How to Achieve That Wow Factor in Your Kitchen

Homeowners tackle a total remodeling of their kitchen because the appliances are on their last leg or the cabinetry is ancient. When remodeling a kitchen, most clients want to achieve a "wow factor." For my client with a 1920s historic home the "ooh-ah" was a beautiful island with baluster details. Perhaps the "wow factor" for you is a custom glass tile backsplash where you choose the colors of the tile. Perhaps you do want that six-burner range because with the economy such as it is you eat in rather than going to the restaurant or perhaps you are a gourmet cook. Maybe your "wow factor" are "work zones" that actually function for a two-person kitchen.

However, you don't have to totally remodel a kitchen to obtain the "wow factor." A possible "wow factor" is the incorporation of unique accessories such as an architectural salvage mantel as seen above. Perhaps updating the lighting by adding LED undercabinet lights will give your kitchen a whole new perspective. How about reworking an existing island with new cabinetry that contrasts with the kitchen and incorporate the latest in technology with a Sharp microwave drawer. What about adding zing with a backsplash of wallpaper to add a new dimension to your kitchen. If you crave a gourmet kitchen but just can't do a whole remodel, replace the electric range with a gas range.

So you see there are numerous ways to add a "wow factor" to your kitchen. What budget friendly change would add a "wow factor" to your kitchen?

Reflecting on Kitchen Needs and Lifestyle


The pressure to have a large kitchen with all the bells and whistles can be enticing. As a residential interior designer I have had cause to reflect regarding the current trend in kitchen planning. While living in Dallas I had the occasion to meet several real estate agents participating in a continuing education workshop. Over lunch the agents regaled me with stories of real estate properties that seemed woefully ill-suited to the buyers' lifestyles. One instance in particular rang true for me--an upscale residence with a large showplace kitchen where the six-burner range gathered dust and the microwave was the most utilized appliance.


I understood the real estate agents' concerns as I was currently consulting with a client and long time friend on the design of the kitchen for her historic home where I discovered that perhaps as designers we should revisit the "less is more" approach. Her 15 x 15 room held many possibilities even with the four doors leading into the space and her desire to eschew any changes in the 1920's circulations patterns.


The initial concept for the kitchen called for cabinetry on two walls with an angled built-in eating nook and a central island. After reviewing the plans and elevations for two weeks. my client called with a request to revise the plans. "I don't cook," asserted my client. "I don't need a big kitchen. I use the microwave and the coffeepot." So I went back to the drawing board so to speak and produced a much more streamlined design providing the client with a functional arrangement for the three times a week when she did indeed prepare meals as well as the coffee brewing station and designated place for her microwave--her two must haves.


This first pass at the conceptual design was a learning experience for both my client and myself. After examining the plans and elevations she realized that this was not the kitchen of her dreams--even though the plan reflected our brief sessions via internet and phone. My client owns an antique business and, instinctively knew that a room full of cabinetry, even with period details, would not reflect her personality. With a large kitchen comes the expectation of the display of culinary expertise and the time involved in preparing these meals and my client did not want a kitchen that increased her domestic duties, but a kitchen which would provide a haven from her hectic lifestyle.


As my client resided three states away I was providing conceptual design which would be taken to her local kitchen dealer. In the initial meetings with the firm my client was frustrated by the designer's inability to comprehend that she did not wish to have a room full of cabinetry.


Ultimately--my client remained firm in her resolve to keep it simple. Her straightforward one wall kitchen which included the coffee brewing station was augmented with an island with beautiful period details and outfitted with a standard size range. She found a wonderful Hoosier cabinet in lieu of the built-in breakfront I had envisioned and keeps her eye out for other finds from her antique business which will more accurately reflect her personality and lifestyle.