How to splurge and save wisely in the kitchen
With a new year upon us, it's time for reinvention. Start fresh by injecting life and personality into the centre of your home—the kitchen. Spend the renovation budget on five key elements that will ensure both a functional and enduring space:
The countertop is the focal point of the kitchen, and unfortunately shows the most wear and tear. Copper and stainless steel tops are the best investment for a long-lasting solution. Their porous nature can withstand high temperatures and are stain, rust and water resistant, making them easy to clean and preserve. If your budget is tight, choose natural stone such as granite or slate for its resilience and modern aesthetic appeal.
Skimping on major appliances will leave you high and dry. It's worth investing in a reliable and durable brand that will withstand the years of heavy family use. We opted for Maytag's new line of kitchen appliances, built with Maytag Commercial Technology. This new kitchen line-up is made up of better-built components that are designed to last longer and deliver a more powerful performance.
Often overshadowed by big-ticket items, a quality sink fixture is worth the investment. If you plan to build it into a stone countertop, buy quality now, as they are difficult and costly to replace later on. Look for an 18-gauge or 16-gauge model and pair with functional taps boasting savvy details such as integral filtration, sensors and hot-water dispensers.
The most efficient way to instantly enlarge and enhance your kitchen is with advanced lighting. An elegant large ceiling fixture is the best splurge, combined with quality LED lights below your wall cabinets and below the countertop to illuminate drawers.
Opt for solid wood cabinet faces with hand-applied finishes and full plywood-box construction. Rollout trays and custom widths will maximize storage capacity and mask unsightly fillers. Additionally, look for drawers that have dovetail joinery and heavy mechanical slides, which will allow you to customize the layout for your lifestyle.
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