No Overhaul? No Problem! 8 Kitchen Updates Worth Making
Starting with the Windows "The first thing I'll look at is how to gain more natural light," Mick says. That can be key for '70's and '80's era kitchens that have light-blocking, window-hugging upper cabinets. Strip windows down as much as possible, he suggests. "If you can do without window coverings (apart from privacy concerns) I love that," he adds. Blinds or solar shades also are nice, "pick something that's minimal when it's pulled up all the way."
Paul Schlismann
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
"The first thing I'll look at is how to gain more natural light," Mick says. That can be key for '70's and '80's era kitchens that have light-blocking, window-hugging upper cabinets. Strip windows down as much as possible, he suggests. "If you can do without window coverings (apart from privacy concerns) I love that," he adds. Blinds or solar shades also are nice, "pick something that's minimal when it's pulled up all the way."
Window Shade Sources
Solar Shades, The Shade Store, $122-219
Hunter Douglas Modern Roman Shades, consult local dealers
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
Transparency adds a feeling of space. "Pick one section, or two doors on one side, or a pantry. Replace those solid cabinet doors with glass-front doors, even with metal frames. You can do sanded glass or clear glass and paint the interiors of the cabinets a different color. That gives you a really fresh, open feeling and impact that makes a difference without the expense of replacing all the cabinet doors. Also, if it's workable to remove sections of upper cabinets around windows "replace those with open shelving," Mick advises.
Cabinet Door Sources
Cabinet Door Shop, priced by size
Ikea Akurum Glass Cabinet Doors, priced by size
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
Consider the effect you want to achieve by painting walls, the ceiling, window trims, doorways and base moldings as color conveys mood. "Muted tones are more popular right now," Mick says. "Those have a moodiness that gives a nice feeling of comfort."
Because De Giulio often uses a combination of colors like the "flannel grey" and dark maple cabinets from his Beaux Arts SieMatic cabinet line we wondered about recoloring cabinets with stain, or painting them to achieve a similar look. "If you want to go through that whole scene of refinishing cabinets (you need to strip to bare wood to stain, or prime to paint) the dark wood stain can be beautiful. Usually it's easier to do a dark stain than a light one."
Paint & Stain Sources
General Finishes Enduro Industrial Wood Stain, through dealers
Fine Paints of Europe Eurolux Interior Acrylic Paint, selected dealers and by mail
Cabinet Coat, at Home Depot, Ace Hardware
Kitchen Cabinet Painting Tutorial, This Old House
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
De Giulio often puts polished nickel and brass together in kitchen accessories such as plate racks. "It looks fantastic," he says. So naturally, he believes in mixing hardware finishes and styles. "You could do glass. I like nickel a lot as it's very neutral. The bronzes are nice." Don't worry about upper cabinets in one finish or style and using another on base cabinets. "If you like how something looks [together], go for it."
Cabinet Hardware Sources
Restoration Hardware Cabinet Knobs and Pulls, in their locations and online
Katonah Architectural Hardware, custom orders
Lee Valley, online orders
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
"Task light is a first to address, both for great effect and for function," Mick says. Under-cabinet lighting for work areas is essential. If it's necessary to use fluorescents "warm white is fantastic," he says. "If cabinets don't go to the ceiling, you might have an opportunity to use ½-inch LED fixtures on top. They don't give off a tremendous amout of light, but it's mood light."
Don't overlook surface fixtures which provide general light and "mount to the ceiling -- an easy change when there's a fixture there already," Mick adds. He also famously combines pendants lights and a pot rack over an island to double up on function.
Lighting Sources
Brighter LED Light Bar 3 Fixture Kit, ElementalLED, $ 122.99
Kichler Kitchen Cabinet Lighting, through dealers
Task Lighting
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
De Giulio's kitchen gallery often show ultra-modern style-setting Dornbracht faucets. "I like simplicity," he explains. I've also used a more traditional style in a very modern kitchen – that looks great. And, he thinks, "Kallista is a great brand."
Faucet Sources (clockwise from top left)
Kallista One Deck-Mounted Bridge Kitchen Faucet, Lever Handles, about $850
Grohe Minta faucet, about $300
For Town by Michael S Smith kitchen faucet, about $2300
Grohe Bridgeford faucet
Dornbracht Faucets
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
"A really effective way to change the personality of a kitchen is to add a backsplash. It's a fairly easy thing to do." While glass, ceramic and porcelain tiles are favored choices, "stainless steel backsplashes can be fantastic – tiles, polished, or even quilted stainless," he suggests.
Tile Sources
Susan Jablon Stainless Steel Mosaics
Hastings Tile & Bath, contemporary glass and porcelain tile
Ann Sacks Tile & Stone
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
These elements help personalize a kitchen and make it comfortable. "Find an antique piece to put up against a wall," Mick advises. If there's space, add something upholstered like a tufted leather counter stool, or chairs with seats. "Fabrics are a good way to inject color and comfort." De Giulio frequently uses plate racks, utensil rails and open shelving of his own design to accessorize functional storage. (The lighted pot rack we found, above, has the same dual function).
Accessories & Furniture
Maxim MX 7751 Contemporary/Modern Pot Rack, lightingdirect.com, $358.20
Studio Chair, Crate & Barrel $199
Hudson Camelback Upholstered Counter Stool, Restoration Hardware, $499-$599
8 Smart Update Ideas From A Top Kitchen Designer
And The Winner Is?
Make A Rustic Sawhorse Table For Under $40
Kitchen designer, Mick De Giulio, is making kitchen product news this year. Photo: Dale Fahey
