Luxe for Less: Kitchen Design On a Dime
Looking to take your kitchen from drab to fab? If budget is a factor, fret not. You can still make major changes without breaking the bank. Here are the main elements we recommend to get a luxe look for not a lot of money.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel is the go-to finish to update any kitchen. Whether
you’re working with traditional or modern accessories and finishes, the
clean, contemporary look of it grounds any kitchen in fashion and
functionality. French door refrigerators provide commercial-grade luxury
and accessibility, and we love that today’s dishwashers are available
without visible controls. When it comes to cooktops, you don’t need a
six-burner, commercial gas range to get the look, either—four burners
work just fine for most of us, and still offer the same design benefit.
If your budget is really tight, don’t hesitate to look for a great deal
on floor models.
Functionality and durability are crucial in a high-traffic area like the kitchen.
GET THE LOOK: Café Smart Stainless Steel Interior
Dishwasher with Sanitize and Ultra Wash & Dual Convection Ultra Dry,
$1,619.96 at A-1 Appliance, 4381 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-259-1210, shopa1appliance.com
White Semi-Gloss Paint
Stainless steel and
white make for a killer combo in a kitchen, especially when you’re
seeking a high-end look on a low-end budget. Semi-gloss paint brings
durability, and pairing fresh, white cabinets with stainless-steel
appliances brings a timeless, sparkling finish to the space.
Quartz Countertops
Functionality
and durability are crucial in a high-traffic area like the kitchen.
Enter quartz. A manufactured stone, it results in an especially rich,
sleek finish in the right setting. It’s also completely stain resistant,
which means the gorgeous look stays as long as the counters do.
The basketweave pattern brings texture that works
beautifully with the higher-sheen finishes and tones of stainless-steel
appliances
Stone Basketweave Backsplash
A
simple yet design-driven backsplash has the ability to set a whole
space off. The stone finish pictured above is super durable in a kitchen
setting, while the basketweave pattern brings texture that works
beautifully with the higher-sheen finishes and tones of stainless-steel
appliances, white cabinetry, and quartz countertops.
Farmhouse Sink
The
clean lines and large basin of a farmhouse sink make a bold statement
that’s both traditional and contemporary; plus, it’s one of the most
functional products you can pick for a kitchen.
Stainless steel is the go-to finish to update any kitchen.
Hardwood Floors
As
you’ve likely noticed by now, the biggest components of a luxe-for-less
look are timeless materials, contemporary finishes, and quality
products; so, naturally, classic hardwood floors complete the look. Make
sure you get at least a 25-year finish on the floors, which guarantees
their quality and durability, and really contribute to a home’s value.
Indulgent Accessories
To tie the look together, update cabinets with stainless steel hardware and add in other accessories like family photos in polished silver or simple black frames, glass or ceramic accents, and fresh flowers. Doing so makes the space feel luxurious and is the ultimate affordable yet chic finishing touch.by Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID
Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an award-winning interior designer, author, product developer, and multimedia consultant helping brands reach the interior design community. kerriekelly.com / 916-919-3023