What Materials Are Right for Your Custom Kitchen

If you’re planning a custom kitchen remodeling project, it’s important to take time to select the right materials for your custom kitchen. Chatting with a kitchen designer is one way to tap into professional know-how about local prices on certain materials, as well as their durability. You want to ensure that the materials that you use for your custom kitchen will look beautiful, while also passing the test of time. We’ve compiled the top ten parts of a kitchen remodeling project that you’ll need to consider for your custom kitchen below.

Flooring

We can all agree that flooring suffers the most wear and tear in any kitchen. Functionality and material are incredibly important for the flooring in your custom kitchen. You want to choose a flooring option that can stand the test of time, while also looking fresh and modern. A kitchen designer can walk you through your options. Ceramic tiles, natural stone and solid wood are just a few of the options for those on a higher budget. Vinyl, concrete, or laminate are more affordable options for those doing a custom kitchen project on a budget.

Countertops

New countertops are one of the most visible upgrades for any custom kitchen project. Countertops can be made from a variety of materials such as soapstone, granite, tile, or even glass. There are really so many options for materials for your custom kitchen countertops, that you’re sure to find something that matches your style and your budget. However, be sure to discuss not only the durability of the material, but also how well the material cleans.

Walls

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a new kitchen, but wallpaper is another option to consider for your kitchen’s walls. However, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box; tile can offer a gorgeous addition to your walls, as well. Additionally, wood beams can be added to your ceiling for a rustic look. Consider all of your options for walls for your custom kitchen project to ensure that you create your dream kitchen.

Crown molding

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your custom kitchen project, using crown molding is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade the look of your kitchen. Even If you’re on a budget, crown molding is one way to make your custom kitchen project look even more polished. Crown molding can range in price, so be sure to discuss this option with your kitchen designer.

Windows

Natural light is a gorgeous way to illuminate your new custom kitchen. If your kitchen doesn’t already have some windows, you may want to talk with your designer about adding some. Natural light enhances the warmth of a room and creates a feeling of spaciousness.  Plus, windows bring the great outdoors – indoors.

Lighting

In addition to natural light, you’ll need to consider what type of light fixtures you want for your custom kitchen. Whether you want a chandelier, lamps, or modern fixtures in your ceiling, you’ll need to chat through your options with your designer. Lighting placement is something to be considered when designing your custom kitchen, as electrical requirements must be analyzed.

Cabinets

Cabinets can often be one of the most expensive parts of a custom kitchen project. Materials like wood, as well as labor costs, can easily price into the tens of thousands. This is a good reason to consult with a professional regarding your custom kitchen projects.  Your kitchen designer should be able to mesh your budget with your specific needs while helping you design a kitchen which will represent your own personal style.

Appliances

Appliances are a necessary component of any kitchen remodeling project, and there are a multitude of options. Hideaway refrigerators are very popular with custom cabinetry to conceal your appliances. Additionally, stainless steel appliances are another great way to take your custom kitchen to the next level.

Furniture

Be sure to consider your furniture and your furniture placement long before you start work on your remodeling project. It’s important to consider capacity, traffic, placement and the size of your furniture to ensure that it fits well into your kitchen. Additionally, you’ll want to select furniture that matches the style of your new custom kitchen.

Decor

Kitchens are predominantly functional, but don’t forget that  nice decor can’t make a huge difference. Chat with your kitchen designer about functional decor that will make your custom kitchen look even more special.

Time for a Kitchen Renovation

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, chances are you’ve spent a fair amount time searching the internet for various options and browsing through kitchen designers.  Chances are you have also noticed just how many options there actually are.  Kitchen renovation is a full-time job.  Finding appropriate materials is only one piece of the puzzle.  Deciding on a style and color scheme is equally important.  If you already have a full- time job, (one that would pay for your kitchen renovation) you may find it nearly impossible to squeeze in the time for a DIY project on this scale.  That’s why many people choose to hire a kitchen designer.

What is a Kitchen Designer?

A kitchen designer is a professional with many years of experience and expertise in kitchen renovation.  A professional designer not only knows about materials, space planning and trends, but he or she can also guide the planning of your kitchen in a direction that fits your personality, taste and budget.

Where Do I Find a Kitchen Designer?

Kitchens are a special niche in the design and renovation field.  As the most highly functional space and frequently the central focus of many homes, one should look for a designer who specializes in just that – kitchens.  To ensure a successful kitchen renovation project, be certain to seek out a professional kitchen designer.  Joe Currie of Capitol Design in Austin, Texas has been designing kitchen renovations since 1981.  Check out his website at wwwcapitoldesign.us/news to view examples of his expertise and talent.

Discussing Your Renovation Budget with Your Kitchen Designer

First of all, your designer will want to discuss your budget.  Now this is not a tactic to shake you down!  Discussing your budget is a practical way to make your dream kitchen come true.  Kitchen renovations are possible on small and large budgets; however, appropriate plans need to be made in either case.  To avoid disappointment, be honest about your renovation budget with your kitchen designer.

Discussing Materials with Your Kitchen Designer

Now that you and your kitchen designer have discussed budget and style, it’s time to talk about materials for your kitchen renovation.  If you have a modest budget, but expensive taste, your kitchen designer can recommend affordable alternatives for materials, such as vinyl flooring rather than tile, or possibly laminate countertops instead of granite.  Again, it is possible to achieve a fresh, chic look, even on a budget.  This is an excellent reason for choosing a professional kitchen designer for your renovation.  A designer should know the local market for materials and can guide you in the right direction based on your needs.

Making a Plan with You Kitchen Designer

Once you have decided upon your kitchen re-design plan, you and your designer can move forward with the actual renovation of your kitchen.  Be certain to discuss your preferences and needs with your kitchen designer.  As in any working relation, communication is key-especially in home renovations.

Finding a Kitchen Designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin area kitchen designer?  Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been producing beautiful kitchen renovations since 1981.  Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known chef.  He can also design one for you.  Check out Joe’s portfolio here:

Traditional Kitchen Designs

Contemporary Kitchen Designs

Transitional Kitchen Designs

 

 

Hiring a Kitchen Designer

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, chances are that you’ve spent a fair amount of time searching the internet for various options and browsing kitchen designers. And chances are that you’re noticed just how many options are out there. The truth is, a kitchen renovation is truly a full time job. Finding appropriate materials is only one piece of the puzzle. Deciding on a style and color scheme are equally important. If you’re already working full-time, it’s nearly impossible to complete your kitchen renovation in a timely manner. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. That’s why many people choose to hire a kitchen designer.

What is a kitchen designer?

A kitchen designer is a professional with many years of experience in kitchen renovation projects. Professional designers not only know about materials, but they can also help to guide the style of your kitchen in a direction that fits your personality, taste and budget.

Where do I find a kitchen designer?

It can be tricky to find a designer who specializes in kitchen renovation. Many designers are generalists therefore wouldn’t necessarily be specialized in kitchen design. If you want a truly professional kitchen renovation, it’s best to find a designer who really knows their stuff. If you’re in the Austin area, check out Joe Currie from Capitol Design. Joe has been designing kitchen renovations since 1981.

Discussing your renovation budget with your kitchen designer

First of all, your designer will most likely want to discuss your budget. Now, this is not just some tactic to see how much money you have. Discussing your budget is a practical way to see how to make your dream kitchen renovation come true. Kitchen renovations are possible on small and large budgets. However, appropriate plans need to be made in either case. Therefore, be honest and upfront about your renovation budget with your kitchen designer.

Explaining your taste to your kitchen designer

Next, your kitchen designer will want to discuss your personal style and taste. It’s a good idea to keep magazine clippings or a Pinterest board of kitchen styles that you like. If you visit a nearby paint shop you can easily pick out some colors that appeal to you. Be sure to give your kitchen designer as much information as possible so that they can match the style that you’re seeking for your kitchen renovation.

Discussing materials with your kitchen designer

Now that your kitchen designer knows about your budget and your style, it is time to talk about materials for your kitchen renovation. If you have a lower budget, but expensive taste, your kitchen designer will recommend affordable alternatives for materials such as linoleum rather than tiles, or formica countertops rather than marble. Again, it is absolutely possible to achieve a chic look even on a budget. This is one reason why it is incredibly important to find a professional designer to help you with your kitchen renovation. A designer knows the local market for materials and can steer you in the right direction based on your needs.

Making a plan with your kitchen designer

Once you’ve decided upon your kitchen redesign plan, you’ll need to make a plan with your designer about the actual renovation of your kitchen. Discuss your preferences and needs with your designer. Being upfront with your communication is incredibly important in any working relationship, but especially with home renovations.

Find a kitchen designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin area kitchen designer? Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been working with kitchen renovation since 1981. Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known St. Louis chef. Check out Joe’s portfolio here:

Traditional Kitchen Designs

Contemporary Kitchen Designs

Transitional Kitchen Designs