Juicy details: Take a look at this artisan reproduction tile that is becoming increasingly more available

Kitchen redux Pitfalls

Not looking at the whole space - Increasingly the kitchen is the hub of the home. Make sure to assess your kitchen with fresh eyes, keeping in mind function and flow. Don't think that you have to keep your stove or sink where they are.

Underestimating your storage needs - Be realistic--in effect you might have all new cabinets but your counter space looks cluttered because you didn't think about your storage needs.

I never recommend locating your washer and dryer in your kitchen if it can be avoided.

It's easy to fall into the trap of current trends- You may crave stainless steel appliances and granite countertops now, but this look is so of the moment now that in 5 years your kitchen will look dated. There are multitudes of other options that can give your kitchen a unique look that is timeless.

redux adj

brought back; especially in being restored to former importance or prominence

Updating a period kitchen?

Try to incorporate elements that exist in the house - if your house is Spanish and has nice arches you might want to carry that motif through in some detail work.

If you want to add a dishwasher -- chances are you're going to have to tear out your old wood cabinets because they weren't built as deep as they are today. If you liked the look of your old cabinets, save a door and give it to your carpenter to use it as guide.

If not vintage appliances, then retro-reproductions There are so many great options available from re-stored and refurbished stoves to good reproduction ones. Try Craigs List for vintage items. You may score.

Keep can lights to a minimum! You should incorporate pendant lights instead.

-Karen Vidal

3 Tips on Staying on Budget While Renovating a Home

1. Know your finish - example: take your time meditating on your light fixtures, where will they hang, what will they illuminate. This means you need to know where your art will hang and what furniture will be placed where, BEFORE you can start ANY rough work. Most People can't handle that so they start and hope for the best. Big mistake. Have fun with it. Buy all the design magazines and put together the dream home. Warning: your budget will double (it will anyway but at least you'll be facing the truth at the outset).
2. Stop chomping at the bit - don't start until you have multiple firm bids for each trade. If you're hiring a GC, get 3 bids and go visit sites of previous owners and interview the owners. This might take a full day but the wrong GC can easily cost you $100,000.
3. Hassle your architect - If you have an architect, make sure you get a plumbing, lighting and A/C plans. They're not their favorites but they're a must for you.