There is no question that the kitchen is one of the sexiest features of today's new homes. With the evolution of home designs and the popularity of the open concept, the kitchen has moved out from behind closed doors and into the limelight.

Choices in cabinetry, hardware, appliances, faucets, countertop materials, flooring and lighting provide for endless combinations that can be both exciting and overwhelming.

With that in mind, here are the top five affordable style tips to help you achieve a designer inspired kitchen that is worthy of a House & Home spread.

Style Tip No. 1
Eliminate the corner walk-in pantry. It is an illusion that a corner pantry gives you more space as the walk-in component is not providing useable storage.

More importantly, it disrupts the linear lines of the kitchen. Try moving the pantry to the side, preferably beside the fridge or across from the fridge, for symmetrical or asymmetrical balance. Even better is to incorporate it as cabinetry and have an integrated, European look that is both desirable and ergonomic.

Style Tip No. 2
Get rid of the raised eating bar. A flat eating bar in the island will make the surface look bigger and enhance the kitchen behind it. The typical raised eating bar is usually situated in the island and finished in drywall, which is not particularly attractive or child friendly. As well, the standard depth of 12" is too narrow for an adult.  Try extending it to 15".

Style Tip No. 3
Go for the black. When building a new home, you generally have a choice of black or white standard appliances.

Like in fashion, black is timeless and compliments any cabinet colour. Stainless steel is a sophisticated look, but only if it is within your budget. Before going stainless, consider investing your money in more functional types of appliances such as microwave/hood fan combos, counter ranges or wall ovens, which can be affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

Style Tip No. 4
Set the mood with spotlights. Since the cabinets are the stars of the kitchen, pot lights are the perfect accompaniment, as they do not compete for visual focus. Try to have lighting centered in kitchen walkways, always in odd numbers, at a distance of three feet apart. Pendant lights above an island provide the finishing touches. Ensure that they are proportional in size and consistent with your overall interior style.

Style Tip No. 5
Granite is not always best. Granite is a highly desirable product with a matching price tag. Improvements in laminate can now effectively imitate natural materials such as slate, wood and granite allowing homebuyers to mimic the real thing at minimal cost. For a professional look, self edge with the laminate, rather than wood edging, and finish with square corners instead of beveled.

Following these tips will ensure that your new kitchen will have a 'wow' factor, at a reasonable cost. Given that the kitchen truly has become a focal point in a home, it is wise to budget about 25 per cent of your anticipated upgrades for kitchen expenses.

After that, the only thing you have to worry about is the cooking class.  NHS


Chris Lu is the Marketing Manager for Sabal Crafted Homes