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    Author: normandy

    Scale Your Appliances for the Best Kitchen Fit

    Posted on by normandy

    Stainless steal refrigerator

    When it comes to creating the perfect kitchen for you and the way you cook, it’s important to think about the appliances you want. Your research should include not just features but also and the size and scale of those appliances in relation to your kitchen. Have some fun investigating appliances. Clicking around online is good but if you can go to Abt and really experience the options, that’s even better.

    By experiencing the appliances in a real-world setting, you’ll be able to curate what you need. A 36” combination refrigerator and freezer is standard, but many families want to go much bigger. Going bigger is fine if you have a larger kitchen, but maybe not if you’re working with less space. We encourage people to think of the fridge as a cabinet for what you need during the day. Supplement it with a refrigerated drawer or small beverage fridge in the pantry or wet bar. Those who like to buy in bulk might consider a deep freezer in the garage or basement.

    range flanked by upper and lower cabinets and metal hood

    The range is another spot where you can scale up or down to meet your needs. Keep in mind that larger cooktops put out more heat and require larger hoods with more powerful fans. You’re unlikely to notice how much air these powerful vents are pulling in an oversized kitchen, but you will be hyper aware of it in a smaller area.

    A luxury kitchen is finding what you’ll use the most and tailoring it to the size of your kitchen. This might include some out-of-the-box solutions. While a 48” inch range might be too large for your kitchen, you might be better off with double oven and a cooktop.

    Wall ovens with concealed television above

    Think like a chef and curate appliances that work with your lifestyle. These are minimalist times with lots of efficient appliances that are more eco-friendly just by being right sized for your space.

    Whether your kitchen is grandly proportioned or petite, it can be a place in which you love to spend time, filled with just the right appliances. If that’s not the case right now you can set up a time to talk about the possibilities. You’ll find inspired projects of all sizes in the Normandy Remodeling photo galleries. Follow along with us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more ideas.

     

    White painted kitchen cabinets with island and large refrigerator freezer as kitchen appliancesla cornue mixed metal stove

    The Wonderful Wet Bar

    Posted on by normandy

    Wet bar and beverage center in the basement under the stairs

    Sometimes the smaller spaces in your home can have a larger than expected impact on flow and usability. Adding a wet bar is an excellent example of this. A wet bar includes a sink. Having a sink with running water differentiates it from a dry bar. That sink makes entertaining easier and opens up an array of possibilities.  

    Plan to place your wet bar in close proximity to your entertaining area. This might be just off your dining room or family room. Sometimes it is right in the family room.  

    Think about if you’ll just be serving beverages from your wet bar while entertaining or if it might be more multi-purpose for your family.  Your wet bar can double as a butler’s pantry or coffee station. Because a wet bar has a sink, it’s a really convenient place to prepare coffee or tea.  

    Some people choose to tuck in a beverage fridge too, which will make your wet bar a great place to divert people away from the kitchen while you’re working in there. If you situate the wet bar off to the side, it stops people from coming in because they can grab a bottle of water or cream for their coffee. 

    Wet bar in living room that coordinates with kitchen

    The wet bar is an area of your home designed for enjoyment, and it makes perfect sense to have a bit of fun when designing it. Glass cabinets, sometimes with antique mirror backing will show off your glassware. You can use wallpaper because you don’t have to worry too much about the backsplash. The wet bar is a perfect place for a really pretty faucet or the hammered copper sink you love but that isn’t practical for a higher use area. Think of it like a powder room. You can have a little bit more fun.

    If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen or family room and possibly adding a wet bar, you can set up a time to talk to with one of our Normandy Designers about your needs. The Normandy Remodeling photo galleries are a good place to start if you are looking for ideas. We share our favorite projects, plus behind the scenes tips and tricks on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. You are always invited to follow along with our feeds.

    Rustic bar

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