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Tricks of the trade: How to
maximize your kitchen renovation
Considering a kitchen renovation but
not sure how to get the most out of your
space and budget? Expert tips can help
you focus your plans so you get the kitchen
of your dreams for less money and
less stress.
“Redesigning your kitchen is a big
investment,” says A-list designer Nate
Berkus, Artistic Advisor of LG STUDIO
line. “It’s not just about the money; you’re
also investing a lot of time and emotion.
Th ere are so many decisions to make, and
you want them to be the right ones. You
also want to create a space that refl ects the
people who live there. A well-designed
kitchen needs to be functional and personalized.”
Th at’s a heavy order, but Berkus off ers
advice to cut through the confusion by
providing seven tips for a smart kitchen
renovation that any homeowner can
follow.
Be realistic and research
Berkus suggests that homeowners start
with a realistic assessment of their budget
and a wish list. Aft er nailing those down,
spend some time online looking for images
that best refl ect your personal style.
“Th ere is so much design inspiration
out there: Instagram, Pinterest, design
blogs, and so many others,” says Berkus.
“Find out what you are drawn to and
what catches your eye. Ask yourself how
you want to live in the space and what’s
most important to you. Th e design needs
to support that.”
Invest where it counts
Appliances are expensive, but you
want to buy the very best you can aff ord.
Considering how much use they get and
how long you want them to last, it’s a
worthwhile investment. “Th e new LG
STUDIO line that I helped design features
pro-style design elements that instantly
make a kitchen feel high-end,” says Berkus.
Stretch your renovation dollars
“It’s the old adage, don’t throw the baby
out with the bathwater,” says Berkus. “If
your cabinets are in good condition, you
can save a ton of money by painting them.
When it comes to fl ooring, don’t rip it
out if you can refi nish. Save where you
can and then you can spend more of your
budget on things that you really love, and
are more important, like the appliances.”
Add personal touches
For dressing up your kitchen, shop
your home and use things you already
own. “Objects from your travels, framed
photographs, ceramic bowls or handwoven
baskets are all things that personalize
a space and make it feel layered,” says
Berkus.
Enhance small spaces
To maximize small spaces, do something
unexpected. “Could the cabinets be
painted dark gray or black? Could you
use some un-lacquered brass hardware
for shine? Can you add a backsplash in
antique or aged mirror?” Berkus says.
Divide big spaces into zones
To get the most out of a larger kitchen,
Berkus suggests using a zone approach.
“For example, the island and its location
will determine where the appliances
sit,” he says. “In addition, a large open
kitchen allows the opportunity to add an
eat-in area. Why not add a built-in banquette
upholstered in easy-to-clean materials
like outdoor fabric or leather?”
Think long-term
For an investment that lasts, Berkus
says to err on the side of classic elements
and fi nishes like stone, nickel, brass, steel,
painted shaker cabinets and subway tile.
“One of my go-to’s is LG’s Black Stainless
Steel fi nish. It’s both sophisticated, functional
and will up the design ante in
any kitchen. It is also fi ngerprint- and
smudge-resistant, making it perfect for
families.”
Need more renovation inspiration?
Check out the LG STUDIO Virtual
Designer Tool to experiment with diff erent
styles and appliance combinations to
create your dream kitchen.
Courtesy BPT