Ask McEnearney: I Want to Remodel My Kitchen… Where Do I Start?

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Susan Craft of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Susan Craft at 703-216-4501 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.

Question: I want to remodel my kitchen. Where do I start?

Answer: Everyone can’t be the star of the show.

Just like any good movie or TV series, everyone can’t be the star of the show. Someone has to play a supporting role, which adds depth and texture to the storyline and balances out the heroine or hero. The supporting cast members are important in their own right, but they don’t outshine the star. On occasion, it is said that someone ‘stole the show’ as an unexpected character touched more deeply than expected.

Let’s translate this to your next renovation project: a kitchen. First, gather everything you love — your favorite cabinetry, countertop, backsplash, flooring, light fixtures, appliances and paint color. OK, now, decide who will be the star of the show. Evaluate the supporting cast members and the role they play compared to your star. Do they add the depth of design and contrasting texture that you’re looking for, or do they steal the show? Perhaps have a second focal point, but let the supporting cast give the eye a rest to create serenity of style. Far from boring, this will make the star shine even brighter.

For example, if you select white or solid color cabinetry, then you can add a dramatic countertop or backsplash. But if you pick an exotic wood grain, like Zebrawood, for your cabinets, then you will want to have a solid color countertop and/or backsplash.

Imagine if you chose a very patterned woodgrain for cabinets, a busy design on the countertops and a completely different color palette for the backsplash. All could be gorgeous on their own, but the combination detracts from each and diminishes the whole. This is much like all the cast members of a play speaking at once — where to look and to whom to listen? It’s too confusing. Everyone is competing to be the star since it wasn’t decided beforehand.

The entire space doesn’t have to be serene; punches of color and pattern are essential to design. There has to be some fun and excitement, a reason to shout encore!

Lastly, if you find that you have competing cast members that simply can’t get along, then save one for the next show, perhaps the bathroom.

Susan Craft is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Old Town. Her success has been built on the art of listening and providing excellent personal service to deliver the results people want, expect and deserve. For a no-obligation consultation, call or text 703-216-4501 or email [email protected] today!

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria