Rock the Block, S1: Kitchen
June 10 2022
Project Overview
The Room:
Kitchen
The Budget Breakdown:
- Total Reno Budget: $175,000
- Main Suite: -$25,800
- Kitchen: -$35,150
- REMAINING BUDGET: $114,050
The Plan:
Everyone knows, the kitchen is always what sells a home. People want a chef’s kitchen, an entertaining kitchen, a beautiful, functional, memory-maker of a kitchen. A place to gather with family and friends, for big parties and for nightly meals. I wanted this kitchen to pack a major punch of “WOW,” backed by layers and layers of high design functionality. I used saturated tones and handcrafted materials to add warmth and character to our commercial grade appliances, and prioritized stylish storage solutions and a well-considered layout that maximized entertaining space. Say that five times fast!
Kitchen Design Board
Kitchen Color Story
Before & After Photos
FINAL REVEAL
For this room, I had to keep a laser focus on spending my budget on things that would increase the appraised value of this house versus on things that simply looked pretty or were design forward. The name of this game is the FINAL APPRAISED VALUE and every single revision I made to the kitchen plans had to play a role in increasing that all important number. Check out some of the Value-Adds that made the cut:
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
I used a timeless luxury vinyl in a smoked oak finish for the flooring throughout the entire house, kitchen included. Using this beautiful, neutral, “life proof” floor makes the house appealing to families, designers, and appraisers. Also, using the same floor across the entire space creates a whole house design that feel more spacious, AND more cohesive.
MFR: BELLISSIMA STYLE: LVT FLOORING, COLOR: APPLESAUCE, AC-AS
Handcrafted Tile Backsplash
This tile! I could stop right there because not much more really needs to be said about it. Except that it is handcrafted. And that each piece is unique. And that it warms up the space and makes it feel like a well-loved home just instantly. Each individual tile is like a piece of art and I want to hug every single one of them. I wonder if the appraiser will feel the same way? I hope he/she is a hugger!
UV Protected Dolomite Island
One of the biggest value-adds to this kitchen was the expanded island! We increased the size of this ever popular kitchen feature by about fifty percent! In addition to its grand-scale, I wanted to call attention to this piece by choosing a beautiful, show-stopping counter material. I selected Dolomite, a cousin to marble and granite. This stunning natural stone, on such a grand scale, is sure to increase the value and appeal of this space.
In order to preempt any concerns about upkeep and durability, I had this rather porous stone sealed with a UV coating. This coating creates a super hard and non-porous surface now comparable to quartzite.
Live Edge Waterfall Walnut Island Detailing
I mean, is there any question? There are so many words needed to describe this live-edge, abstract butterfly-jointed, waterfall walnut slab island detailing that it MUST increase the appraised value, based purely on the number of letters required to communicate its uniqueness. Also based on its beauty, warmth, character, and beauty. Did I mention that it was beautiful already?
INSTALLER: GEORGE BERNAL CUSTOM, MATERIAL: LIVE EDGE WALNUT SLAB
Antique Elm Accents
By nature, kitchens can be cold due to all of the hard surfaces. Using antique elm accents throughout the space, including for the open shelving and as backing for the entertainment buffet, increases the warmth of this kitchen exponentially, which directly correlates to an increase in the appraised value. Or at least it SHOULD.
Modern Sink and Plumbing Fixtures
Upgrading the plumbing fixtures from the standard, builder-grade selections was something I knew I had to do. Paying attention to these little details makes a house feel well-built and considerately designed. Houses are not a one-size fits all! I chose a modern twist on a classic silhouette for the faucet, and a timeless, square edged stainless steel sink.
SINK MFR: MR DIRECT, MODEL: 3322S INDUSTRIAL RECTANGULAR, COLOR: STAINLESS STEEL SINK
Custom Range Hood
This range hood was designed by yours truly and custom built and installed on site, then painted to match the surround cabinets. That makes it a one-of-a-kind piece. It draws your eye to the beautiful range wall as soon as you walk into the space, and adds yet another subtle touch of custom flair to this room.
INSTALLER: B AND D CABINETS, MATERIAL: 3″ PAINT GRADE SLATS, COLOR: SHERWIN WILLIAMS NIGHT OWL SW7061
Saturated Paint Tones
I used paint tones to both differentiate the kitchen, and to create a mood. That mood being: Welcome! Eat! Gather! Stay! The dark gray tones have an inviting green undertone, and give the kitchen a bit of a library-type feeling: soothing and open to all.
SEE COLOR STORY FOR DETAILS
Entertainment Buffet
This was our piece de resistance. A floor-to-ceiling, glass front, antique elm-backed cabinet display worthy of any boutique eatery. A built-in wine bar with antique barn wood counter centers the eye and states its purpose: entertainment and hospitality.
Upgraded Select Appliances
Appliances are super important when it comes to the appraised value of a home, so I was very strategic about which ones to keep, and which ones to upgrade. The dishwasher, double ovens, and range were all commercial style stainless steel, so I kept them, since they fit perfectly with the design. We opted for a new Smart Refrigerator, because smart homes appraise higher, and a new beverage refrigerator, because there’s just something that shouts, “Entertainers Kitchen!” about having a second refrigerator unit.
REFRIGERATOR: Samsung 24.2 cu. ft. Family Hub French Door Smart Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
BEVERAGE REFRIGERATOR: New Air 27 Bottle Single Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler
Walk-In Pantry
Keeping this walk-in pantry was a no-brainer. Extra storage means added value to the home. Period. And staging it to feel like another room in the house, with intention and design consideration makes it feel less like a closet for food, and more like an additional space you wouldn’t mind spending some time in.
This project could not have been made possible without our amazing vendors as well:
Custom Cabinetry: B and D Cabinets | Walnut Counter: George Bernal | Backsplash Tile: Zia Tile | Countertops: Dale
Antique Elm Accents: Mr. Timbers| Lighting: Filament Lighting & Home
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