These stylish cabinets by Quality Custom Cabinetry [30] are comfortable in a kitchen or living room.
Slide 53 Of Kitchen Updates That Pay Back [171]
Open floor plans
With open floor plans, it more important than ever to ensure a kitchen blends architecturally with the rest of a home. Whether it's an elegant Georgian, cottage-style, or Tuscan, such as this Maryland home designed by Mary Jo Donohoe, be consistent with style details such as colors, patterns, and architectural features. Take cues from that style and infuse it into your kitchen for a room that speaks volumes about you, your home, and your personality.