Q: My kitchen is too dark. What’s the least expensive way to pump up the light? —Kate Chanoux, Boston, MA
A: I suggest repainting your walls, cabinets, or both. Choose crisp white or another light color that opens up the space. Then consider your materials: The more reflective they are, the better they’ll bounce around what light the room gets, so try a mirrored backsplash or replacing some of your cabinet doors with ones that have a glass front. For extra task lighting, install under-cabinet lights. All cabinets have room underneath to mount these fixtures, and if you don’t want to deal with wiring, you can find battery-operated LEDs at home improvement stores.
Q: Does it make more sense to have a kitchen island custom-built or to buy one from a store? I want something that is worth the investment and will hold up for years. —Maria Ricapito, Philipstown, NY
A: Like custom cabinets, a custom island can cost a fortune. But it’s not always easy to find a readymade one that’s exactly what you’re looking for. That’s why I suggest having a cabinet installer build you an island out of stock cabinetry you’d find at a store like Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or IKEA. You’ll save money, and you can still add personal touches, such as a microwave drawer and your favorite countertop material. Expect construction to run you between $100 and $500, not counting the cost of materials. 124 HGTV Magazine
Q: What’s the most durable backsplash material? —Marlene Sweda, Whittier, CA
A: Luckily backsplashes don’t have
to be all that tough since they rarely get hit with anything worse than water, food, and grease. But if you want a backsplash that will really last, I’d go with the same stone you used for your counters, whether it’s marble, quartz, or granite. Get a piece that spans from counter to cabinets, or have one cut 4 to 6 inches tall, and affix it to your walls with construction adhesive. Because it’s a solid piece, you won’t have to worry about crumbling grout lines or loose tiles. That said, if tile is your preference, try cement ones (like what’s shown here). They are super durable and come in many colors and patterns.
FROM TOP: LISA ROMEREIN, STYLING: LIZ STRONG; MATTHEW WILLIAMS FOR REMODELISTA
kitchen style
