What Makes a Kitchen Look Stylish or Not?
Modern Kitchen Design

#1 The Kitchen Lacks a Cohesive Design Style 

The kitchen faucet is chrome, but the dishwasher is black. These distracting anomalies happen when a builder finds a “deal” or homeowners swap out old appliances and fixtures for new ones without thinking of how the new and old will look together. The blend of old and new designs and styles, called “eclectic design,” can be harmonious when designed by a professional interior designer, but the rest of us should stay within one style for the best result. Understanding genres of style is key to solving this problem by not creating it in the first place.

How to Fix it: 

First, know how to spot and tell the difference between the different types of design. Generally, there are three different types: traditional, transitional, and modern. Once you’ve chosen a design for the kitchen, it’s time to choose each kitchen element within the same style. It also helps to stick to one color when deciding on faucets, appliances and fixtures. If you’re going for a modern look, for example, don’t pick out elements with curves and flourishes. Modern looks are sharp and angular without intricate details. Faucets, appliances and fixtures in the modern genre will either have a polished chrome finish or an impactful and dramatic matte black. Choose a brushed nickel kitchen faucet for a timeless look. Double-check each item you’ve chosen before looking for ways to save money.

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family or retirement housing build projects as well. It’s expected that a company will want to save as much money they can while delivering a top-notch finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal on faucets isn’t the only way. Pioneer works with professionals to develop a specification package specific to that company’s needs, which ends up delivering the same result – a great value. Reach out to learn more.

#2 A Stylish Kitchen is Too Expensive

Because the kitchen is where a bulk of the investment is made, cost estimates can often be overly optimistic. Bridging the gap between practicality and creativity can be difficult when designing or renovating a kitchen. There is a compromise between the “in a perfect world” ideal and the best deal, but with some clever planning you can achieve a fantastic result. 

How to Fix it: 

Plan for the unexpected. It’s a good rule of thumb to add at least 50% to what you feel you will spend, especially if this is your first of a certain type of project (for example, your first retirement home build or first kitchen renovation). First projects can be tricky, so plan accordingly to prevent breaking the bank. You may need to re-evaluate where else large sums of money are going in the project to achieve this.

As a great place to start, look for faucets, fixtures and appliances from companies with a high standard and low overhead costs. Make a list of your favorite ones and compare the products and their prices. Spend some time evaluating reviews and prioritize the items that work best for your budget. Finalize which products to purchase by weighing them against high ratings and good value.

#3 The Kitchen Lacks Upgraded Amenities

You may be thinking, “But I’ve just trimmed costs!” Don’t worry – luxury doesn’t have to be expensive. Generally speaking, luxury can be defined as convenience and quality. The road to luxury doesn’t have to be a long or painful one if you know where to go. Luxury is accessible to anyone with a keen eye to innovation and creativity. It can be found through many avenues that follow along the lines of consistent design and ease of use.

How to Fix it: 

Technology doesn’t equal “stylish.” Look out for the traps that lure those eager to spice up a kitchen with high-end technology that doesn’t match the kitchen’s style or that simply doesn’t add enough to make the purchase worth the price. New technology can be incredible, but don’t use sci-fi to make up for the lack of coordination in design. Instead, opt for items that look great and also make life easier. For instance, add in a pot-filler or instant hot water dispenser. These items are undeniably useful and don’t have to be expensive. Pioneer’s Motegi Collection pot filler fits the bill perfectly.

Bringing it All Together

Now that you’ve chosen a style that will work together in a cohesive design with the rest of the unit and building (or home), and appliances and fixtures that compliment your chosen style without breaking the bank, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from choosing well.