Designing a kitchen is expensive and time-consuming. To make a re-design or renovation worth it, it's paramount to consider how you will use the space and what appliances work best for you. That's why making single-use appliances a permanent part of your kitchen can be so tricky. No one knows this better than Martha Stewart, who regrets installing a deep frier on her stove.
In our interview with the celebrated guru, she told us about the kitchen idea she wishes she could change. Martha told H&G exclusively: 'I have a stove with ten burners. I have a deep fryer, which I confess I have only used once in 20 years.' She continued, 'I'm not a big fryer. If I fry now, I fry in a pot because it's a lot of oil to fill the deep fryer. I should have put two more burners there.'
While intriguing, Martha's kitchen renovation regret is not uncommon. Kitchen renovation expert Barry Gant, the founder of 7 Day Kitchens, states: 'Fryers arent always a favorite in the home kitchen. First, they hog space. Fryers aren't small. They may even take up a good portion of your counter, which is not great, especially in small kitchens.'
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Barry Gant is the owner of 7 Day Kitchens, a Charlotte, NC-based company specializing in swift kitchen remodeling. Gant attributes their ability to remodel kitchens in just 7 days a stark contrast to the industrys standard 6 to 8 weeks to meticulous planning, unwavering customer commitment, and efficient execution.
'Many people find that fried food is not cooked that often. So, having this huge machine that sits in the kitchen for fries or fried chicken occasionally can be a waste of precious space,' Barry says. 'Also, keeping the fryer clean is no small task. Fryers can make your whole house smell like a fast food joint if youre not careful, so friers are best avoided.'
Instead of installing this kitchen upgrade that homeowners always regret, Barry recommends opting for versatility and considering how you most often use the kitchen. He says, 'Figure out what you like to do most in the kitchen. Is it baking bread? Making coffee? Prepping herbs? Create a dedicated space for it. This will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and productive.'
Our product testers have found that this is the best air fryer in the world. It makes perfect fries, the see-through door makes is easy to monitor your food, and has anti-odor tech to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
This ultimate multi-cooker has a 2.2 liter mixing bowl with 28 functions, making it easy to cook healthy homemade meals. Handy features like the Guided Cooking tool make the Thermomix easy for busy families or beginner chefs. The drawbacks include an expensive price tag, large size, and high noise levels.
This 6.5-quart multi-cooker has 14 functions, including pressure cooking, air frying, and steaming. The cooker also includes a recipe book that caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements, and the machine has an incredibly quick preheating time. Similar features to the Thermonix machine minus stirring functions.
While choosing kitchen appliances is not a one-size-fits-all all process, installing a fryer can be difficult, even for kitchen geniuses like Martha Stewart. Avoid regrets and prioritize functions with multi-use tools.
We interviewed Martha as part of her Don't Do It Yourself Campaign with Pure Leaf Tea.
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Martha Stewart regrets buying this kitchen appliance | - Homes & Gardens
If you're in the midst of a kitchen remodel and are considering color options for your kitchen cabinets, you may be wondering if a white color scheme is still in style. American actress, Alicia Silverstone, is a fan of using white in the heart of the home, and experts agree.
White is the most popular kitchen cabinet color bar none. If your goal is to create a 'wow' kitchen, but you want to maintain a classic and timeless style in your home, then white kitchen cabinets are an extremely calm and liveable option.
With matte or gloss finishes on offer, white kitchen ideas can look wonderfully different, and theres a tremendous variety in its shades from the crispest of pure whites to those with subtle warm or cool undertones. Decorating with white is also the perfect partner for other kitchen color ideas and materials, whether used as major elements or accents.
Elegant and timeless in their simplicity, white kitchen color schemes are here to stay. White is one of the most versatile shades when it comes to kitchen design it instantly brightens while evoking a sense of calm, cleanliness, and flawlessness.
Using a white or natural palette is all about adding depth and contrast in different layers and textures, says Jane Landino, creative head of studio at Taylor Howes. To make a white palette feel designed and considered its important to mix and match patterns, albeit neutral ones, and occasional accent colors.
However, just because your kitchen cabinetry is white doesnt mean your whole kitchen needs to be minimal or plain: think about adding texture and pattern elsewhere timber kitchen shelving or stone kitchen countertops, for example.
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As expected, a white color scheme will be very beneficial for smaller kitchen spaces, particularly combined with light countertops, says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley bespoke kitchens.
Similar to Alicia Silverstone's kitchen, beautiful craftsmanship and simple lines are the hallmarks of a traditional white kitchen.
White has become a popular choice for classical designs. It makes cabinetry look very crisp and sophisticated and the space feels instantly brighter yet also very calming, says Stephanie Dedes, design and marketing manager at Charles Yorkes Pirbright showroom.
Yamazaki Tower Large White Kitchen Steel Rack
Aspen Large White Canister with Scoop
Yamazaki Tosca White Magnetic Kitchen Organization Rack
Elegant and timeless in their simplicity, white kitchen cabinets are here to stay. White is one of the most versatile shades when it comes to kitchen design it instantly brightens while evoking a sense of calm, cleanliness, and flawlessness.
Using a white or natural palette is all about adding depth and contrast in different layers and textures, says Jane Landino, creative head of studio at Taylor Howes. To make a white palette feel designed and considered its important to mix and match patterns, albeit neutral ones and occasional accents of color. Just because your kitchen cabinetry is white doesnt mean your whole kitchen needs to be minimal or plain: think about adding texture and pattern elsewhere timber kitchen flooring or marble kitchen countertops, as an example.
Elegant and timeless in their simplicity, white kitchen cabinets are here to stay. White is one of the most versatile shades when it comes to kitchen design it instantly brightens while evoking a sense of calm, cleanliness, and flawlessness.
Using a white or natural palette is all about adding depth and contrast in different layers and textures, says Jane Landino, creative head of studio at Taylor Howes. To make a white palette feel designed and considered its important to mix and match patterns, albeit neutral ones and occasional accents of color. Just because your kitchen cabinetry is white doesnt mean your whole kitchen needs to be minimal or plain: think about adding texture and pattern elsewhere timber kitchen flooring or marble kitchen countertops, as an example.
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Alicia Silverstone's kitchen is proof that this color scheme is far from dated or overdone, say experts - Homes & Gardens
Dave Ramsey
Many homeowners are familiar with different types of home renovations. You might even have plans to renovate a room in your home within the coming year. What you may be less certain about, however, is how much these renovations cost. If you dont know how much certain renovations cost, it becomes harder to budget accordingly.
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Money expert Dave Ramsey recently outlined some of the most popular indoor and outdoor home improvements in a post on his website Ramsey Solutions. See whether you can guess the ballpark cost of the top 10 home renovations.
According to the post on Ramsey Solutions, selling a home that features an upgraded kitchen means the seller can potentially receive around 86% of the money they invested in the remodel.
Often referred to as the heart of the home, minor kitchen remodeling may include replacing cabinet doors, countertops, lighting and flooring as well as upgrading appliances like refrigerators and ovens.
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Homeowners need to address different variables when determining how much theyll spend on remodeling a midrange bathroom. Some of these include the bathroom size and remodeling scope, with the latter ranging from simply replacing some fixtures to potentially moving the bathroom to another place in the home.
If you want to keep to a budget, the post on Ramsey Solutions recommends aiming for midrange fixtures with your remodeling plans. Some of these updates may mean laying new tile, replacing older toilets or fitting new countertops.
Which room is defined as the primary suite in a home? This is a bedroom with its own private bathroom, a walk-in closet and possibly a dressing area.
Ramsey Solutions prices the typical cost at around $157,000. This is a lot of money, even more than the cost of a kitchen remodel. One of the reasons it costs so much more, as outlined in a post by Sweeten, is that a primary suite is a combination of both a dry room and a wet room. For clarification, a wet room is a space like a kitchen or bathroom, whereas a dry room would be a bedroom. If a private bathroom were not included and you were renovating the space as a bedroom, it would be much cheaper.
If you live in a home that has a basement, chances are youll want to turn it into a finished basement (if it isnt one already).
Before you begin your remodeling plans, the Ramsey Solutions post recommends having a professional inspect it for any water damage or other problems that may require making additional repairs.
Weve covered several popular interior renovations and now its time to head outdoors. While Ramsey Solutions cites landscaping as having a typical cost of $3,500, Forbes reported these costs can inch upwards to $10,000 or more.
Several variables will determine the total cost including the size of your yard, the type of work you need done and how long you anticipate it will last. To help keep costs down, the Ramsey Solutions post recommends visiting a local garden center and seeking expert advice about the type of landscaping you should look into for your yard.
A remodeled deck doesnt necessarily need to be a composite deck.
However, the Ramsey Solutions post recommends homeowners who want to remodel their decks opt in for composite deck additions. This is because composite decks last longer than options such as wooden decks. The more a durable deck is built to last, the less money you spend maintaining it in the long run.
Upgrading your front door is fairly inexpensive and easy enough to do, with Ramsey Solutions quoting the typical cost at around $2,200.
Does your home have vinyl siding? If you answered yes, you might be considering spending around $10,000 to install veneer on the front of your home. The post on Ramsey Solutions recommends stone veneer because it holds in value well over time.
Investing in new vinyl windows is a win-win remodeling decision for homeowners. You add an instant curb appeal boost to your home, and the stronger insulation may result in cheaper utility bills.
We saved one of the biggest remodeling returns on investment for last. According to Ramsey Solutions, homeowners who upgrade their garage doors can recoup 103% of what they spend and add massive value to their homes.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey Reveals the 10 Most Popular Home Renovations and Their Typical Cost
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Dave Ramsey Reveals the 10 Most Popular Home Renovations and Their Typical Cost - AOL
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the top projects in period and country properties, with kitchen remodel ideas also proving popular in new homes too.
This is because a generous kitchen is now the epicenter for modern home life and a hub for cooking, entertaining, working, and more.
From side and rear extensions to conservatories and basement designs, there are a number of options available when it comes to planning a kitchen layout for your remodel.
To help you decide on the most suitable extension for your needs, start by asking your kitchen designer for advice. Kitchen extensions are now a common request, so many kitchen companies will be able to recommend a good builder or architect to help bring your kitchen ideas to life. It's also worth asking friends and family for recommendations of tradesmen in your area.
Charlie Kingham, director of Charlie Kingham Cabinetmakers (opens in new tab), lists the main benefits of taking steps to remodeling a kitchen: Firstly, your kitchen will become a more sociable space. Secondly, you can improve light-levels, traffic flow and overall comfort so that cooking is more pleasurable. And thirdly, done beautifully, you should see a return on investment, if not profit, when it comes to your propertys value.
Here, we take you through the options for your kitchen remodel plus give you plenty of inspiration for choosing the right kitchen layouts and designs.
(Image credit: Irene Gunter)
Remodeling a kitchen will give valuable extra floor space, but factoring in an additional source of light with kitchen ceiling ideas is a must to prevent the extended space from feeling dark and gloomy. With flat-roofed extensions or kitchens that extend out to the side, a roof light, lantern or skylights are a popular option that will optimize natural light and help to increase the sense of space in a kitchen extension.
A flat roof light can be a good choice for a modern property if you dont want to see it from the outside as they sit very low to the roof. Alternatively, a roof lantern is a raised structure and can be a more decorative option, as well as providing additional height to the ergonomic of the extension.
Position is key if you want to maximize the levels of natural light coming in. Think about where and at what time of day youll need the most daylight. And bear in mind the aspect of the room - whether north or south facing - which will affect how much light your extension receives.
We worked with a palette of rich colors to make the most of the daylight on offer in the property, from lighter colors in light-filled spaces to warm and rich shades in darker spaces, says design guru Irene Gunter of interior architecture and design studio Gunter & Co (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
When remodeling the kitchen in a period home, choose a design that enhances the build and character of the original property for a more sympathetic look. Using materials that complement the existing property and a design that is sensitive to the heritage will help new additions look like they've always been there, rather than standing out as new.
This oak-framed extension by Hartwood Oak (opens in new tab) was designed in keeping with the original period cottage and its surroundings, with a weathered timber facade and large windows that allow uninterrupted view over the countryside. Inside, a vaulted ceiling creates the wow factor and makes a stunning setting for traditional kitchen ideas and seating area.
(Image credit: Irene Gunter)
Rather than an extensive re-build, re-working a clunky layout can often be the remedy thats needed, from knocking down walls or reconfiguring floor space, to moving awkwardly-positioned doors and staircases or L-shaped kitchen ideas.
Our brief was to maximise the interior space available, transform the awkward layout to make better use of the balconies and to maximise the views out to the treetops on all sides of the building, says architect Irene Gunter. The clients love for cooking, coffee and entertaining was reflected by creating a new layout centred around the large kitchen and dining room, making it the hub of the home.
(Image credit: Paul Craig/The Myers Touch)
If the footprint of your kitchen cant be altered to create more space, then using the height of the room to its full potential is an alternative way of achieving extra storage in a small space or modern kitchen ideas. Opt for full-height wall cabinets that extend to ceiling level, rather than standard-height designs. Taking cabinets higher will mean that there are no dust-gathering gaps above units, for a sleeker look, plus it will give valuable extra inches of cupboard space inside.
Make the contents of cupboards easily accessible by installing a rolling kitchen ladder so you can reach into the loftiest top units. A permanent ladder is about so much more than accessible high-level storage, says designer Keith Myers, founder of The Myers Touch (opens in new tab). A beautiful ladder provides an interesting, eye-catching feature, while the metal rail introduces a punchy design detail in this SieMatic SLX kitchen project by Adam Knibb Architects.
(Image credit: Woodworks Brighton)
Extend your living space and add more natural light in one move, by opting for a modern glass kitchen extension. A dramatic glass structure will add space and a sense of openness to a property, whether a simple glass side return to create extra kitchen space, a standalone glass box structure or an elegant all-glass conservatory at the rear of a property.
Heritage property? Dont rule out adding a glass structure as a way of gaining extra space. Adding a modern glass extension on to a period house can be a striking way of making a clear distinction between old and new, while still maintaining the integrity of the building fabric.
(Image credit: LochAnna Kitchens)
If youre already considering extending your property to the side to give you a large kitchen, then why not go one bigger and opt for a wraparound extension instead. A wraparound is a hybrid of a side and rear extension that literally wraps itself around two sides of a property, not only extending the depth at the back but adding extra width to the layout too.
A wraparound extension can pretty much double the existing floor space, so is ideal if you want to create an open-play layout that incorporates kitchen, dining and living space in one large, open area.
(Image credit: Humphrey Munson / Paul Craig)
If a full-sized kitchen extension is out of the question, consider down-sizing your options and remodeling kitchen space on a smaller scale. Pantry ideas and larders are the latest kitchen must-have and are a great way of streamlining kitchen space, with kitchen food stuffs, store cupboard ingredients and small appliances like toasters and mixers all located in one place.
If you have an unused downstairs closet, alcove or vacant box room downstairs, turning it into a purpose-built walk-in larder is a great way of utilizing it and will free-up cupboard space in the main kitchen. Alternatively, if space is tight, consider remodeling the kitchen layout to include a built-in cupboard-style pantry or a freestanding larder cupboard.
(Image credit: Woodworks Brighton)
While a kitchen extension can generate much-need space, remodeling the layout is also a great way of letting more natural light into your home which in turn will make the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
Make the most of a fabulous view outdoors by sacrificing one wall to an entire wall of glazing, with either bi-folds or sliding glass doors that will let maximum light flood in. As long as you have sufficient wall space in the rest of the room to house kitchen cabinets and appliances or space for a supersized kitchen island then wall-to-wall glazing can be a fabulous addition to a kitchen extension.
Bi-fold doors are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, with doors neatly stacking together when opened to leave a wide uninterrupted view out onto a garden, as well as giving a neat flooring threshold that creates a seamless effect indoors and out.
(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)
Make an island the hub of your kitchen with a supersized model that incorporates a hob, prep space and a sink area. A useful addition to a kitchen if wall space is limited, an island can also be useful for creating a natural room break when positioned centrally in a large open-plan area
If space allows, a generous kitchen island is ideal for creating a focal point that can be both stylish and practical,' says Rebecca Nokes, head of design & BrandCreative,JohnLewis of Hungerford (opens in new tab). 'To get the most from your kitchen island, think about incorporating a number of different elements such as a hob, sink or even wine fridge. Or if youre looking for extra storage think about including large drawers to neatly stash small appliances and cookware.
(Image credit: Drew Forsyth)
Where open-plan has been the preferred layout for kitchens and living spaces over recent years, designers are seeing a move away from this, with broken-plan living now the go-to approach.
Drawbacks of open-plan living are the lack of privacy, noise issues and difficulty to heat large spaces. While broken-plan living is all about using space cleverly and creating zones for different activities, but still offering connectivity too. Cleverly-placed screens, partitions and furniture are used to subtly partition areas off and create zones for cooking, dining or entertaining while still retaining the feel of a spacious open-plan space.
Were predicting a big rise in broken-plan living, as homeowners seek to create multi-functional spaces with added privacy, explains George Forsyth, MD of Drew Forsyth & Co (opens in new tab). A lot of projects now ask for an open-plan layout, perhaps merging kitchen and living room by knocking the adjacent wall down, and incorporating seating areas and large islands. And now we are seeing a definite shift from open-plan to broken-plan too. This is a likely result of working from home more and the completely open-plan layout now allowing for cozy or quiet areas.
(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)
Light-filled from morning until night, expanding a kitchen via a conservatory is a particularly popular kitchen extension idea in properties that are north-facing or generally dark inside.
It can also be the best way to maximize a great view. Although conservatories often come under your permitted development rights and dont require planning permission, if they are open to the main house (i.e. not self-contained, with a lockable door) building regulations do apply.
The main downside to locating a kitchen inside a conservatory revolves around heat loss/gain. Unmanaged, conservatories can be unpleasantly hot in summer and chilly in winter.
Solar control glass, underfloor heating and automatic ventilation can all be used to ensure a comfortable environment year-round but will add significantly to your kitchen renovation cost. Part of your budget should be allocated to these aspects appropriately.
Be aware that so much glazing can also limit a kitchen layout and design, as there are fewer solid walls to support cabinetry.
(Image credit: Future / Veronica Rodriguez)
It is also important to remember that, all heavily glazed structures require careful consideration when it comes to choosing the finishes and materials for cupboards and worktops, as bleaching is an issue.
As well as using glare-reducing glass and installing blinds, it pays to select paler kitchen countertops that wont show the effects as noticeably.
Using UV protective varnishes on woods and light paint finishes on stable materials will significantly minimize sun damage to furniture and cabinets, says Peter Humphrey of Humphrey Munson (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)
A basement conversion can offer a whole extra floor of space within your homes existing footprint and is perfectly placed for a generous open plan kitchen and diner that opens out onto the garden.
If you love entertaining at home and want a spacious kitchen-dining-living area to suit all the family, but dont have enough space on the ground floor, a cleverly designed basement conversion or lower ground floor extension might be just the way to create what you want.
'Basement kitchens can command the same square footage price as other floors in a property, as an average, and they have become far more accepted over the last few years thanks to modern engineering and design,' says Michael Wilson, director and head of sales for London-based estate agents, Mountgrange Heritage (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
If you are struggling for cooking and dining space, creating a bigger kitchen with side extension ideas could be the answer.
For period terraced homes, the path or back garden to the side of a kitchen at the rear - called the side return - can be extended into to create a kitchen that runs the full width of the house.You can also combine rear and side extensions for a stunning wrap-around kitchen.
One of the most popular building projects for homeowners, the side return extension can create a big open-plan room with space for dining and seating. As well as adding more space it can also increase the value of your home, if you decide to sell, too.
Extending out to the side is a good option if you live in a semi-detached or detached home, as it doesnt mean using garden space. You may lose side access to your garden though, and planning permission can be trickier as it will be determined by how close you are to you neighbours boundary.
Remember also to consider how light will reach the rooms the new space will extend over.
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
When thoughtfully designed, a modern kitchen remodel can enhance an older building, enabling you to create a home which is more suitable for modern living.
Perhaps you could add a light-filled, open-plan kitchen-diner which opens out onto the garden, or a family living space with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
Many period homes suffer from a lack of light and space or indeed from unattractive additions so a well-planned extension can transform the flow and feel.
Start by understanding what is special about the existing building: an extension should respect what is already there as well as adding another layer of history,' advises Trevor Mitchell, Historic England (opens in new tab).
'Generally its best to avoid the front elevation: the extension should sit more quietly to avoid a shouting match between old and new.'
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
Careful choice of materials is crucial. An expanse of glass paired with characterful brickwork is often effective. Not only does it serve as an attractive foil for a period home, but can introduce a sense of light and space. Glass walkways are useful in delineating the transition between two phases of development as well as creating visual separation.
Do consider the scale of the kitchen extension: the aim is to complement rather than dwarf the original property and planners will tend to look more favorably on a design which respects the proportions and keys features of it. Its also worth doing some research on the buildings history to contextualize its heritage.
(Image credit: Will Scott Photography)
As we gain more experience and become more imaginative with our kitchen projects, embrace the realization that when designing a kitchen, moving it to an entirely new space when remodeling can make it an even more successful design.
Robert Burnett, Head of Design, Holloways of Ludlow Kitchens (opens in new tab), comments on the logistics ofremoving wall and working around structural beams to change a kitchen space:
If the aim of removing a wall is to create the appearance of a single large room then consider positioning the supporting steel beam within the ceiling space. This may be more disruptive and expensive than locating the supporting beam below the ceiling, but it helps remove any visual reminder that the space was ever split, especially if there are no visible columns and has the end result of a clear and uncluttered transformation
(Image credit: TR Studio)
Its important to retain a sense of integrity when remodelling a kitchen. Employ an architect throughout the building process, as they will be able to follow the concept through from the initial sketch to the smallest detail and liaise with the builders to ensure that your plans are brought to life.
In this space, 'the basement floor was lowered to improve the head height, the un-used rear courtyard was fully enclosed, and a glass roof was added for light,' explains Tom Rutt, found of TR Studio (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: The Radiator Centre)
'While a kitchen remodel in a conservatory or with large picture windows, certainly makes a lovely light-filled room, there can be a lack of wall space with so much glass vertical radiators or trench heating are a good option in these circumstances, says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
Kitchen shelving ideas whether open shelving or hidden within a cupboard or behind pocket doors are a great option if you have the wall space.
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Remodeling a kitchen: 28 best kitchen remodel ideas for any space