Luxurious looks at low costs ~ kitchen

Renovating or updating a kitchen can be a large investment. I suggest you create a “wish list” for these types of projects and work from there. If you can afford your entire list, that’s wonderful. If you have to cut that list down to a few priority items, you might be able to do so without sacrificing a luxurious look.

Here are a few ways to create a luxury look for less in your kitchen.

Flooring
Do you love the look of hardwood but not the cost? You are in luck because there are some great laminate wood flooring options out there now that will give you the look of wood for less. I spoke to Adam Joss at The Vertical Connection Carpet One to find out what’s available to create a the wood look for less.

Laminate wood flooring, like the selection shown below, will cost you about $4.50 – $9 per square foot installed (costs are estimates only). Laminate has the added benefit of being kid- and pet-friendly and is easy to clean.

{Newport by American Expressions, Patagonian Cypress, laminate flooring, The Vertical Connection Carpet One}

Do you prefer tile versus wood in your kitchen? Natural stone and marble are desirable and luxurious flooring options, but if you want that look for less, look no further then one of the hottest trends in flooring — luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Adam Joss also shared this information with me, noting  that LVT can be yours, installed, for about $4.50 – $12 per square foot (again, costs are estimates only and vary depending on your selection and project). Visit The Vertical Connection Carpet One, or your local flooring store, to see these products in person.

{Luxury vinyl tile by Cryntel. VillaStone Tile, shown in Venetian Marble Onyx}

Backsplash tiles
Adding a backsplash to a kitchen design is the icing on the cake, but it can be expensive icing! My advice is to keep it simple and neutral. This does two things – creates a classic look you will love for decades and doesn’t take a chunk out of your budget.

Consider using subway tile or penny round tile for a timeless, affordable and luxurious look. Subway tiles are available in a variety of natural stones, ceramic, glass and porcelain. This Calacutta Bianco Gloss 3″x6″ subway tile will run you $6 per square foot. Not bad for a classic look.

{Calacutta Bianco Gloss 3"x6" subway tile, $6 per square foot, The Tile Shop}

Penny round tile comes in 12″x12″ sheets and costs begin around $6 per square foot. They are clean and simple and are available in porcelain, ceramic glass and stainless steel (costs vary per material).

{Penny round tile in mint}

Counter tops
If you have a lot of counter top to replace consider using a pricier counter top on a small section (center island for example) versus the entire kitchen. You can then use a complimentary and less-costly selection on larger sections. The key is to mix colors and designs in a pleasing way.

Lighting
Nothing improves lighting more than dimmers. This allows you to control the intensity and create a cozy feeling when needed. Even if you aren’t changing any lights in your kitchen, add dimmer switches to every light (even under counter lighting) and you will add some luxury to your room.

Details!
Design and luxury are in the details. Adding trim to the back of base cabinets and to the foot board of your cabinets is a great way to add details that look luxurious. This can be done by a handy contractor who knows how to finish off trim with mitered corners and proper proportions.

{Base cabinet trim detail is clean & simple, creating architectural detail, kitchen design by Jessica Williamson}

Adding new hardware to your cabinets is like adding jewelery to an outfit. It instantly updates the look. For even more luxury, use the same hardware on all cabinets – doors and drawers. This creates a clean look. Shop around for sales on hardware that you love.

No matter what selections you make for your kitchen — make sure to spend a lot of time in the planning stage so you will end up with a highly-function AND luxurious kitchen!

Happy luxury renovating!