Utica Kitchen Remodeling - How Appliance Choices Can Set the Tone in a New Kitchen

Many Utica homeowners pore over Pinterest, Houzz, or even “real” magazines to get ideas to remodel their kitchens, and never see their dreams come to fruition due to budget constraints. And the truth is, when it comes to kitchen design, the sky’s the limit. There are tons of high-end appliances, custom tilework, and exotic countertop choices that could blow nearly anyone’s budget. However, with that being said, many kitchen remodeling ideas are affordable and can transform the heart of the home within a few short months into a true showstopper anyone would be proud to show off to their friends and family. As a bonus, energy savings with new appliances will be seen immediately and provide ongoing savings over the coming years. It can seem like a long way to go, from new kitchen design plans to reality. The best way to make it happen is to have a Utica remodeling professional bring the dream kitchen to life. Let’s consider some ways new appliances contribute to a kitchen remodel.How Appliance Choices Can Set the Tone for a Kitchen RemodelIt can be exciting to upgrade the look of a home with the sleek new kitchen many remodeling clients in Utica dream about. One of the best ways to save on the remodeling budget is to watch for sales on appliances that fit the layout of the kitchen. Often stores will offer special deals during three-day weekend holidays such as President’s Day or Memorial Day. Typically, in the fourth quarter, manufacturers release their newest models and offer markdowns on the previous year’s inventory. There are even specials on out of box or floor models, or appliances with small imperfections that can save hundreds of dollars.Chances are, most high-end appliances would look out of place in a moderately priced home. One of the most important design elements is to achieve harmony with the adjacent areas and the overall style of the home. An ultra-modern kitchen would look odd in a home mostly decorated in a farmhouse style.With current inventory issues, it’s imperative to choose kitchen appliances early in the process, so homeowners can be assured of getting them to the home at the right time. When selecting appliances for a kitchen remodel, homeowners would be well advised to look at the mid-range options available. For example, with today’s technology, nearly every new refrigerator on the market will be energy saving, especially when replacing a twenty-year-old model. In fact, the refrigerator uses the most power of all kitchen appliances. According to Energy Star, an independent rating service, a fifteen-year-old refrigerator will usually require twice as much electricity as a new Energy Star-certified model. In the majority of cases, old refrigerators account for over twenty-five percent of the total electric bill, with approximately 150 watt hours per day!Which Style of Refrigerator is the Most Energy-Efficient?Technically, models with the freezer on top are the most energy efficient, but they aren’t currently in vogue. The most popular style of refrigerator in recent years is the French door model, with the freezer drawer below and two large doors on top. These classy styles have the largest capacity and provide excellent energy efficiency even when not fully loaded; in fact, experts recommend allowing space between food for air to circulate. This reduces the load on the compressor and provides better overall efficiency.Other configurations to consider include side-by-side, cabinet depth, built-in, and freestanding models. And not to worry about that wine collection –– experienced kitchen designers will also make sure their clients are aware of options for wine refrigerators, from compact to full-size storage!Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, White, or Avocado Green?At one time, avocado green appliances were the height of fashion! The finishes available for appliances will set the tone for the kitchen design, and obviously a kitchen remodel is the perfect time to choose appliances that all match. Be aware, though, that many who chose stainless steel appliances for their commercial look were soon disappointed with having to clean finger and handprints off them each day. Fortunately, manufacturers heard and listened to these concerns. Some even offer a special finish to keep them fingerprint-free. Homeowners may now choose between matte and shiny finishes, and even a new matte gray finish that is quickly gaining popularity. Other options include: black slate (which is smudge proof), matte black stainless steel (has the same properties of fingerprint resistance as a matte finish), black stainless steel (with a brushed metal surface), traditional silver stainless steel, or white.Clients are often surprised at the choices now available for appliance customization. In addition to the finish, it’s also possible to reflect a client’s unique style with brushed copper, bronze, black, or stainless hardware. These are especially striking on a black or white refrigerator or stove.Choosing Other Appliances, or “Where Should the Microwave Go?”A striking range hood makes a statement in the kitchen, but it also takes up the space where microwaves were once routinely installed. So, clients need to choose if they’re going to make room for a countertop model or install their microwave into an island for easy accessibility.When configuring a new kitchen, an upper open shelf to accommodate a microwave is a great choice. It doesn’t have to be near the stove, it can be placed anywhere that works for the layout of the kitchen. Another option is to integrate an open shelf in the lower cabinets. Just remember to have electrical wiring run to the shelf area. A custom trim kit can be installed to make the microwave appear to be built in.There are also microwaves that are made so they are in a pull-out drawer, where they’re loaded from the top instead of the front. A microwave can also be installed above a wall oven, or even purchased as a combo unit. A beautiful solution is to have custom cabinetry built so that the microwave is hidden from view. It integrates seamlessly and out of sight.Utica Kitchen Remodelers Know How to Put It All TogetherBy choosing an experienced, licensed, professional Utica remodeling company with top-notch kitchen designers, homeowners will see their dreams become reality while still staying under their budgets. Smart homeowners trust the experts to assist them in their remodeling journey!