Embarking on a kitchen remodel is always an exciting journey, and after much deliberation, planning, and ordering, it’s finally time to pull back the curtain on our updated kitchen renovation plans! We’re thrilled to share the evolution of our design strategy and the specific choices we’ve made to create a stunning, functional, and highly appealing kitchen.
When we last discussed our kitchen remodel, the vision was for a grand-scale transformation, including significant structural changes like adding windows, relocating appliances, and even exploring a sophisticated scullery option. These ambitious plans, expertly crafted by Susan Vaughn Designs, aimed at creating our ultimate dream kitchen:
However, life often presents delightful surprises, and our future housing plans took an unexpected turn. Earlier this year, a parcel of land located just blocks from our current residence became available for resale. This was an opportunity we hadn’t foreseen, but it perfectly aligned with our long-term vision of building our “forever home.” Seizing this chance meant a complete reevaluation of our current renovation projects.
Consequently, our kitchen renovation shifted from a massive, long-term personal investment to a more streamlined, budget-friendly upgrade specifically designed to enhance resale value. While we’ve implemented several smart, cost-effective kitchen improvements over the past few years (detailed in our post on kitchen remodel ideas on a budget), our current kitchen is three decades old and showing its age. Quite literally, parts of it are falling apart:
With this crucial context in mind, let’s dive into the current kitchen remodel plans! Our primary objective is to create a kitchen that appeals broadly to potential buyers, ensuring our home stands out in the market. While I’m certainly infusing elements of my personal style, every decision is geared towards universal appeal and maximizing the home’s value. Your opinions are invaluable, so please share your thoughts!
Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s in store for our kitchen’s refresh:
Key Sources & Inspiration: Range hood – details coming soon! | Cabinet knob | Cabinet pull | Marble cutting board | Dome pendant lights | Floating oak shelves | Elegant counter stools | Patterned kitchen rug | Fireclay kitchen sink | Kitchen faucet | Backsplash tile | 48″ Professional Range | Wellborn Cabinets
Strategic Appliance Choices for Resale and Performance
When it came to selecting new kitchen appliances, my initial preference leaned heavily towards an induction range, influenced by the extensive and insightful comments on my previous post comparing induction vs. gas ranges. I was fully prepared to invest in a 48″ induction range, convinced it was the superior choice for efficiency and modern cooking. However, a remarkable opportunity presented itself at our local appliance store: a 48″ dual-fuel Monogram range, recently discounted by a staggering 50% to make way for—ironically—a new induction model. This unexpected offer completely reshaped our appliance strategy.
High-end 48″ ranges typically command prices in the $14,000-$15,000 range. Saving $7,000 was a significant incentive that quickly shifted our decision-making. While opting for a dual-fuel range necessitated running a new gas line from our existing propane tank and installing a more powerful range hood, adding approximately $1,500 to the total cost, the net savings of $5,500 made this a financially prudent and irresistible choice. This substantial saving allowed us to allocate more budget to other areas of the kitchen that enhance overall aesthetic and functionality for future buyers.
Moreover, I had the pleasure of owning this specific 48″ Monogram range in our previous home and absolutely adored its performance and design. So, despite the initial shift from induction, I am confident in its ability to deliver an exceptional cooking experience, knowing firsthand the quality and reliability of Monogram appliances:
To maintain a cohesive and high-end feel, our renovated kitchen will also feature a matching Monogram dishwasher and a newer version of the Monogram refrigerator we loved in our previous home. These choices not only provide superior performance but also contribute to the luxury perception crucial for resale:
For convenience, a microwave drawer will be integrated into our kitchen island. While I previously enjoyed the Monogram microwave drawer, a shrewd move for budget optimization led us to choose a Sharp microwave drawer. This decision was based on insider knowledge: Sharp manufactures Monogram’s drawer microwaves, meaning the internal components and functionality are identical, but without the premium branding markup. This smart swap provides the same high-quality performance at a significantly reduced cost, a win-win for our resale-focused renovation.
Elevated Kitchen Cabinets for Style and Functionality
Collaborating with the experts at Classic Kitchens in Wilmington, we meticulously selected semi-custom Wellborn cabinets. These are robust, high-quality mid-grade cabinets that strike the perfect balance between premium aesthetics and practical value, an essential consideration for maximizing resale potential. The cabinet design incorporates a sophisticated two-tone scheme to add depth and visual interest: the perimeter cabinets will be finished in a crisp Glacier White, providing a bright and airy foundation, while the central kitchen island and the expansive new coffee bar area will feature Gray Mist, a beautiful, warm taupe shade.
For the door style, we chose Wellborn’s Galena, an elegant modified Shaker design. This style distinguishes itself with a subtle trim accentuating the inside border of the classic Shaker profile, offering a refined detail that elevates the overall look beyond a standard Shaker, adding a touch of custom sophistication.
Several exciting enhancements define this cabinet design, all contributing significantly to both functionality and resale appeal:
- **A Decent-Sized Pantry:** Finally, we’ll have a spacious and organized pantry, a highly sought-after feature in any modern kitchen, providing ample storage for essentials and reducing clutter.
- **Rectangular Island with Enhanced Storage:** We’re replacing our oddly shaped island with a sleek, rectangular design. This strategic change drastically increases usable counter space for food preparation and entertaining, and crucially, provides a wealth of additional storage, addressing a common pain point in many kitchens.
- **Convenient Pull-Out Double Trash Cabinet:** Incorporating a discreet, pull-out double trash cabinet, similar to one we cherished in our previous home, offers unparalleled convenience and helps maintain a clean, tidy kitchen aesthetic. This feature is often highlighted by homeowners as a must-have for modern living.
- **Fabulous New Coffee Bar:** Transforming the space where the old pantry and desk once stood, we’re creating a dedicated coffee bar. This stylish and functional zone will be perfect for morning routines and entertaining, adding a luxurious and practical element inspired by designs like this beautiful example by Christie Lewis Interiors:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Christie Lewis Interiors (@christielewisinteriors)
Illuminating the Space: Kitchen Lighting Design
Lighting is a pivotal element in any kitchen design, setting the mood, enhancing functionality, and acting as a key decorative feature. For our kitchen island, I am strongly favoring two of {these striking 18″ dome pendants}. The combination of brass metal and a matte white finish offers a sophisticated blend of modern elegance and timeless appeal, poised to become a captivating focal point over the island. Their clean lines and understated luxury will perfectly complement the overall kitchen aesthetic.
While the dome pendants are a front-runner, I’m also quite fond of the similar cone pendant option available {here}, which offers a slightly different silhouette with comparable elegance.
To ensure a cohesive flow throughout the open-plan space, I plan to retain {this charming woven pendant} above the table in our breakfast nook. Its natural texture adds warmth and a relaxed coastal vibe:
To seamlessly tie this woven element into the main kitchen area, I’m committed to incorporating additional woven or rattan accents. My primary candidates for this integration are the counter stools. I absolutely adore {these cane-back counter stools} for their sophisticated yet relaxed aesthetic, though their price point certainly gives pause. Finding the right balance between style, durability, and budget is a constant challenge!
As part of my ongoing search for the perfect blend of style and value, I’ve curated a selection of other captivating counter stool options that have caught my eye:
Source Links for Counter Stools: 1. Upholstered stool with cane back | 2. White cane stool | 3. Herringbone rattan stool | 4. White & tan rattan stool | 5. Curved back rattan stool | 6. White star weave pattern rattan stool | 7. Open weave rattan stool | 8. White leather weave stool | 9. Checkered seagrass back stool
UPDATE: After further consideration, I’ve refined my lighting plan! Discover my final selections and the reasons behind them in my updated post on kitchen island pendant lighting.
Making a Splash: Kitchen Sink & Faucet Decisions
The kitchen sink and faucet are not merely functional elements; they are central to the kitchen’s workflow and overall aesthetic. My top priority for the sink is a single basin design, moving away from the divided sink we currently have. While divided sinks have their proponents, I find a single, large basin far more practical for washing oversized pots and pans, simplifying cleanup significantly. This is a personal preference that many modern homeowners share, enhancing kitchen efficiency.
Regarding material, my experience living with stainless steel, ceramic, and fireclay sinks has led me to a strong preference for fireclay. Its smooth, resilient surface is not only beautiful but also durable and easy to clean, resisting chips and stains effectively. I cherished {this farmhouse sink} in our previous home for its classic charm and robust nature:
For this specific kitchen remodel, a farmhouse-style sink is not feasible due to its planned placement in a corner cabinet. Therefore, I am focused on undermount options. My current front-runners are {this Kraus undermount fireclay sink} and {this Ruvati undermount fireclay sink}. Both offer the desired durability and clean aesthetic of fireclay, seamlessly integrating into the countertop for a sleek look.
A compelling alternative that has captured my attention is the workstation sink. I’ve received overwhelming positive feedback from many of you who absolutely love yours! When I polled my Instagram followers, several enthusiastically recommended {this Ruvati workstation sink} or {this Kraus workstation sink}, praising their integrated accessories (cutting boards, colanders) that transform the sink into a versatile food prep area:
While I’ve explored some composite workstation sinks, I remain undecided on the aesthetic of white composite materials. Your real-world experiences are incredibly valuable here—I’d love to hear your thoughts on your current sink, whether you love it or have any regrets!
For the kitchen faucet, I’ve been captivated by Studio McGee’s elegant Edalyn line. I’m currently weighing the choices between {this sleek single-hole faucet} and {this classic bridge faucet}, both in a polished nickel finish. Both options exude timeless sophistication and would elevate the sink area with their refined details.
Stylish & Functional: Integrating Floating Oak Shelves
A hallmark of contemporary kitchen design is the thoughtful blend of closed cabinetry with open shelving, offering both practical storage and opportunities for display. In our kitchen remodel, I’m excited to incorporate floating wood shelves, drawing inspiration from the beautiful open shelving in our previous home:
Strategically placed, a pair of shorter shelves will flank our range hood, providing a balanced and airy feel to the cooking zone. Additionally, two longer shelves will be integrated into the new coffee bar area, offering both decorative display space and convenient access to mugs and coffee essentials. For these shelves, I’m a steadfast fan of UltraShelf due to their exceptional quality and ease of installation. I plan to use {these floating oak shelves} in their ‘Nature’ stain. This choice ensures a cohesive aesthetic throughout our home, as it’s the identical stain used for the oak shelves in our living room bookcase, creating a harmonious design narrative.
Sources for Living Room Bookcase: Wallpaper | Large faux coral (similar) | Woven owl | White bubble planter | Fern art | Star pod | White candlesticks | White square frame (8.3″ x 8.3″) | Burlwood frame (11″ x 13″) | Elephant bookend | Decorative black & white box | Coral “topper” (similar) | Bust planter | Round basket
Our positive experience with UltraShelf extends to other areas of our home; we previously installed their oak shelves with a pickled white stain in our bathroom, and were exceptionally pleased with the outcome. This consistent quality reinforces our choice for the kitchen.
Update: For a more budget-conscious approach, I ultimately opted for {these floating shelves}. They proved to be an excellent, less expensive alternative, especially if their standard sizes fit your design needs perfectly!
The Perfect Backdrop: Selecting Our Backsplash Tile
Choosing a backsplash tile that is both versatile and budget-friendly was a key decision for this renovation, particularly with resale in mind. After careful consideration, I settled on {this 2.5″ x 8″ Cloe tile}, also conveniently available {here}. This tile offers an understated elegance that complements a wide range of kitchen styles.
I initially had a moment of hesitation due to its widespread popularity; Cloe tile is indeed a frequent choice in modern kitchen designs. However, its popularity is a testament to its inherent beauty and incredible adaptability. The tile features a subtle, handmade-look variation in color and tone, which allows it to seamlessly blend with an extensive palette of countertop materials and cabinet finishes. This versatility is crucial for creating a kitchen that appeals to a broad audience of potential buyers. Furthermore, its price point is significantly more attractive than the marble options I was initially considering, making it an excellent value without compromising on style or quality. It’s a smart choice that delivers high impact at a reasonable cost.
The Finishing Touch: Cabinet Hardware Selection
Cabinet hardware, often referred to as the “jewelry” of the kitchen, plays a crucial role in defining its style and feel. One of the earlier, budget-friendly upgrades we made to our kitchen after purchasing this home was swapping out the original cabinet knobs for {these elegant knobs in a golden champagne finish}. This seemingly small change delivered an instant, noticeable refresh to the space, demonstrating the power of thoughtful hardware choices.
Given their timeless appeal and the cohesive look they provide, I’ve decided to reuse these very same knobs in our new kitchen remodel. To complement them, we’ll be installing {these matching pulls}, also in the sophisticated golden champagne finish. This consistency in hardware will ensure a polished and harmonious aesthetic across all cabinetry, contributing to the overall high-end feel of the renovated kitchen while staying mindful of our budget. These details collectively enhance the kitchen’s appeal to potential buyers.
While the final countertop choice is still being solidified, it’s a decision I’m actively working on. I may take a trip to Raleigh or Charlotte to view my top contenders in person, as seeing materials in different lighting can make all the difference. I’ll also soon be finalizing the range hood selection (just a few last details to nail down!). Be sure to stay tuned for an exciting reveal of our countertop and range hood selections, along with other key details, as we officially kick off this kitchen transformation!
Update! The decisions are in! I proudly chose {these Viatera Quartz countertops in Calacatta Suprema}, and I absolutely adore them! For the range hood, we went with {this gorgeous Bell Style Straight hood} from Hoodsly, which perfectly complements our design.
Before concluding, I want to extend a very Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads out there! In our household, where even our beloved dog is a girl, my husband Jeff truly holds his own. He navigates a house full of women with patience and humor, and he absolutely deserves all the gratitude and relaxation he receives today.
Today also brings a bittersweet reflection as I deeply miss my own dad. I wish he were here to share in the celebrations; he was truly the best of fathers and had a unique way of making every gathering infinitely more joyful and memorable.
XO,
