3 minute read
Pregame a kitchen remodel with tips from this PVD interior designer
Remodel Ready
Advice on making choices for a new kitchen from a Providence interior designer
By Corey Low Satti
Use all white from top to bottom to add visual space
Our homes are the center of our worlds, and our kitchens are the center of our homes – it’s where families gather, meals are prepared, and daily chores take place. Large or small, a kitchen renovation is a big undertaking with many options to consider. Here are tips to help guide your design decisions and protect your investment. When our homes are a respite of peace, beauty, and order, it can make the ever-changing outside world a bit more manageable.
FINISHES:
Stick to two hardware finishes or less for kitchen cabinetry. If you decide on two different metals, use one on all upper and lower cabinetry as well as any panel-fronted appliances. Some examples are aged brass or oil-rubbed bronze. For secondary places like a kitchen island or butler’s pantry, go with polished nickel or copper. Select lighting to match the hardware of finish two for balance and cohesion.
WALLS:
Do your best to elongate the walls of your kitchen visually. This can be achieved by using a single material from countertop to ceiling, open shelving, or by keeping the backsplash and upper cabinets the same hue.
COUNTERTOPS:
For marble, quartz, and granite, keep the patterning or veining on the simpler side; it’s expensive, so don’t fall for trends here. Butcher block countertops on kitchen islands can bring wonderful warmth, but be sure to ask about maintenance as they require regular oiling and care.
COLOR:
If you’re going to use a color in your kitchen, place it on the kitchen island, and keep the wall cabinets neutral so the space feels spacious.
The Low-Down
An index of local go-tos from interior designer Corey Low Satti, a Providencebased designer who believes our homes are our havens from the world. Learn more at CoreyLowInteriors.com
CABINETRY:
Ugol Woodworks, Providence
CONTRACTORS:
All Site, LLC, Providence
HOME ACCENTS:
The Cottage, Tiverton Marion Draperies, Lincoln Mosaic Woodworks, Newport Wendy Brown Home, Providence
FLOORING: Arc Woods & Services Co., LLC,
Rumford
BACKSPLASH: Best Tile, Warwick
TIP: A designated shipping and receiving station creates a place for packages
SEATING:
If you have young children, ensure the seating in your kitchen is wipeable. Rattans, resins, and woods are great for quick clean up. Otherwise, leathers and performance fabrics are ideal for general cleanability, longevity, and fade resistance. For kitchen island seating, consider higher backs as they are more ergonomic and comfortable than stools.
SINK:
When you think about how many hours a week you spend doing dishes, it’s important to get the sink set-up just right. Opt for a deep, single bowl undermount kitchen sink (this way you won’t see dishes pile up right after breakfast). Add a sprayer on the side of the sink closest to your dominant hand; on the opposite side of the faucet, place a deck-mounted soap dispenser to avoid soap bottles cluttering your countertop.
STORAGE:
Display what you find beautiful and create storage for what you don’t. If you have a beautiful coffee maker that you love, you may want to leave that on the countertop. You can include an appliance garage or a few tall upper cabinets that go from countertop to crown molding for frequently used but less attractive kitchen gadgets. Think about how you cook and where you want things easily accessed.
RHODY VIBES:
Include striped textiles for subtle nautical flair; fill bowls and vases with what’s in season locally; and bring in ocean blues via dishware, like plates displayed as wall art.
