We’ve all heard the phrase: ‘the kitchen is the heart of the home’. The reason this phrase gained so much traction over the years is because there is a lot of truth behind those words. It is where we not only prepare meals, but where we celebrate, laugh, and host family and friends. The kitchen is home to both the quieter moments of the everyday and the larger memorable occasions.

So, when you buy a new home, you may be wondering how you make your kitchen work for the daily tasks as well as function for gatherings. In this blog post I am going to go through the areas that spending will add value, and areas that you can save.

Save: Appliances

As a Shane customer, one of the first appointments you go on is your appliance selection appointment. Appliances are crucial to the cabinet design and layouts so you cannot move onto this step without having the proper appliance specs in hand. Since this is one of the first appointment, this is where people sometimes spend more than they intend because they are so excited about beginning the selection process.

However, this is one area that I recommend you can save some money. If it is within the budget, then go ahead and splurge! However, if you are wanting to spend your dollars on a countertop or cabinets then this can be a great way to save. The reason you can save here is because appliances are replaceable. Obviously not without effort, but most kitchen appliances are able to be uninstalled and replaced with a better counterpart without too much trouble. This is unlike, say, countertops or cabinetry which could cost substantially more to replace.

This is not a blanket statement though and if you are wondering how easy it would be to upgrade an appliance within a few years of owning your new home, then consult your appliance expert when you meet with them to be sure you have all the information.

Spend: Cabinets

I would argue that cabinet design is the most integral part of the kitchen. A well-designed kitchen can bring ease and function to the everyday. Cabinetry is not just about the colour and aesthetic, there are several items that you can add to the kitchen that will make your life easier.

Here are some things to consider when planning your cabinet design:

• Increasing the height to the cabinets to be flush with the ceiling
• Adding crown moulding or light valence
• Organizers like spice drawers, corner cabinet organizers or cutlery trays
• Pull out garbage and recycling
• Wine cabinet or storage
• Adding additional drawers to the kitchen

Not only will these additions up your organization game, but this is another area that will add future value. After all, who doesn’t love an organized kitchen?

Save: Wall Tile

There is a myriad of tile options to choose from when selecting your kitchen backsplash. And many are within a reasonable price range as well, giving you dozens of options to choose from.

Wall tile is a place you don’t have to break the bank to get a look that you love. A classic subway look can be done with our standard wall tile, or you can go with something more decorative or geometric if the budget allows.

The key here is finding something that speaks to you and will bring the kitchen design together.

Spend: Countertops

Countertops are a vital part of any kitchen design. At Shane Homes, we offer standard selections in both quartz and granite, as well as upgraded options in both. We also have various options in 2cm and 3cm thickness that can offer various pricing options.

Upgrading your kitchen countertop can elevate your kitchen design and adds future value to your home. Typically, as the main gathering place of the home, an upgraded kitchen countertop will be admired by family members and friends alike.

Many customers that I meet with choose to upgrade their kitchen countertops but leave the bathrooms as a standard selection. Since we encourage customization, you can have two different colours of countertops at no extra charge. That way you can prioritize upgrading in the heart of the home while saving a bit in the spaces that will be a bit more private.

At the end of the day, the kitchen is a place that you will utilize every day. Which means you want to get it right the first time around. Spending that little extra now may lessen headaches later or bring a smile to your face every time you make your cup of coffee. Budget is always a consideration and it is important to note that you can still create a kitchen you love without going overboard. Ask yourself and your family what areas you should spend and where you can save. Hopefully this article will be a good place to start creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Tricha Hamstra – Interior Design Team Lead