According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) cabinetry accounts for about 40% of your budget.  Utilizing stock cabinetry but customizing it with crown molding, utilizing interesting hardware or adding a glaze to the finish can create a custom look without the expense of custom cabinetry.

The next big ticket item at around 30%.  This would include the demolition of your existing kitchen, the prep work, new sheetrock for the walls, installation of cabinetry, electrical and plumbing.

Costs will vary depending on brand's chosen and if you choose bigger ticket professional grade options, but costs will be about 25% of the total.  When making choices, consider your lifestyle and how many cooks will be in the kitchen together.  Does it make sense to have two work zones, each designated for a specific purpose? Will a second sink for cleaning vegetables make it easier for two people to prepare meals?  Would a speed-cook oven allow you to serve your family a home cooked meal in less than ½ hour vs. take out, work for your needs?  These new ovens allow you to bake, broil, roast or grill food in less than half the time.  Would having a second dishwasher for all of those glasses that always seem to get used up be a good investment?  Consider a dishwasher drawer placed in the center island.
Buy what you and your family will use.  Invest in appliances that make sense for you and how you would like to use your kitchen.

Choices can be tailored to not only your taste but budget.  Even within the category of granite or marble the cost will vary based on the availability of the stone.  Perhaps to highlight one smaller section of the kitchen, more costly options might be considered including concrete, copper, zinc, glass or stainless steel.

Again, lots of options and variations.  Wood - whether it's exotic wide plank reclaimed wood flooring or more affordable oak, wood still has the greatest appeal.  Other options to consider include limestone or porcelain tiles.  Let your imagination and creativity create a floor design that is unique.  Mix up the stone with inserts, mosaic or different size tiles.

Lighting is critical to the proper functioning of your kitchen.  Choose multiple sources of light; a combination of ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting.

Products have different lead and construction times.  It is very important to communicate your timing constraints to your designer when you first consider the project so the timing can be factored into the overall selection decision making.

For instance, semi custom cabinetry have a 6-8 week lead time, while custom lines can run anywhere from 10-12 weeks.  The time of year can also impact the lead times. Late spring and summer are key kitchen renovation times.

Critical to the success of your project is not to have the contractor start the project until all elements are on hand.  This will ensure no unforeseen delays due to a delay in shipment.  If you follow this rule, expect your project to start and be completed in 8 weeks from demolition to your first cooked meal.

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, give us a call at 914-234-7066.  We would be happy to discuss options with you, help you determine what makes the most sense for you, your lifestyle, timing and budget.

An interior designer that is knowledgeable in kitchen design can make your project turn key for you.  A design firm can collaborate with you in choosing your cabinetry, appliances, flooring, lighting and counter tops.  Depending on how involved you would like to be, they can take the hassle of shopping and all of the overwhelming mired of choices, and narrow the options down for you.

At Susan Marocco Interiors, we not only assist you in making all of the selections, but will make recommendations on the hiring of the contractors.  We will oversee the entire project, schedule the timing of the various trades to ensure your kitchen is finished on time and on budget.  We will help you create the kitchen of your dreams!