Splurge or Save

Tips from the Experts

Are you remodeling your kitchen or starting fresh in a new house? Determining where to spend can be a difficult task. The first thing a designer will do is make sure the budget is reasonable to accomplish the client’s goals and scope of work. Once there is a layout in place, plans can be made with the contractor or any subs involved and work can commence with the budget in mind. At this stage, decisions can be made whether to save in any areas to be able to splurge in others to achieve the desired final results.

Jennie Moseley, owner of Simmer & Soak, shares her tips on which areas are okay to go simple and save some cash and where splurging would be best.

PLUMBING FIXTURES

Your faucet is a big statement in your kitchen. It’s one of the first things people see, plus you use it every day. Get one that you love to look at, and that you love using. I believe in making washing dishes as pleasant as possible. Be careful to check quality, solid brass construction is the way to go. SPLURGE

CABINETS

Maybe you love a limewaxed French oak for your kitchen but can’t afford to do it. Instead, install a simple white manufactured cabinet for the perimeter and spend your money on a custom island in oak so you can still have the finish you love somewhere. SAVE

BACKSPLASH

This is my favorite. You can get a lot of bang for your buck with a backsplash. Don’t just opt for the standard 4” piece they want you to do with the countertop; that’s just so they don’t have to worry about any gaps with your wall. Even if you can’t do it right now, leave it off and come back and do it right when you can afford it. SPLURGE

COUNTERTOPS

Countertop pricing is all over the place. Sure an exotic marble would be gorgeous, but if you have an amazing backsplash, a simple white quartz countertop can be the best complement for it. SAVE

CABINET HARDWARE

This is an area people often skimp on. Usually it’s the last thing you order and you're already broke and over budget. But hardware can make or break a grand kitchen remodel. Spend a few extra dollars per piece and get something that is going to last and that you love. Remember mixing finishes is A-OK, and brass is back, baby. SPLURGE.

APPLIANCES

This is a huge area where you can cut costs. Everyone wants the look of commercial appliances, even in kitchens where they don’t cook. If you don’t cook, don’t spend all your money on a fabulous range. You can blow your whole budget on a range. SAVE

If you’re looking for help with your project, the team at Simmer & Soak can help you order hardware and light fixtures, consult with you on custom cabinetry and countertops, select tile from their exclusive brands, or coordinate with builders to interpret and implement your bespoke kitchen design into a new construction or remodel project. They will expertly manage your project and construction from start to finish.

Simmer & Soak is conveniently located mid-island just off Frederica Road, at 8 Market Street (next to Taylor House Interiors). They can be reached by phone at 912.268.4210 or email Jennie at Jennie@simmerandsoak.com.