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INTERIOR DESIGN:
Splurge or Save?
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WRITER | SARA ANN BUSBY, CKD
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF | SARA BUSBY DESIGN
DESIGN FEATURE | Interior Design: Splurge or Save?
As you approach the exciting experience of a new
kitchen or bath project, or new construction or
remodel, you will have many decisions to make.
Decisions about materials and methods and contractors can be overwhelming. Then there is deciding which areas are important to buy the highest
quality as possible, and which areas it is smart to
buy less expensive than your “dream” products
and materials.
HIRING A DESIGNER
Start your project with a design that meets your
needs and a complete set of drawings. A professional designer will consider your budget as the
design develops. Designing a project with an over
the top budget will look considerably different
than a starter home project with different areas of importance. Working with a professional designer who is
listening to your wishes and designing a project that will be in budget is a sound place to spend. Fees can be
hourly or a set rate. A designer will guide you to products and to contractors that reflect your budget. The small
percentage of the overall cost of a project is well worth the direction and experience you will receive.
CABINETRY
Cabinetry is a large part of the budget. Choices are unlimited and costs can vary greatly. With options like custom, semi-custom and stock cabinetry the differentiation between the three has become a blurred line. Unless
you have very unique desires, a true custom cabinet is a splurge. Using stock or semi-custom cabinetry will
be determined by the design. Going back to a professional designer who considers the availability of sizes and
types of style and finish will guide you there.
Finish is very important in cabinetry. Consider
how often cabinetry is touched and all of the ingredients and cleaning supplies that come into play as
you prepare a meal. Vinegars, lemon juices, and
wines can all be hard on finish. A baked-on catalyzed finish is very durable and should be considered. They cost a slight bit more, but enhance the durability and look.
You will be asked if you prefer plywood, particleboard or furniture board for the case construction.
Plywood can be 10-15% more expensive than furniture board. For those who want an “all wood” product,
plywood is the answer. Furniture board, a medium density engineered product, has good screw holding power
and density; it is used by most high-end furniture manufacturers. It sometimes gets confused with particleboard,
but is in fact is a durable product. A lower grade particleboard has larger particles and can absorb moisture and
swell, making it a poor choice in bath cabinetry.
An Interior Designer Weighs in
on What’s an Investment and
What’s a Waste in Interior Design
COUNTERTOPS
Countertops, as with cabinetry, can vary tremendously in pricing. Laminate countertops are the most economical. While they can scratch and are not reparable, they have many colors and patterns that produce a nice look.
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SUMMER 2015
So, consider them as a short-term product of 5 years if your budget takes you there.
Quartz and granite can have similar costs, roughly around
75-250 square feet. If you are staying in the home for an extended
time, or the value of the project is mid- to high-end, or you just
want Quartz or Granite, by all means use stone. Also consider
if you are pushing the budget to mix a laminate with stone as
a feature. Some granite varieties are readily available and can
price low. If that’s what you have found, confirm the thickness
of the product; three centimeters is standard. Some budget stones
are two centimeters and should not have under-mounted sinks
installed.
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DESIGN FEATURE | Interior Design: Splurge or Save?
APPLIANCES
Appliances are all about features, durability, and finish. If cooking is important to you, look for the bells and whistles rather than
pre-form features you would like. Is the oven a steam? Does the
microwave also work as a convection oven? Be honest about
what features you will use and don’t over buy.
If you are looking at a stainless refrigerator, determine if the
sides are also stainless and if the refrigerator will stick out and
expose the sides. A true built-in is a great look and space saver;
even though you may spend 2-3 times more. Again, your design
will dictate the type.
Sinks and faucets take a lot of wear and tear; consider how
often they are used. Do you have a filtered water system or do
you have minerals in your water that cause wear and tear on a
faucet and spotting on a sink? This is one product type I recommend spending money on the best you can afford, as they are big
work horses in a kitchen.
Like so much in our world, budgets are about balance. Save
in one area to be able to get the best for your project in another.
Cabinetry is the foundation for the countertops, the appliances
and plumbing. Select a cabinet with good construction, and countertops may be a place to save if you need to. Select appliances
that meet your needs and do not over buy simply for bells and
whistles. Plumbing is important, as it gets great use and has the
challenges of dealing with food items and cleaning products.
Enjoy the process, but be realistic and stay on budget. So
when you are shopping and come across that must-have, overthe-top product, you can remind yourself that you have been
smart so far, so you can go for the splurge. You earned it! q
Your Custom Resource
Woodwork Specialties Co. has been your trusted lumberyard and building supply provider
for over 55 years. A family-owned business, we service southwest Michigan bringing you
lumber, custom trim and moulding, doors and windows, decking and railing, cabinets and
countertops, door hardware, stair parts, siding, insulation, and hardwood flooring for your
newconstruction or remodeling projects.
7811 Ravine Rd. • Kalamazoo • (269) 343-3343 • www.woodworkspecialties.com
Sara Ann Busby, CKD
Patio Shop Since 1971
Sara is a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD)
and the 2008 President of the National
Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the
world’s largest trade organization for the
kitchen and bath industry. She has over 30
years in the industry and is the owner of a kitchen and bath design
company based in Northern Michigan.
Outdoor Living
211 St. Joseph Ave. • Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-6600 • edwardsfurnishings.com
Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30
OFFERING TRUCK LOAD SAVINGS
www.michiganhomeandlifestyle.com
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