August 5, 2024

How to Avoid Kitchen Remodel Regrets: 5 Tips from A Top Kitchen Designer

cover pic

Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen from scratch or renovating your current space, it goes without saying that you want it to be perfect. However, with so many decisions you have to make–both big and very, very small–you’ll likely worry whether you’re getting everything right.

While it’s not common to have regrets, it can and does happen after tackling a significant design project, says Ingrid Becker, a kitchen and bath designer with DEANE Inc. DEANE is not only one of the top design firms in Fairfield County, Connecticut, but it’s also a long-standing Clarke partner, and authorized Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove dealer.

According to Ingrid, who has more than 30 years of experience in the business, there are five common mistakes homeowners make that cause regrets. So here’s what to avoid if you want to create the kitchen of your dreams–and be happy with it for years to come.

1. Only doing a partial remodel

 

kitchen remodel regrets with wolf range
Redesigning the layout meant the owners could approach space planning as a blank slate and avoided being locked into finding new units to fit into spaces meant for older models.

Ingrid says that instead of starting with a blank slate, sometimes homeowners try to save money by working with the existing cabinetry and making simple cosmetic changes to the countertops and backsplash.

“This is really a little bit like putting lipstick on a pig,” she says. “It always ends up being more expensive than anticipated.”

She says that’s because the 20+ year old cabinetry will still look dated, even with a fresh coat of paint, and most importantly, an old floor plan will significantly limit appliance selection. Appliance dimensions have changed over time, which means you’ll have to work harder to find new units that fit into spaces meant for older models.

“In these cases we often hear, ‘we spent a lot of money, and it wasn’t beneficial’,” she recalls.

She adds that it’s also not great for resale. Prospective buyers will notice it’s not truly a new kitchen, so you may not see the return on your investment.

For inspiration on selecting a cohesive appliance package, Ingrid encourages all of her clients to visit a Clarke Showroom. There, they can see how the latest Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove appliances seamlessly integrate into 12 different full-scale designer kitchen displays, and the full array of available options, models and functionalities.

2. Thinking you can do it alone

 

kitchen remodel regrets with sub-zero fridge
Space-planning/creativity created two 11’-0” working islands. One features the main sink and clean-up area, while the second offers storage along with a prep sink with a built-in walnut butcher block cutting board.

Ingrid encourages anyone planning a kitchen remodel to consider the benefits of having a designer guide them through the project.

“A kitchen project can be highly stressful,” she says. “We’re here to do everything we can to ensure it’s a smooth, seamless and positive experience, and avoid any regrets.”

Designers have first-hand knowledge of new materials, finishes and trends, so they can keep you from making choices that are too safe or too bold, or that might not stand the test of time. If family members have different tastes or priorities, they can also help you come to an agreement.

She adds that if you work with vendors on your own, they’re not going to spend the time that a kitchen designer will on developing a cohesive plan that takes into consideration both form and function. “They’re going to say, ‘Okay, what do you want?’”

You may also end up spending more money in the long run. For example, if you go straight to a mill workshop, you’ll likely get a sprayed-on cabinet finish that will need to be repainted after a few years, which can cost several thousands of dollars. Working with a custom cabinetry company like DEANE ensures that you’ll get a quality factory finish, which lasts much longer.

She warns that by not working with an expert, “You run the risk of making critical errors that may impact the enjoyment and usage of your new kitchen.”

3. Keeping existing appliances

 

kitchen remodel regrets with wolf steam oven and microwave
Working with the latest in appliance options gave this owner the ability to create clean lines when selecting a microwave and steam oven to complete this elegantly functional space.

Ingrid says that homeowners often choose to keep some of their existing appliances, incorrectly assuming they will have an easier and less costly kitchen remodel as a result.

“I do everything I can to suggest that they rethink selective upgrades and instead, install updated, new appliances throughout, especially if they’re moving into a home,” she says, “even if the existing appliances are only a few years old.”

Hanging onto old appliances–especially only one or two–can limit your choices when it comes to your new cabinetry and layout and may cost you more down the road when they need to be replaced. It can also pigeon-hole customers into keeping their existing floor plan, which often could benefit from professional space planning.

She recalled one couple who wanted to keep an under-counter wine unit that was eight or nine years old. She was able to talk them out of it by explaining that if the unit stopped working, they would need to hire a plumber and electrician to replace the unit. Plus, as mentioned above, the new unit would likely be a different size, requiring a new cabinet panel, potentially resulting in  gaps between the unit and cabinetry.

Upgrading appliances can be a big change for some homeowners, so Ingrid always directs her clients to the Clarke Showroom for a Product Demonstration, to see how new appliances perform. Demonstrations can be scheduled directly from the Clarke Showroom website.

4. Focusing to0 much on trends

 

While you want your dream kitchen to be current, Ingrid cautions that what’s popular at the moment may not be the best fit for your space or your needs.

Take the floating shelves trend, for example. Ingrid says that many homeowners now come to her saying they don’t want upper cabinetry. “They want that clean look,” she says. “But obviously, it limits storage, and it’s not always functional.”

To explore a variety of design styles, she recommends visiting Clarke’s Design Inspiration Gallery, which features the work of some of New England’s best designers, and DEANE’s online portfolio, which lets you view their latest projects.

And, again, a kitchen designer can help you achieve a timeless result–and avoid costly second-guessing. “Fads come in and out quickly,” she says. “You don’t want to be considering making changes in just a few years.”

 

5. Not choosing the finishes and materials that best fit your lifestyle

 

Ingrid says that it’s easy for homeowners to focus on what they like when making choices for their dream kitchen, instead of what will work best for their lifestyle and family. To steer them in the right direction, she asks questions like, “Are there young kids at home, or do only adults use the house?” and “Do you do a lot of cooking? Do you like to entertain?”

If they say they have young children, she advises they panel their stainless steel appliances to prevent small hands leaving fingerprints. When it comes to flooring, she likes to know if someone will be standing and cooking for long periods–while stone and porcelain are both extremely durable materials, they can be very hard on your knees and back.

For a kitchen that sees heavy use, a full slab may be a better choice than tile, which is making a comeback. And while you might love the look of marble, it might not be the appropriate choice if you are concerned with staining or etching.

A kitchen remodel may be one of the biggest–and most important–projects you tackle in your home. By following Ingrid’s advice, you can be sure you’ll have a space that you and your family can use and enjoy with no regrets.

 

Are you ready to make your dream kitchen a reality? Visit a Clarke Showroom today.