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Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen

Dusty Rhodes • February 4, 2022

From appliances and fixtures to countertops and cabinets, a healthy balance of investment and frugality pays off when it comes to this priciest of home renovations. But what should be at the top of the makeover budget priority list? And where could you cut costs?

Spend on: Quality Appliances



Our experts recommend allocating budget to energy-efficient appliances. They may not be cheaper to buy initially, but in the long term they cost less to run and will tend to be less expensive overall.

“The numbers are out there on running costs, so it’s worth doing the research,” says Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens. “Don’t just buy according to what an appliance costs and how it looks — you risk ‘buy cheap, buy twice.’ ”

Zoe Holland of Sustainable Kitchens says, “It pays to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances — they can save more than money in the long term.”

Clinton Patey of The Kitchen Partners recommends getting an instant hot water dispenser. “It’s not just a luxury, it’s energy-efficient … and has a safety handle that reduces the risk of burns.”

Patey also advises that you consider how your appliances affect the rest of the space. For example, he notes the importance of a quiet dishwasher, “especially in open-plan spaces where you can’t shut away the noise.”

“A cheap fridge will make more noise and cost more over its lifetime,” Berry says. “You could have bought the more expensive machine and had the joy of a quiet kitchen.”

A good vent hood is also key, especially in open-plan spaces. “It keeps the kitchen from becoming smelly and greasy and reduces damage to the cabinets above,” Patey says.

Save by: Recycling and Reclaiming

Opting for reclaimed countertops — alone or paired with another material — can save money and be stylish, our experts say.

In this kitchen, “we’ve reused old school lab benches made from iroko wood, complete with graffiti and gum, and given them some TLC for a new lease on life,” Holland says. “Whether paired with other wood countertops or with stone or quartz, this could save a bit of money on your kitchen renovation.”

Another way to reduce countertop costs is by buying stone slab remnants left over from larger jobs. These can be used for a smaller area such as an island top or bar.

To save money and conserve resources, you can install preowned cabinets, as the owners of this California kitchen did.

Selling your existing kitchen is also great for the planet and saves on the cost of disposal. “The money can also help toward the cost of a new kitchen,” Berry says. “There are companies that specialize in this.”

Spend on: Durable Materials

If you’re going for new products rather than reclaimed, our experts recommend paying extra for materials that are easy to maintain and will last a long time. Composite or solid stone countertops are a good choice, for example.

Berry suggests purchasing remnants of granite and quartz countertops and using them to have something special made. “It could be a dining table top, a console or a couple of coffee tables. You may pay a little extra for polishing on top, but look what you get,” she says.

Consider the longevity of cabinets as well, Holland says. “Without a doubt, purchasing a solid wood kitchen is a worthwhile investment,” she says. “This means it will stand the test of time, it won’t tire or look out of date, and you won’t have to replace it in a few years’ time — the ultimate measure of sustainability.


“With a solid wood kitchen, you can update as necessary,” Holland says. “You can repaint to keep the cabinets looking fresh and even choose an entirely different color if you ever want a change. A good-quality solid wood kitchen should last over 30 years.”

Save by: Calculating Carefully

To be able to spend more on quality materials, think about how you can save on things such as delivery charges. “If you can, do your utility room at the same time as your kitchen from the same supplier,” Patey says. “It will save money on delivery, installation and countertops.”

Another way to save is to consider a backsplash in the same finish as your countertops. This will often work out to be much cheaper than other backsplash materials and it can be installed at the same time as the countertops, which also saves time and money, Patey says.

“Also, always go for wider cabinets over narrower for both kitchen and utility,” he adds. “Fewer wide cabinets are not only more useful, they’re cheaper per linear [foot].”

A knowledgeable kitchen designer will be able to guide you through the choices that suit your needs. “We know the right questions to ask to ensure you buy only what you need and what you’ll use,” Berry says. “Talking through the features and benefits of every appliance, fixture and fitting avoids overbuying.”

Spend on: Good Design and Installation

A kitchen is a huge purchase, so don’t be scared to walk into a kitchen studio, even if it looks intimidating, Berry says.

Holland agrees. “It always pays to get a designer’s eye and input. They will consider how you and your family live and make the best use of the space to ensure the investment will bring maximum benefit.”


Source: Houzz


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Myrtle Beach OKs extension for halting new long-term rentals near ocean

By Dusty Rhodes • November 18, 2024
Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday approved first reading to extend the temporary moratorium established in the spring that halted converting short-term rentals into long-term ones. The original ordinance passed first reading on April 9 and second reading on May 14. It imposed a 270-day halt on “acceptance, review and approval of applications to convert multi-family short-term rental properties to multi-family long-term rental properties within an area spanning from the east or seaward side of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, and from Grand Dunes Boulevard to the point where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect near the south city limits,” the ordinance reads. The 270-day halt was set to expire in January, according to the ordinance. The extension adds another 60 days to the moratorium. The council also approved a motion to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelict in an effort to improve the appearance of both commercial and residential neighborhoods. “This report includes vehicles staff tagged as abandoned or derelict. Council’s approval allows these vehicles to be towed from their private property locations to a tow yard where they may be reclaimed by the current owner upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees,” the motion reads. “If the vehicles are not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the required notice, then the tow company may sell the vehicle and keep the proceeds as compensation.” All four items on the consent agenda passed, including three grants of $110,262, $84,825 and $300,000. The $110,262 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and is for continuation of Myrtle Beach police’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. According to the motion, the funds will be used “to support the full-time NIBIN detective dedicated to the acquisition, correlation, analysis, investigation, and prosecution of gun and gun-related crimes.” The $84,825 grant comes from the South Carolina Attorney General for the Violence Against Women Act. Those funds will be used “to support the hiring of a Police Victim Advocate dedicated to immediately responding to the safety needs of victims of violent crime. This position will allow Myrtle Beach police to provide, enhance, and expand its direct services to primary and secondary victims.” The $300,000 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and will allow Myrtle Beach police to establish a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. “LEAD is a pre-booking diversion program that allows law enforcement that allows law enforcement to redirect low-level offenders to community services, including mental health services and drug rehabilitation,” the motion reads. “MBPD will use this funding for two Health Outreach Coordinators and scholarships for participants.” Before the meeting, proclamations were also made recognizing former Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill, who retired last month, as well as Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell, who will retire in December. Gosnell was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in September.

Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans

By Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country. Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas. Acts of Service Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise. Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities. Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for. Connect With Veteran Networks Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support. Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members . Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans. Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness , physical health and wellness , peer support , financial education , and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Send a Military Care Package Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family. Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package: Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home. Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks. Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen. Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies. A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us. Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans. Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more . 

Why Home Sales Historically Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

By Dusty Rhodes • October 28, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG , in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day ( see graph below ): 
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