Kim Williams, SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber, reveals how to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood.
Could your kitchen use an upgrade? If visions of pristine cabinets and sparkling countertops have you craving an enhancement to the most important room, the heart of the home, now is the perfect time to bring your dreams to life. Before you dive into any renovations, take a cue from Kim Williams, the SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber and Home Centers in the Hudson Valley, and “write down everything you love about your existing kitchen and everything you want to change.”
Look through several kitchen and home improvement magazines and surf the web to get ideas of what is out there. Think about how you use your kitchen today and plan for the future. What is your lifestyle, family size, and cooking and entertainment style? All of these are important factors to consider when planning a new kitchen.
Once you identify your exact needs, you can streamline your goals and design the kitchen of your dreams whether you’re on a budget or just won the lottery. Here are six steps to get you started.
Install a new sink or faucet
According to Williams, the sink and faucet are often the focal point of the kitchen and set the creative tone for the entire space. With the heightened awareness on hygiene at home, install a hands-free/touchless faucet or a matte or brushed finish faucet for a low-maintenance upgrade that won’t show fingerprints. Customize your kitchen sink by type, basin, and or material. Remember, your sink and faucet are workhorses, so choose wisely so they will last for the life of your home.
Update your countertop
When it comes to new countertops, the possibilities are truly endless. Williams points out that counters like Corian and Formica are cost-efficient options, while those made from granite or quartz may be more expensive. Consider durability, longevity, and maintenance before choosing the option that’s best for you.
Change out the hardware and knobs
Swapping out your kitchen hardware may seem like a small change, but it can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your space. Choose from finishes and styles like chrome, nickel, and stainless steel to redefine your space with a fresh aesthetic.
Make the most of your cabinets
If new or updated cabinets are on your to-do list, make sure you consider all of your storage options that are available. Kitchens function better when there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. With all the new cooking appliances and gadgets and increased stocked pantry items, more storage space is a necessity. Consider dedicated pantries and enhanced cabinetry options like larger cupboards with pull-out storage solutions (ie. tip-out trays, utility racks, dividers, drawer organizers). The possibilities are endless with kitchen organization.
Take it outside
Give your oven a break and showcase your culinary skills in your very own outdoor kitchen. A Traeger or Weber Grill will get you started, notes Williams, and Trex decking, which is made of 95-percent recycled materials in the U.S., can help you perfect your outdoor cooking setup. From there, make it even more functional with sturdy aluminum cabinetry for demanding areas and a powder-coated finish and sealed storage to withstand the elements.
“By adding Wolf Endurance outdoor cabinets,” Williams says, “you can quickly turn your outdoor living space into the ultimate oasis.”
Lay the groundwork for your outdoor kitchen
To make sure your al fresco culinary space is fully functional, add pavers to create a smooth surface outside. Opt for a trusted brand like Unilock, which comes in non-slip varieties, for kitchen foundations. With Unilock in place, your outdoor kitchen will be ready for warm-weather cooking.
To turn your kitchen renovation dreams into a reality, look to the certified designers and associates at Williams Lumber and Home Centers for expert advice. Williams has seven convenient locations, including its kitchen and bath showrooms in Pleasant Valley and Rhinebeck that feature over 20 design displays ranging from traditional to ultra-modern from quality manufacturers like Crystal, Omega, and Schrock.
6760 Rte 9, Rhinebeck; 845.876.WOOD
2424 Rte 44, Salt Point; 845.605.3520
317 Kyserike Rd, High Falls; 845.687.7676
908 Rte 82, Hopewell Junction; 845-221-2751
3679 Rte 9, Hudson; 518.851.3641
9-11 East Market St, Red Hook; 845.758.5615
34 Bloomer Rd, Tannersville; 518.589.5200
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