wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright 2015 Kathleen Jennison Inc | Not for resale or distribution
How to Make Kitchen
Remodeling Choices
Yoursquoll Never Regret
2
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C o p y r i g h t L e g a l N o t i c e a n d D i s c l a i m e rThis publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable
international federal state and local laws and all rights are reserved including resale
rights you are not allowed to give or sell this Guide to anyone else If you received this
publication from anyone other than kathleenjennisoncom youve received a pirated copy
Please contact me via e-mail at kathleenkathleenjennisoncom and notify me of the
situation
Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal
evidence Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to
achieve complete accuracy of the content in this Guide they assume no responsibility
for errors or omissions Also you should use this information as you see fit and at your
own risk Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated
here in fact its likely that they wont be the same and you should adjust your use of the
information and recommendations accordingly
Any trademarks service marks product names or named features are assumed to be the
property of their respective owners and are used only for reference There is no implied
endorsement if we use one of these terms
We recommend that you do your due diligence about each product as we have You are
welcome to go directly to the vendor too Any product or service liability questions or
issues should be directed to the vendor listed We assume no liability directly or indirectly
for the listed items
Finally use your head Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense legal
medical or other professional advice and is meant to inform and entertain the reader
Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co All rights reserved worldwide
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t O n e
Does the current lay-out of your kitchen work just fine but the finishes are like a re-run of
ldquoThat 70rsquos Showrdquo
Or do you want to completely rejigger the whole dang kitchen
To make sure you will love your new kitchen design you need to ask yourself a few
important questions and then you need to figure out what style of kitchen you have or what
style of kitchen will work best for you
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
This is your starting point when you decide to remodel your kitchen If you want to keep the same
footprint it is important to determine which type of layout you have so you can cull out my tips for
getting the best retrofit But if you want to scrape the whole dang kitchen then knowing how you
use your kitchen is where you go next
We have a long design questionnaire new clients complete It helps us figure out how you use
your kitchen and it helps you take stock of what you have what works and what needs to change
Here are a few of the most important questions
1 How many cooks are in your kitchen at the same time If there is more than one cook then
it is important to have multiple work zones
2 How do you prepare meals If you use every single pot pan and utensil then you need
more robust appliances but if you simply tear open a box and plop it in the microwave then that
expensive commercial type range will be a waste
3 How do you shop If you buy in bulk then you need more storage
4 Do you entertain a lot Then your kitchen probably becomes the central gathering place
and you need lots of space for the ldquoobserversrdquo to sit watch and converse
A L i t t l e N o t e A b o u t ndash T h e D r e a d e d W o r k T r i a n g l e ( d u n d u n d u n )
There are three magic points in the kitchen ndash
The sink refrigerator and stoveoven To be
the most efficient you donrsquot want any point
from one to the next to be more than 9 feet
(and the total between all to be no more than
26 feet) There are lots of other rules of thumb
when it comes to the design of your kitchen
(but this is the big one) In fact there are so
many rules entire books (some of which are
in my library) are dedicated to the topic The
reason I say ldquodreaded work trianglerdquo is because
in large kitchens or open concept kitchens it is
sometimes difficult to obtain
5
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
T h e T o p T h r e e K i t c h e n L a y o u t s t h a t W o r k t h e B e s t
T h e G a l l e y K i t c h e n The Galley Kitchen has two straight runs
on each side The sink is on one side and
the cooktop or range is on the other side
The drawback to this space is that it is often
difficult with two or more cooks to work
because of the one way traffic pattern but
if you make sure there is 42- 48 inches
between the two runs two cooks can easily
maneuver past each other In fact it is an
extremely effective layout if you have one
prep cook at the sink wall and the chef on
the range wall working in tandem with
each other Alternatively you can have a
single wall or ldquostraight kitchenrdquo and an island
opposite it This opens up the kitchen to the
adjacent family room
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L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
11
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
2
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C o p y r i g h t L e g a l N o t i c e a n d D i s c l a i m e rThis publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable
international federal state and local laws and all rights are reserved including resale
rights you are not allowed to give or sell this Guide to anyone else If you received this
publication from anyone other than kathleenjennisoncom youve received a pirated copy
Please contact me via e-mail at kathleenkathleenjennisoncom and notify me of the
situation
Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal
evidence Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to
achieve complete accuracy of the content in this Guide they assume no responsibility
for errors or omissions Also you should use this information as you see fit and at your
own risk Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated
here in fact its likely that they wont be the same and you should adjust your use of the
information and recommendations accordingly
Any trademarks service marks product names or named features are assumed to be the
property of their respective owners and are used only for reference There is no implied
endorsement if we use one of these terms
We recommend that you do your due diligence about each product as we have You are
welcome to go directly to the vendor too Any product or service liability questions or
issues should be directed to the vendor listed We assume no liability directly or indirectly
for the listed items
Finally use your head Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense legal
medical or other professional advice and is meant to inform and entertain the reader
Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co All rights reserved worldwide
3
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t O n e
Does the current lay-out of your kitchen work just fine but the finishes are like a re-run of
ldquoThat 70rsquos Showrdquo
Or do you want to completely rejigger the whole dang kitchen
To make sure you will love your new kitchen design you need to ask yourself a few
important questions and then you need to figure out what style of kitchen you have or what
style of kitchen will work best for you
4
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This is your starting point when you decide to remodel your kitchen If you want to keep the same
footprint it is important to determine which type of layout you have so you can cull out my tips for
getting the best retrofit But if you want to scrape the whole dang kitchen then knowing how you
use your kitchen is where you go next
We have a long design questionnaire new clients complete It helps us figure out how you use
your kitchen and it helps you take stock of what you have what works and what needs to change
Here are a few of the most important questions
1 How many cooks are in your kitchen at the same time If there is more than one cook then
it is important to have multiple work zones
2 How do you prepare meals If you use every single pot pan and utensil then you need
more robust appliances but if you simply tear open a box and plop it in the microwave then that
expensive commercial type range will be a waste
3 How do you shop If you buy in bulk then you need more storage
4 Do you entertain a lot Then your kitchen probably becomes the central gathering place
and you need lots of space for the ldquoobserversrdquo to sit watch and converse
A L i t t l e N o t e A b o u t ndash T h e D r e a d e d W o r k T r i a n g l e ( d u n d u n d u n )
There are three magic points in the kitchen ndash
The sink refrigerator and stoveoven To be
the most efficient you donrsquot want any point
from one to the next to be more than 9 feet
(and the total between all to be no more than
26 feet) There are lots of other rules of thumb
when it comes to the design of your kitchen
(but this is the big one) In fact there are so
many rules entire books (some of which are
in my library) are dedicated to the topic The
reason I say ldquodreaded work trianglerdquo is because
in large kitchens or open concept kitchens it is
sometimes difficult to obtain
5
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T h e T o p T h r e e K i t c h e n L a y o u t s t h a t W o r k t h e B e s t
T h e G a l l e y K i t c h e n The Galley Kitchen has two straight runs
on each side The sink is on one side and
the cooktop or range is on the other side
The drawback to this space is that it is often
difficult with two or more cooks to work
because of the one way traffic pattern but
if you make sure there is 42- 48 inches
between the two runs two cooks can easily
maneuver past each other In fact it is an
extremely effective layout if you have one
prep cook at the sink wall and the chef on
the range wall working in tandem with
each other Alternatively you can have a
single wall or ldquostraight kitchenrdquo and an island
opposite it This opens up the kitchen to the
adjacent family room
6
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
11
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
3
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P a r t O n e
Does the current lay-out of your kitchen work just fine but the finishes are like a re-run of
ldquoThat 70rsquos Showrdquo
Or do you want to completely rejigger the whole dang kitchen
To make sure you will love your new kitchen design you need to ask yourself a few
important questions and then you need to figure out what style of kitchen you have or what
style of kitchen will work best for you
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This is your starting point when you decide to remodel your kitchen If you want to keep the same
footprint it is important to determine which type of layout you have so you can cull out my tips for
getting the best retrofit But if you want to scrape the whole dang kitchen then knowing how you
use your kitchen is where you go next
We have a long design questionnaire new clients complete It helps us figure out how you use
your kitchen and it helps you take stock of what you have what works and what needs to change
Here are a few of the most important questions
1 How many cooks are in your kitchen at the same time If there is more than one cook then
it is important to have multiple work zones
2 How do you prepare meals If you use every single pot pan and utensil then you need
more robust appliances but if you simply tear open a box and plop it in the microwave then that
expensive commercial type range will be a waste
3 How do you shop If you buy in bulk then you need more storage
4 Do you entertain a lot Then your kitchen probably becomes the central gathering place
and you need lots of space for the ldquoobserversrdquo to sit watch and converse
A L i t t l e N o t e A b o u t ndash T h e D r e a d e d W o r k T r i a n g l e ( d u n d u n d u n )
There are three magic points in the kitchen ndash
The sink refrigerator and stoveoven To be
the most efficient you donrsquot want any point
from one to the next to be more than 9 feet
(and the total between all to be no more than
26 feet) There are lots of other rules of thumb
when it comes to the design of your kitchen
(but this is the big one) In fact there are so
many rules entire books (some of which are
in my library) are dedicated to the topic The
reason I say ldquodreaded work trianglerdquo is because
in large kitchens or open concept kitchens it is
sometimes difficult to obtain
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T h e T o p T h r e e K i t c h e n L a y o u t s t h a t W o r k t h e B e s t
T h e G a l l e y K i t c h e n The Galley Kitchen has two straight runs
on each side The sink is on one side and
the cooktop or range is on the other side
The drawback to this space is that it is often
difficult with two or more cooks to work
because of the one way traffic pattern but
if you make sure there is 42- 48 inches
between the two runs two cooks can easily
maneuver past each other In fact it is an
extremely effective layout if you have one
prep cook at the sink wall and the chef on
the range wall working in tandem with
each other Alternatively you can have a
single wall or ldquostraight kitchenrdquo and an island
opposite it This opens up the kitchen to the
adjacent family room
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L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
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P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
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11
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
4
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This is your starting point when you decide to remodel your kitchen If you want to keep the same
footprint it is important to determine which type of layout you have so you can cull out my tips for
getting the best retrofit But if you want to scrape the whole dang kitchen then knowing how you
use your kitchen is where you go next
We have a long design questionnaire new clients complete It helps us figure out how you use
your kitchen and it helps you take stock of what you have what works and what needs to change
Here are a few of the most important questions
1 How many cooks are in your kitchen at the same time If there is more than one cook then
it is important to have multiple work zones
2 How do you prepare meals If you use every single pot pan and utensil then you need
more robust appliances but if you simply tear open a box and plop it in the microwave then that
expensive commercial type range will be a waste
3 How do you shop If you buy in bulk then you need more storage
4 Do you entertain a lot Then your kitchen probably becomes the central gathering place
and you need lots of space for the ldquoobserversrdquo to sit watch and converse
A L i t t l e N o t e A b o u t ndash T h e D r e a d e d W o r k T r i a n g l e ( d u n d u n d u n )
There are three magic points in the kitchen ndash
The sink refrigerator and stoveoven To be
the most efficient you donrsquot want any point
from one to the next to be more than 9 feet
(and the total between all to be no more than
26 feet) There are lots of other rules of thumb
when it comes to the design of your kitchen
(but this is the big one) In fact there are so
many rules entire books (some of which are
in my library) are dedicated to the topic The
reason I say ldquodreaded work trianglerdquo is because
in large kitchens or open concept kitchens it is
sometimes difficult to obtain
5
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T h e T o p T h r e e K i t c h e n L a y o u t s t h a t W o r k t h e B e s t
T h e G a l l e y K i t c h e n The Galley Kitchen has two straight runs
on each side The sink is on one side and
the cooktop or range is on the other side
The drawback to this space is that it is often
difficult with two or more cooks to work
because of the one way traffic pattern but
if you make sure there is 42- 48 inches
between the two runs two cooks can easily
maneuver past each other In fact it is an
extremely effective layout if you have one
prep cook at the sink wall and the chef on
the range wall working in tandem with
each other Alternatively you can have a
single wall or ldquostraight kitchenrdquo and an island
opposite it This opens up the kitchen to the
adjacent family room
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L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
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P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
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11
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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13
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Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
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T h e T o p T h r e e K i t c h e n L a y o u t s t h a t W o r k t h e B e s t
T h e G a l l e y K i t c h e n The Galley Kitchen has two straight runs
on each side The sink is on one side and
the cooktop or range is on the other side
The drawback to this space is that it is often
difficult with two or more cooks to work
because of the one way traffic pattern but
if you make sure there is 42- 48 inches
between the two runs two cooks can easily
maneuver past each other In fact it is an
extremely effective layout if you have one
prep cook at the sink wall and the chef on
the range wall working in tandem with
each other Alternatively you can have a
single wall or ldquostraight kitchenrdquo and an island
opposite it This opens up the kitchen to the
adjacent family room
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L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
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P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
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11
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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13
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Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
6
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L - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The L-Shaped Kitchen has a continuous long
wall of cabinets generally with the range
and refrigerator on one side and a shorter
wall of cabinets with the sink adjacent to it
(making an L) An L-Shaped kitchens offers
more privacy if say you are a cook who
doesnrsquot want too many people under your
feet because traffic flow is forced out of the
kitchen But you can add an island if you
want the kids or guest to sit and interact
with you And if you add another sink in the
island you will have another prepwork
counter
U - S h a p e d K i t c h e n The U-Shaped Kitchen is three walls of
continuous cabinets (making a U) It is the
most versatile layout and has the most
storage capacity Also it is great for more
than one cook because you can have
separate ldquozonesrdquo for multiple cooks to work
without stumbling over each other This
type of kitchen offers the greatest amount
of cabinets although you should have lazy
susans at each blind corner for easy access
Plunking an island in the middle adds even
more versatility and creates a nice ldquohubrdquo of
the home
7
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P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
7
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P a r t T w o
Do you know your kitchen style Maybe Maybe not Letrsquos do this little exercise to capture
your design style You need to create an inspiration file Tear out images from magazines or
go to Pinterest and create a new board Pin every kitchen that sparks your interest Another
good way to get inspiration is on Houzzcom where you can begin a Kitchen Ideabook
At first just add anything and everything thing that makes you stop and look Then find
common elements in them and move those into separate folders or boards Go over the
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
8
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new organized filesboards and cull out images you lost interest in and narrow it down to
five photos that really speak to you What is common in all of them That is your style
Give it a name (any name that describes the look to you) and make it your own style
Here are a few examples
Art Deco
Hollywood Glam
Urban Industrial
Asian Zen
Nostalgic Mid-Century
Seaside Retreat
French Villa
Rustic Mediterranean
Elegant Country
Boho Chic
Naturally Neutral
Simply Sophisticated
Vintage Chic
Tuscan Warmth
Cozy Modern
Make of list of the three top adjectives that describes for your style Pick three dominate
colors Then make a style guide that lists the elements you like (cabinets lighting
appliances flooring colors tile and layout) Use this list to keep you focused and on track
as you create your kitchen design
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
10
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
9
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T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
Modern is all about white walls and clean
simple lines This white on white on white
kitchen with contemporary touches makes
it cozy and modern all at once Incorporate
industrial components with restaurantrsquoish
appliances like a large stainless steel range
and hood two 30rdquo glass door refrigerators
and a pot-scrubber type faucet Continue
the industrial feel with metal barstools
Tuck the drawer microwave into the island
to maximize those thick white quartz
countertops to continue the simple lines
Use floor to ceiling subway tiles for a classic
vibe Offset all the cool and sleek finishes
with warm hand scraped honey colored
luxurious floor planks And as always add
a funky chandelier that is sure to spark
conversation
K i t c h e n S t y l e C o z y M o d e r n
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
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WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
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Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
11
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K i t c h e n S t y l e U r b a n I n d u s t r i a lIs it a kitchen or laboratory Essential
elements in this kitchen are oiled soapstone
counters atop white shaker style cabinets
Black and white nuances like tiny mosaic tiles
black handsome cabinet pulls and bulbous
glass pendants with school house charm
are reminiscent of high school science class
Ceramic wood-like plank tiles and wood
and metal stools bring a muscular utilitarian
vibe into an energetic space Leave some
of the upper cabinets with open shelving to
display your shiny glassware and continue the
industrial character Want to push your design
over the edge ndash Add a piece of artwork of a
frog (not dissected of course)
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
12
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13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
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wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
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POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
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Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
12
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13
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Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
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Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
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P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
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John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
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the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
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During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
13
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Mix up the metals in a vintage kitchen
making it feel refined yet oh so sumptuous
Matte black appliances with steel and
gold accents coordinate perfectly with oil
rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures Use basic
sophisticated hues in your color palette
and bits of warm wood to balance out all
the metals Painted raised panel cabinets
with a bronze glaze amps up the vintage
feel Backsplash tiles in glass and metallic
sporting a geometric pattern provides that
bit of an edgy modern moment your kitchen
style needs Keep the quartz countertop
and ceramic tile floor simple and let all the
metal from the appliances all the way to
the black and cooper pendant do the heavy
lifting in our Vintage Chic kitchen style
K i t c h e n S t y l e V i n t a g e C h i c
T h r e e K i t c h e n S t y l e s a n d W h y T h e y W o r k
14
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15
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P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
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maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
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C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
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faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
14
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
15
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
15
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t T h r e e
Cabinets set the style of the kitchen and are undoubtedly your biggest investment when it
comes to a kitchen remodel But countertops while about fourth on the list in terms of cost
is the one area that you can make a kitchen your own in relation to style and functionality
First and foremost you need to pick a material that fits your life-style and your family
You may love butcher block but are you really prepared to commit to the time it takes to
16
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
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What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
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Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
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way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
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Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
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sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
16
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
maintain it And of course marble just screams luxury but do you want the patina (that
is the stains scratches pitting etc) look it will eventually have Stainless steel is another
option but it will scratch and dull Or maybe you love those looks in fact in Europe the
aged look of these materials is desired and considered beautiful so if you are going with
a French Villa Tuscan Warmth or Rustic Mediterranean style than maybe you want them
These are all considerations you need to weigh up when picking your best countertop
options
C l a s s i c C o u n t e r C h o i c e s f o r t h e B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p O p t i o n s
Butcher block One counter in my kitchen
is butcher block My house was built in 1952
and the counter is original to the house
When we bought our house the butcher
block had been covered with some weird
shellac I simply sanded all that off and
applied a layer of Tung Oil This counter
looks warm and inviting Sure it gets stained
but eventually the stains evaporate out and
I clean it each week with food grade mineral
oil and I adore this classic countertop
material Would I suggest having all your
tops butcher block ndash no But in one small
area or just on a small island it adds a nice
natural touch making your kitchen feel
nostalgic
A large slab seamless counter top together with a backsplash of exquisite tiles is now the
norm in kitchen design Letrsquos breakdown the pros and cons of each counter top material
choice so you can figure out your best countertop options
image courtesy J Aaron Wood Countertops
17
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Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
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Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
17
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Stainless Steel This material is shiny sleek
and easy to clean If you are looking for an
Urban Industrial or Cozy Modern style this is
a good bet But if you want it to look brand
spanking new forevarsquo ndash forget lsquobout it It will
scratch and dull but that is what I like about
it This ldquopatinardquo gives it an authentic feel
because it should look well used Scrub it
down with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar
Keeperrsquos Friend to keep it clean and looking
its best image courtesy Brooks Custom
Soapstone Considered the original this
truly authentic countertop material has
been used in kitchens since the dawn of
kitchens It is very soft so it is easy to work
with It will scratch easily but since it is so
soft scratches are can be buffed out with a
simple Brillo pad You can leave it natural
or apply mineral oil to darken it The neat
thing about soapstone is its temperature
conductivity So when you lsquore installing
your countertop take the remnants and
make some small cubes put them in the
freezer and use them to chill your cocktails
(hence the name Whiskey Stones) If you
determined your style is English Charm
then a nice Soapstone top would be ideal
image courtesy Premier Surfaces
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
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image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
18
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Marble Not considered an ideal material
for the kitchen marble is often installed in
kitchens The acid properties of food does
not play well with marble (but the alkaline
products used in bathrooms are compatible
with marble) so you will have stains etching
pitting and the like But if you really MUST
have marble just be prepared to have lots
of maintenance or be willing to live with
the inevitable patina Or how about this
use marble on the backsplash to get that
Luxurious Classic style you dream of
Quartz Composite Becoming the work
horse for kitchen countertops quartz is non-
porous antimicrobial and will withstand
a lot of abuse I like the plain ole white
quartz tops with little detail They look
clean simple and will stand the test of
time This material is best suited for a more
modern look But quartz comes in many
colors and patterns and you could just
about find anything to go with any style If
you have a highly grained wood cabinet or
highly intricate mosaic tile backsplash a
plain quartz top is the perfect countertop
to balance all those other textures and
patterns
image courtesy New England Granite
image courtesy Dahl Homes
19
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
19
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
image courtesy California Granite amp Marble
Granite When most people want a solid-
surface top they say they want ldquoa granite
countertoprdquo as it has become generic for
solid surface tops Granite comes in many
many colors and patterns The thing I donrsquot
like about it is the busyness When the
crumbs blend in with the countertop it
bugs me Also the upkeep It is much more
porous than quartz and requires semi-
annually sealing You can read about how I
really feel about granite here
O n e M a t e r i a l o r T w o f o r B e s t K i t c h e n C o u n t e r t o p s O p t i o n sVery trendy and very nice looking is varying materials on different surfaces Maybe the
island is stainless steel and the rest of the tops are quartz Or what if one counter is darker
and the other lighter I especially like it when one small area is butcher block or marble
image courtesy Allied Stone
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
20
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Have you been wanting to remodel your kitchen but it seems like there are too many
decisions to make
Do all these choices put you over the top (countertop that is) and have you throwing in the
towel
Let the designers at KTJ Design Co help you figure it out Ya know we are really good in
the kitchen Check out our Your Kitchen A Love Story package and get the kitchen of your
dreams without all the nightmares
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
21
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
P a r t F o u r
Sinks and faucets donrsquot seem too complicated I mean it is just a bowl that holds water that
comes from that spigot right Well not exactly If yoursquove ever tried to keep a sink stain free
or wash a big pot you know some kitchen sinks and faucets are more ideal than others
So what makes a kitchen sink and faucet ideal for you Whatever you pick it should be
comfortable and functional
Here are designer approved sink and faucet styles and why you should get them for your
dream kitchen remodel
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
22
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
C h o o s i n g a K i t c h e n S i n k When does a bowl count
First and foremost think about functionality
when choosing a kitchen sink Do you
want a single basin or double basin (or
more) As most people donrsquot wash dishes
by hand anymore but still hand wash pots
and pans a single basin will work better
and look sleeker But what if you still want
some separation for dirty dishes and food
prep Then consider choosing a kitchen
sink with a divider that is half the height of
the bowl This will still give you the added
ease of washing those big pots but also the
separation for keeping cooties out of your
food
Do you prefer the top or bottom
Sinks can be dropped onto a countertop
(top-mount) or installed underneath the
counter (under-mount) At KTJ Design Co
we always try to under-mount sinks because
it is cleaner and makes your counter look
more seamless especially with solid surface
countertops But top-mounted sinks might
be your only option if you want an apron or
farm style sink
Cast Iron Stainless Steel or Sill Quartz
I like a stainless steel sink ndash there I said it
The common complaint about stainless
Kohler Langlade
Elkay e-Granite
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
23
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
steel is that it scratches and is noisy First
you need to be mindful of the gauge and
want at least a 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel
sink It will not sound hollow and be easy
to clean When it scratches just scrub it
up with Bar Keepers Friend non-abrasive
cleanser and you are good to go
My next favorite is a quartz kitchen sink
Quartz sinks are stain resistant scratch
resistant hygienic and extremely durable
Made of a composite of quartz and acrylic
the slip is molded so the color is all the way
through the sink
Porcelain enameled cast iron sinks are what
come to mind when we think of kitchen
sinks Porcelain sinks have an appealing
finish and less prone to water spots The
downside is that porcelain sinks can chip
rust and stain Donrsquot make the mistake of
getting a porcelain steel sink ndash there is a big
difference
No matter what sink you choose ndash donrsquot use
abrasive cleansers on them ever
Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Single lever pull-down hands free
A modern kitchen should have a modern
faucet A traditional sink can have a more
ornate faucet (you donrsquot have to go all
Victorian unless you live in a Victorian
Restoration) or a sleek faucet would look
just as nice in a traditional setting You
could go bonkers trying to pick just the right Delta Fuse
Moen 1800 Series
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
24
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
faucet but letrsquos break down the important
things when it comes to a kitchen faucet
You want to keep your counter as clean and
uncluttered as possible and the best way to
do this is with a single lever faucet
Pull-down spray faucets are best because
they generally have a long neck and
multiple spray options Heck you can even
get one that is hands-free (you still have
to wash the dishes but you just wave your
hand in front of the faucet and it comes on)
Do you want to be way cool Pick a wall-
mount faucet for an even more clutter-
free deck (thatrsquos the plumber lingo for the
countertop) and I think it looks way cool
Wall mount faucets are a little harder to find
and the choices are limited (and oh ya ndash
more expensive) This Dornbracht faucet is
super modern and sleek (I bet none of your
neighbors would have this)
Or if you want to have a really unique
faucet (and not be like all your friends) in a
traditional setting consider a bridge faucet
It is a fresh interpretation of a vintage faucet
and it has a really long spout ndash great for
filling and washing those big pots (It seems
like I have a thing for big pots) The Artesso
from Brizo looks great in a country kitchen
with an apron sink
Brizo Artesso
Dornbracht Meta02
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
25
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
John just bought his first house and it is a disaster He needs to remodel just about
everything but the kitchen is on the top of the list Since John just blew most of his savings
on buying this house his budget is tight He has about $25000 to remodel his kitchen
P a r t F i v e
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
26
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
What are the best kitchen appliances for John
Joan on the other hand has lived in her house for centuries the kids are moving out her
Mom is moving in and she wants to remodel the kitchen Since Joan just finished paying
for double college tuitions her budget has loosened up (high-five Joan) She has about
$75000 to remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Joan
Judy is moving into her dream house but it needs to be updated The kitchen hasnrsquot been
touched since 1970 and she wants to remodel like yesterday She has about $150000 to
remodel her kitchen
What are the best kitchen appliances for Judy
Best Kitchen Appliances Budget
New appliances will use up about 20 of your total kitchen remodel budget
Johnrsquos appliance budget ndash $5000
Joanrsquos appliance budget ndash $15000
Judyrsquos appliance budget ndash $30000
Ok ndash thatrsquos it wersquore done NOT
Sure we identified the first step in picking out appliances (setting the budget) but there are
so many other choices
Best Kitchen Appliances Type
The next question you have to ask yourself is HOW you use the kitchen When it comes to
your kitchen appliances ask yourself ndash What type of cook are am I
bull Do you cook every day
bull Do you like to bake
bull Do you consider yourself the Next Top Chef
bull Is the microwave your best friend
It doesnrsquot make sense to buy a top of the line cooktop if you mostly eat out and mainly use
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
27
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
the microwave
But if you like to bake (a lot) then maybe having a double oven makes sense to you Or
what if your house is party central every Saturday night (That is Johnrsquos hope anyway) then
maybe an ice maker is top priority
When we design kitchens we always ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire that pin
points how you use your kitchen and that way we pick the best kitchen appliances just for
you
Here is what we would pick for John Joan and Judy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nJohnrsquos Appliance Package is from Frigidaire and is the best kitchen appliances for his
budget John will most likely only cook on the weekends so when working on a budget
a slide in range is your best bet but we were able to get him a gas range which will make
him be way cool with the ladies Also this mircovent combination is another feature to
stretch your budget John couldnrsquot afford an ice machine in his budget but we could add an
in-door ice dispenser on the frig
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
28
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Joanrsquos Appliance Package is from Viking Joan wants something different from all her
neighbors so we picked this great graphic gray finish for her It is smudge resistant and
will look great as a contrast against her new white quartz countertops An under-counter
microwave will tuck into the end of the island which will be easier for Mom to access
Joan bakes when she is stressed out so she needs lots of robust ovens She remembers
her Grandmother had a freezer on the bottom of her refrigerator Joan loved to sneak out
popsicles when she was a kid and this refrigerator makes Joan fell happy
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e nB e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
29
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Judyrsquos Appliance Package is from Thermador Judy wants a thoroughly modern and robust
kitchen She cooks every day so the 48Prime gas range with a griddle and grill is right up her
ally Her youngest daughter loves to bake and has even won some local contests with her
special cupcakes so lots of ovens are a must Then of course there are all the holidays that
Judy always hosts for all her family and this workhorse of a kitchen will be perfect
B e s t K i t c h e n A p p l i a n c e s f o r H o w Y o u U s e Y o u r K i t c h e n
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
30
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
During a normal consultation that we do everyday we met up with Cindy who wanted to
remodel her kitchen The first thing we do for any remodel consultation is tour the entire
house to get a feel for the surroundings I notice right away in the entry is 12Prime x 12Prime field tiles
living room is carpet the kitchen is sheet vinyl the hall and office is wood laminate hall
bath is 6Prime x 6Prime ceramic tiles the spare bedroom is a different carpet master bedroom is yet
again another carpet and master bathroom is a different tile Now Cindy darling that is just
P a r t S i x
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
31
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
way too many different flooring materials I felt like I was walking on a flooring quilt with the
eight different floor finishes And well now that I think about it it was a flooring quilt
A FLOORING QUILT ndash You donrsquot want a flooring quilt
I guess my point here is when wersquore talking about kitchen flooring consider the whole
house when thinking about kitchen flooring ideas Realistically you shouldnrsquot have more
than three different flooring materials in your whole house In fact in my designer mind one
or two floor materials is ideal You need a plan my friend ndash like a master plan
CERAMIC TILE
Have you ever dropped a cup or dish on
a tiled kitchen floor Yeah- it was a big
disaster right First of all the cup shatters
into a million shards and then the damn
ceramic tile chips or cracks Oh and what
follows next ndash yup the cursing oh butt loads
of cursing (and screaming) Ceramic tile has
been the standard for kitchen flooring ideas
and a new trend is plank tile that mimics
wood It looks real nice and we like this one
from Emser Tile Just make sure you have
a tile installer that knows how to install tile
with the proper coupling membrane so you
donrsquot have problems in the future And if
you are more comfortable in the box then
this is a good choice for you But hello and
hay that trend is already wearing me down
Guess what
There is good news ndash there are SOOOO
many other choices
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
32
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
POLISHED CONCRETE
This is the way of future folks My partner
in crime Jenco Companies is polishing
concrete floors faster than Wylie Coyote can
rig a bomb for the Road Runner This kitchen
has a white concrete overlayment with stone
aggregate Then it is polished to a shine so
glossy you can see your reflection And talk
about durable and easy to maintain oh ya
LINOLEUM
Remember that hallway floor at your high
school That was linoleum What is so fun
about this kitchen flooring idea is that it is
totally natural durable nontoxic and low-
maintenance And this kitchen flooring
idea comes in so many fun colors and
possibilities We like marmoleum from
Forbo If you have any type of chemical
sensitivities this is for you
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
33
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
WOOD
When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas
hardwood or engineered hardwood is
definitely an option especially in a great
room situation where the living room and
kitchen are essentially one room We
finished the entire first floor of this house
with a hand scraped engineered hardwood
floor The unique thing about engineered
hardwood is it is actually stronger and more
durable the solid hardwood And if you pick
a hand scraped look its distinct appearance
is similar to the old worn look of farmhouse
floors or European rustic estates No need
to worry about the kids or pets this mishap
is already baked into the floor Just make
sure you donrsquot get fooled and get a wood
laminate (notice it isnrsquot even on my list This
stuff is bad news)
LUXURY VINYL TILES
A better alternative to get the wood look
without the headache of wood floors
getting damaged or ceramic wood-look
planks cracking or chipping is Luxury Vinyl
Tiles (LVT) This kitchen floor idea will
give you the look you want but with the
durability you need at a fraction of the cost
Our favorite brand right now is COREtec
It is made with virgin vinyl (You can be all
snobby with your friends ndash ldquoyes my floor
is virginrdquo) which means the PVC layer is
chemically stable LVT is waterproof so it
can be used in wet areas and will never
swell (like wood laminate) and can easily
extend in other living areas resisting
scratches (perfect for pets) It is softer and
quieter with a bamboo composite substrate
and cork underlayment
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
34
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Kitchen cabinets are a big deal It defines your kitchens style and whatever you select is
gonna cost ya so you better like it When you need kitchen cabinet ideas you should start
with understanding the basics and get those down pat If you want more detail check out
this blog post
P a r t S e v e n
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
35
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
Wall Cabinets These are the upper
cabinets above the counter Doors can
be solid or with have glass inserts Here
is a trending kitchen cabinet idea ndash open
shelves for upper cabinets This makes the
room feel airy and light and it is a great way
to show off your gorgeous dishes
Base Cabinets You got it these are
the lower cabinets Most people select a
stained wood or painted cabinet But you
might consider stainless steel or laminate
Laminates are fun coming in many colors
Another great kitchen cabinet idea trend is
glossy white laminate cabinets This kitchen
cabinet idea is ultra-modern and sleek and
KTJ Design Co designer approve
Sizes Cabinets come in standard widths
and increase in increments of 3 inches Base
cabinets are generally 34 frac14 inches tall and
wall cabinets range anywhere from 28 ndash 42
inches (or more) I suggest getting your wall
cabinets tall enough to go all the way to the
ceiling if you can
Stock vs Custom In reality there arenrsquot
too many cabinet shops that make truly
custom cabinets They may make the base
but get the doors pre-made Stock (or off
the shelf) cabinets are limited in quality and
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
36
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
sizes but they will be less costly and be
readily available Custom or semi-custom
will cost more and have a long lead time (8
to 12 weeks) Semi-custom cabinets have
more variety and come in more sizes Many
think that you are limited to standard sizes
but they can be made to fit And if you have
a good designer (like me for instance) you
can get pretty much whatever you want in
terms of style color and size
Which kitchen cabinets ideas and design styles do you like best
37
wwwkathleenjennisoncom | Copyright copy 2015 KTJ Design Co | Not for resale or distributionHow To Make Kitchen Remodeling Choices Yoursquoll Never Regret
And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started
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And remember if you are stumped on how to get your dream kitchen in your head into
reality then you the need the help of KTJ Design Co Designers
We get it you can see exactly how your dream kitchen is supposed to look in your head
but when you talk to contractors or visit big box stores you feel indecision come crashing
down on you Dont get stuck you can stop procrastinating and let us guide you through all
those decisions step by step and piece by piece
Find out more about Your Kitchen A Love Story and learn how KTJ Design Co has a design
package just for you Donrsquot wait to get started