Where to Spend: Kitchen Remodel, Part Two

If you followed the first installment of the Hollywood Hills kitchen remodel, you know that Steven and Melissa saved a lot of money buying previously owned and gently used appliances on Craigslist.

But the couple's dictum has always been, "pay retail where it counts." Here's where they splurged:

1. Cabinetry - At the suggestion of their architect Daniella Carter, Steven and Melissa opted for Ikea cabinetry (approximately $6,000) instead of custom (quoted at $20,000 plus). But they did invest in a professional installer for about $3,000. According to Steven, "He was worth every penny. He knows everything about Ikea and can guide you in your purchases, help identify problem areas, and create solutions on the spot."

2. Hardware - The couple personalized the cabinetry with high-quality architectural hardware from Sugatsune.

3. Tile - Knowing that a backsplash is the focal point of any kitchen, Steven and Melissa installed a large field of white Angela Adams "corice" tiles selected from Ann Sacks Tile and Stone in Los Angeles.

4. Countertops - They chose CaesarStone - a durable quartz surface -for all the countertops, including an extra large workspace (approximately 40 inches) between the kitchen and the living area where the entire family congregates for cooking, eating meals, and doing homework.

5. Wine refrigerator - The Vinotemp may be considered a superfluous item, but because of a small scratch on the handle, the showroom deducted half off the retail price of $1000.

As a final tip for paying retail, Steven suggests that modest discounts are not uncommon ... you just have to ask.

The complete kitchen remodeling series:

Where to Save on a Kitchen Remodel
Where to Spend on a Kitchen Remodel
How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel

Jennifer Volland | Comments () |

Kitchen Cabinets Ventura

When remodeling a kitchen, however, it is important to go about it the right way, so we present here 10 things to consider when remodeling your kitchen.

Toronto Home Renovations

This is the great blog, And very useful information. When you have selected a final floor plan, elevations usually follow
– so you can see what the kitchen will look like in detail. Often a a
3-D rendering or line drawing is provided to help you visualize the
space.And these all the great tips. I think you are doing great work with your post.
Toronto Home Renovations

Kitchen Cabinets Ventura

Contemporary kitchen cabinets have become a part of modern day living.
They are smart, convenient to use and clutter free. They may not be as
well adorned, as their traditional counterparts but they are impeccably
made with clever use of lights and colors.

Geethasing

Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing, this advise is wonderful. Its so great to see couples bargain hunting and turning out such a gorgeous high end kitchen. If you don't mind my asking, who did the installation for Steven and Melissa's kitchen? I'm considering Ikea myself and I do think a contractor who is experience with the material is the way to go.

Charles & Hudson

Hi,

They seem to be extremely happy with their purchase and were able to spend the money saved in other ways.

Laurie

I live in the San Fernando Valley and I am considering Ikea cabinets. Would it be possible to know who did the Ikea cabinet installation for Steven and Melissa? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Allison

I've always gone for splurging on nice tile, but in a few key areas, like the backsplash. You can really stretch your money by buying basic tile for 80 percent of the area, then splurg on the rest. Here are some cool backsplash designs where you can take the concept and follow that savings mode:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/arc...

nycaircondition

Great article and good points mentioned.
http://www.nycaircondition.com

nycaircondition

Great article and good points mentioned.

Where to Spend: Kitchen Remodel, Part Two

Categories