What should homeowners prioritize when renovating a kitchen or bathroom?
The first question we ask clients when renovating a kitchen is “Do you cook?” It seems so obvious, but the answer can determine the investment level and layout of appliances. As one of the biggest budget items in a renovation, luxury appliances are worth the investment if they meet the needs of the homeowner and add to the function of the space. –Meghan Heeter, Castle Design
Anything that can’t be easily removed is always worth investing in. I push clients to buy the nicest tile and cabinets they can afford, as those things can’t be easily changed out. Inset cabinet doors give a clean, tailored profile, and handmade tile is so beautiful. –Amie Corley, Amie Corley Interiors
A bathroom should be about 20 percent of your home’s value and your kitchen approximately 30 percent. That number can always go up, depending on the movement of plumbing or electrical or, in some cases, a major discovery during demolition. –Chelsea Smith, Chelsea Design Company
The quality of your products should be in the price range of your home, but at any price range, people want stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. In the bathroom, you want it to feel as big as it can and offer more than one shower experience—a shower head and rain head or a shower head and a handheld option. People also want pretty: They want their fixtures to look like jewelry. –Anne Kelleher, Immerse
It’s important, when selecting appliances, not to mix up a hundred different brands. You want to buy things of equal quality, whatever your budget is. I think it’s important that homeowners spread their money evenly. There’s nothing worse than buying the least expensive cabinets and putting the most expensive countertops on them. That doesn’t make sense. –Jimmy Jamieson, Jamieson Interior Design
Which design elements have staying power?
Invest in the bones of a kitchen to ensure long-term value. Quality cabinetry, durable countertops, high-end appliances, and plumbing fixtures that feature solid brass construction will ensure reliability for years to come. Elements such as tile, lights, and hardware have important appeal, but can be changed as tastes evolve. –Meghan Heeter
People are thinking about the future. They’re considering a barrier-free shower, higher toilets and vanities. These things come into play earlier because they’re well designed, whereas in the past they looked utilitarian. Even grab bars are pretty. –Anne Kelleher
If you don’t have a big budget, you should work within the home’s footprint. Let’s say you’re working with a kitchen. If there’s an adjacent closet or another space that would augment the kitchen, you’re better off from a budgetary standpoint to capture that space rather than try to add on. People also like natural light. Anytime you can add light is advantageous. –Jimmy Jamieson
What did you learn from your project?
Renovations take longer and cost more than your estimation. It’s essential to have patience. –Gabrielle Tullman, Frontenac
There are things you can source yourself and save on. Cabinetry is not the place to cut corners. –Jill Moore, Chautauqua, Illinois
Trust your gut. Give yourself a break. Understand that a room can take about 100 different paint colors and still look good. That knob shape isn’t going to make or break you. –Jenny Rausch, Kirkwood
What advice do you have for homeowners who are embarking on a renovation?
Keep a notebook with phone numbers and notes all in one place. Schedule regular meetings with your contractor and make selections well in advance so that your decisions don’t delay the process. –Gabrielle Tullman
I think people have misconceptions about the role of a designer. When we met with the woman we eventually worked with, she asked lots of questions about our preferences, timelines, and budget. She came back with recommendations that played to each of our likes. Lastly, all of the interfaces with vendors, craftspeople, and tradesmen were handled by our designer, which left us free to do our jobs. –Leanne Ridenour, Ladue
We began by getting the fundamentals right: open, airy, and with a layout to match the desired function. From there, we chose elements that give a timeless look—durable materials in colors that are relatively neutral and can be accented as times change. –Phil Valko, Old North St. Louis
