Design the Kitchen of Your Dreams With 6 Easy Upgrades

Kim Williams, SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber, reveals how to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Could your kitchen use an upgrade? If you have a vision of pristine cabinets and sparkling countertops, craving an enhancement to the most important room, the heart of the home, now is the perfect time to bring your dreams to life. Before you dive into any renovations, take a cue from Kim Williams, the SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber and Home Centers in the Hudson Valley, and “write down everything you love about your existing kitchen and everything you want to improve.”

A great place to find inspiration and ideas is to look through several kitchen and home improvement magazines or the web. Think about how you use your kitchen today and plan for what would optimize the function of it in the future. What is your lifestyle, family size, and cooking and entertainment style? All of these are important factors to consider when planning a new kitchen or enhancing your current one.

Once you identify your needs and wants, you can streamline your goals and design the kitchen of your dreams whether you’re on a budget or just won the lottery. Here are six steps to get you started.

Install a new sink or faucet

According to Williams, the sink and faucet are often the focal point of the kitchen and set the creative tone for the entire space. With the heightened awareness of hygiene at home, install a hands-free/touchless faucet or a matte or brushed finish faucet for a low-maintenance upgrade that won’t show fingerprints. Customize your kitchen sink by type, basin, and or material. Remember how often your sink is used, so plan for function and durability so you have purchased one that will last.

Update your countertop

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to countertops. With a variety of style, material and color, you can shape the whole feel of your kitchen with a surface change. Williams points out that counters like Corian and Formica are cost-efficient options, while those made from granite or quartz may be more expensive. Consider durability, longevity, and maintenance before choosing the option that’s best for you. Stopping by one of our showrooms will give you ideas and allow you to experience the different materials available, for yourself.

Change out the hardware and knobs

Swapping out your kitchen hardware may seem like a small change, but it can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your space. Choose from finishes and styles like chrome, nickel, and stainless steel to redefine your space with a fresh aesthetic. Upgrading your interior cabinet materials, like the hinges inside to a soft-close hinge, can extend the longevity and reduce the wear and tear on your cabinets over time.

Make the most of your cabinets

If you are looking to completely upgrade your kitchen cabinets, make sure you consider all the storage options available and the personal needs you have in the kitchen. Kitchens function better when there is a place for everything. With all the new cooking appliances and gadgets and increased stocked pantry items, more storage space is a necessity. Consider dedicated pantries and enhanced cabinetry options like larger cupboards with pull-out storage solutions (ie. tip-out trays, utility racks, dividers, drawer organizers). You can truly maximize the function of your kitchen with an update to your cabinets.

Take it outside

When weather permits, give your oven a break and showcase your culinary skills in an outdoor kitchen. A great place to start is with a Traeger or Weber Grill. Upgrading your patio or deck to Trex decking, which is made in the U.S. of 95-percent recycled materials, can level up your outdoor cooking setup. Make it even more functional with sturdy aluminum cabinetry for demanding areas and a powder-coated finish and sealed storage to withstand the elements.

“By adding Wolf Endurance outdoor cabinets,” Williams says, “you can quickly turn your outdoor living space into the ultimate oasis.”

Lay the groundwork for your outdoor kitchen

To make sure your outdoor culinary space is fully functional, add pavers to create a smooth surface. Opt for a trusted brand like Unilock, which comes in non-slip varieties, for kitchen foundations.Turn your kitchen renovation dreams into a reality and look to the certified designers and associates at Williams Lumber and Home Centers for expert advice. Williams has seven convenient locations, including its kitchen and bath showrooms in Pleasant Valley and Rhinebeck that feature over 20 design displays ranging from quality manufacturers like Crystal, Omega, and Schrock.

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!