What are the best areas to save money, and splurge on in your kitchen design? Join us as we walk you through how you can get the look of this contemporary kitchen, and where we saved and splurged on the interior finishes.
Featured Showhome: Pacesetter Homes ‘Tallin’ model in Desrochers – 2738 Donaghey Crescent SW, Edmonton
The Cabinetry Colors & Hardware
Upper Cabinets: Camp White | Lower Cabinets: Mistral
The Save
Thermofoil Cabinet Material
Thermofoil is a lower cost option when compared to wood or painted cabinetry.
Thermofoil cabinetry is made using vinyl that is heated & pressurized onto an MDF core, leaving you with a durable finish that is easy to clean.
The Splurge
Upgraded Lower Cabinet Color
To achieve the two toned look, an upgraded color was used on the lower cabinetry.
The lower cabinet color also has texture to it, giving it a similar appearance to a wood cabinet.
Upgraded Cabinet Hardware
Changing you cabinet hardware is a splurge that is well worth it. It’s a lower cost upgrade that really delivers. It allows you to really match the finish and style to the rest of your house, and tie everything together.
Cabinet Hardware Style: Matte Black | 80112890
The Backsplash and Hoodfan
Backsplash: Mestizaje Series in White ; 5 x 5
The Save
Regular Ceramic Tile
You can still achieve a similar look by using a regular ceramic tile. Use a tile that is the same size, 5×5 square, and find a color that would mimic the natural hues.
You can opt to not do a chimney hoodfan and/or tile to the ceiling which will save some money!
The Splurge
Hand Made & Hand Glazed Tile
This 5 x 5 square tile has a unique look to it due to it’s hand glazed technique. It adds to the natural feel of the kitchen.
Additionally, we added a chimney hoodfan and took the tile right to the ceiling to add height to the kitchen.
The Cabinet Height
The Save
Adding a Cabinet Riser
If you don’t want to spend the money to extend the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, you can still achieve the same look by adding a cabinet riser. This is essentially a cabinet panel instead of a whole cabinet. You won’t get the same storage but you will get the sleek look!
The Splurge
Extending the Cabinetry to the Ceiling
If you want that sleek, contemporary look extending the cabinets to the ceiling is a great way to achieve that. In addition, it gives the room added height and gives you added storage!
Our designer also chose to add a built in wine rack to this kitchen. Which is a completely, 100% justifiable splurge.
The Countertop & Kitchen Sink
Quartz: 3/4″ Thick | Color: Concrete
The Save
3/4″ Quartz Countertops
Going with a thinner quartz will still give you the same durability and glossy finish as a thicker solid surface product, however there is limited color availability. But otherwise there really is no difference!
The Splurge
1 – 1/4″ Quartz Countertops
Adding in a thicker countertop opens it up to way more options in both the color and material department. With a 1-1/4″ thickness you can choose from either quartz or granite, and a large array of colors.
Bonus! The Kitchen Sink
Many people think that if you go with a thinner quartz, you can’t then have an undermount sink. But that’s not true! So if you want to splurge a bit in this area, you can choose an undermount sink and still save on the countertop!
We hope this article helped you in designing your own kitchen! For more information on any of the products used, please feel free to send us an email. Thank you!
[…] Cabinet hardware is an easy and affordable upgrade that can completely transform the look of a kitchen. Think of it as the final touch, like jewelry with a nice outfit. For more ways to save on kitchen design, check out our designQ blog post and video. […]