Don’t let matching appliances and luxury layouts scare you away from designing the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. We’ve put together this comprehensive list of tips and tricks to help you craft the kitchen aesthetic you’ve always wanted. And don’t worry because all of these suggestions are in style and on budget.

Styles of Ovens

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Convection ovens circulate heat with a fan, cooking food faster and more evenly. Some chefs prefer this newer style of oven because it can get food onto the table more quickly than its predecessor. However, Bakers typically prefer a traditional oven that features the conventional bake/roast/broil settings. If your budget is unlimited, then a stackable setup will give you the opportunity to enjoy both styles of ovens. No matter what style you choose, make sure that your layout is accessible and doesn’t clash with the appliance placement around it. Remember that your oven is the centerpiece of your kitchen, allow it to dictate the overall flow of the room.

picking the right range

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Choosing a hood for your range can be a costly decision, so make sure you’re committed to your design before you overstep your budget. Sufficient ventilation is a legitimate concern for any serious chef but this is one area that you can save money if you want to keep your costs down. Avoid cheaply made hoods that have a loud fan and minimal suction. If you decide that you simply must have a hood, then make sure that you choose a reliable brand that won’t take away from the beauty of your current design.

Choosing cooktops

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The biggest question is: gas, electric, or induction? This choice is completely personal but most consumers don’t switch from one style to another. Gas produces heat faster and more evenly but a tremendous amount of energy is lost as a result. Electric is the most energy-efficient option but takes longer to heat up, a feature that most gas users consider to be unacceptable. Induction is the most modern and technologically-advanced option, boasting rapid boiling times. Metallic burners and cast iron conduct heat better than alternative materials but can often be more expensive budgetarily, so be sure to choose an option that goes best with your style of kitchen and the way that you cook.

The right refrigerator

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Freestanding refrigerators have always been the standard for every style and aesthetic of kitchen. However, in recent years, counter-depth fridges that match the existing colors and cabinetry have become much more popular. Aesthetically, the choice is yours, just make sure that you choose a fridge with the capacity and power to accommodate your family. If you have a small family, then a single compressor refrigerator should be large enough to handle your needs. Dual-compressor refrigerators offer a superior level of coolness, allocating power separately for both the fridge and the freezer, but the price tag will reflect the additional power. The orientation of the refrigerator’s doors is another small but significant consideration. If you’re trying to match an existing style, then choose a fridge featuring a façade that matches the aesthetic of the doors in the rest of your home. Additionally, you can decide whether you want your freezer to be on top, down below, or on either side. The last thing to consider are any additional amenities you might want, such as smart connectivity and the variety of icemaker.

finding a Faucet

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Now that you’ve purchased your core appliances, it’s time to think about your faucet. Stainless steel is a standard and affordable material that goes great with a myriad of different aesthetics, but don’t be fooled because there‘s a huge variety in quality when it comes to stainless steel. Appliances range from 8 to 30-gauge steel. The higher the gauge, the higher the quality of the steel. High-quality stainless steel showcases a richer color with increased durability and improved longevity. No matter what style of faucet you decide, VIGO has a tailor-fit solution for your home.

Look through VIGOs stunning collections of faucets. Solid brass construction makes this faucet durable and easy to clean with a premium finish that resists corrosion and tarnishing. All of our faucets are crafted using the finest materials and engineered at the peak of precision.

efficient dishwashers

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Drawer dishwashers have recently become an emerging trend in kitchen design, offering more unique sizes and mid-sized efficiency that traditional, full-size dishwashers can’t. The classic style of dishwasher is still the most practical and cost-effective, but this trendy solution could be perfect for smaller kitchens and homes. But if you prefer a traditional pull-down dishwasher, unique finishes and paneling allow you to blend in or stand out. Match your current aesthetic or create a bold accent that contrasts your design and showcases the beauty of your new kitchen.

sinks and vessels

Don’t wait until the last stage of renovating to decide what kind of sink you want. Your sink needs to match the colors of your cabinets and countertops, so be sure to choose something early to avoid any costly mistakes or budgetary blunders. The first thing to choose when you’re trying to find the perfect sink is style. If you opt for an undermount style, the sink is generally installed before the countertops, so be sure to plan ahead for that. And be sure to choose a sink that matches the style and quality of your countertops because replacing a cheap sink can be a costly expense, especially when the counter is still in good condition.

Modern sinks come in a myriad of depths, shapes, sizes and colors. They also feature a variety of modern amenities such as cutting boards, drying racks, and more. Materials include stainless steel, stone, cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass, and quartz. Matte Stone technologies by VIGO possess a timeless quality and aesthetic, showcasing a beautiful stone surface, fortified by its sophisticated composite core.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when you’re choosing your sink, is your faucet. These two appliances will be working very closely together for the next couple years, so you want to make sure that you choose products that accent each other’s style. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect pairing, then be sure to use this guide HOW TO GET THE PERFECT KITCHEN SINK AND FAUCET PAIR.

minimize your Microwave

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Microwaves can take up a lot of room regardless of placement. So if you want to make the most of your space, consider a convection microwave that doubles as a high-speed oven, then you won’t need an additional double oven. Drawer-style microwaves are also an opportunity for homeowners who want to match the surface of their microwave with the rest of their furnishings. This convenient option is a perfect way to make your microwave blend in with the rest of your kitchen and cabinetry.

warming up

Nothing takes away from a homecooked meal like a cold plate. Warming drawers were once considered an exclusive luxury item, but have become much more affordable and economical. If you like cooking for guests, and dinner parties are the event of the season, then warming drawers are a must-have item. Take your kitchen to bold new heights with warming drawers and other modern amenities.

We hope that this simple guide gave you a few ideas and creative solutions for your own upcoming renovation. Remember to have fun and try not to get too stressed. And if you’re worried about staying on budget, then just remember the classic design principle: less is more. If your design feels busy, cramped, or too contrasting, then consider taking something out. And remember to inject some of your own personality into the design. After all, this is your kitchen, so make it just as incredible as you are.