Construction5 Things That Deliver Big on Style in Your Kitchen Renovation

Small upgrades can make a big difference when it comes to renovating your Charleston kitchen. Whether you have purchased a new house and the kitchen is outdated, or you’ve been in your home for years and it’s just time for a change, there are minor (or major) changes you can make to bring your dream gourmet kitchen to life. From countertops and sinks, to appliances and bonus features, your new kitchen can be anything you dream up. Here are 5 major upgrades to consider during a remodel to ensure that this space is the gourmet “heart of the home ” that delivers big on style.

1. Stone Counter Tops
These days, any high-end kitchen renovation should include beautiful, durable countertops that will last for many years to come. As the days of laminate kitchen countertops are quickly becoming a thing of the past, a kitchen remodel these days might even bypass updating to granite, which became the go-to surface for kitchen updates in the 1990s and early 2000s.  Today, for any gourmet kitchen, popular countertop updates include both manufactured stones, such as quartz and natural stones, such as granite. While granite is typically less expensive and requires some maintenance, it has natural beauty and is less uniform in pattern. Quartz countertops are man made and typically monotone in pattern, but they are durable and maintenance free.  Additionally, classic, white marble has gained in popularity as the top choice for many homeowners. It’s no surprise – this beautiful surface has long been a symbol of tradition, luxury and extraordinary taste.  “It’s a natural material with great variety, depending on which species you select and how it’s cut.”  Prices of these can vary depending on manufacturer or rarity of stone, so do your research.

2. A Deep, Under-mount Sink
Ask any kitchen designer what the focal point of a kitchen design is and the answer is typically “the range hood. ”  Ask a chef, and the answer just might be “the kitchen sink. “ A generous, durable, sink designed to do the heavy lifting during preparation and clean-up. Every gourmet kitchen needs a deep, under-mount sink. Rather than sitting on top of your counter tops, an under-mount sink fits underneath the counters, thus increasing your counter space and resulting in a more sleek, seamless appearance. A deep sink, such as a farm sink, or commercial grade stainless steel will also make filling pots and cleaning out large dishes easier than ever.  And don’t skimp on the faucet. Match it in beauty and function to your sink and you will never regret splurging here.

3. A Quiet Dishwasher
How annoying is it to not be able to hold a conversation in your own kitchen due to a loud dishwasher? Use the opportunity of a kitchen renovation to upgrade to an ultra-quiet dishwasher model. These days, stainless steel appliances are ideal for any gourmet kitchen, and while you shop for a quiet dishwasher, be sure to check for its decibel rating. The lower the dbA rating, the more quiet your dishwasher will be while it’s running. With advances in technology and manufacturing, today it’s possible to find dishwashers that are as quiet as a whisper – literally. If you do a lot of entertaining including this in your gourmet kitchen remodel is a must.

4. A Walk-In Pantry
No gourmet kitchen is complete without a walk-in pantry, which allows you to keep a stockpile of all of your favorite spices, snacks, and other ingredients on-hand at all times without having to worry about running out of space. If your existing kitchen design doesn’t have a walk-in pantry, be sure to speak with your contractor about the possibility of working one in. Even if you have a smaller kitchen space, it may be possible to make it happen.

5. A Built-In Wall Oven … or two!
Wall ovens are very popular in gourmet kitchens, and double ovens are well, doubly so! Moving the oven to a place of its own on the wall allows you to do a sleek convection or gas cooktop, in the center island perhaps, or with built-in cabinetry below. Additionally moving the oven to a built-in location in the wall gives you the added convenience of having your oven at waist-level, making it easier to insert and remove food while cooking.  Not to mention, if you have children, a wall oven can be placed outside of a child’s reach for added safety. With wall ovens, you can also enjoy added storage by installing cabinets above, below, and to the sides of the oven. This is great for maximizing storage for pots, pans, casserole dishes, and the like.

Note: These are just a few must-haves that we think would go perfectly in any gourmet kitchen. With these luxurious features, you can truly make the most of your kitchen renovation. For more ideas or for assistance with your upcoming kitchen remodel, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to assist you in achieving the kitchen of your dreams!