The Holidays Are Just Around the Corner!
OK, not really, but if you want to make major changes to your kitchen before Thanksgiving, you’re running out of time. With the average kitchen remodel taking at least 6-8 weeks, you have just enough time to search, plan, and build your new cook station before carving the turkey and gracefully changing the subject away from politics at the table. So, if you’re looking to update, check out our list of the latest and greatest upgrades for your kitchen.
Kitchen Faucets
If your kitchen faucet predates the iPhone, you might be unfamiliar with some recent technological developments for this basic kitchen component. Most are now designed with a pull-down spray that gives the user more flexibility and reach while cleaning dishes or produce. These faucets have a tall arc that comfortably recreates the awkward angle required of your arm while using a more traditional side spray. It’s no wonder most faucets have converged on this design.
Faucet manufacturers didn’t stop there, however. Delta, for example, launched their ShieldSpray™ technology a few years ago and forever changed the dishwashing game. This unique spray consists of two parts: a concentrated jet to remove stubborn food and a bell-shaped spray to catch the backsplash. The result is fast, easy dishwashing that doesn’t leave a mess. This is in direct contrast to my kitchen which looks like a geyser went off every time I do the dishes.
Kohler’s BerrySoft™ spray accomplishes something similar for washing produce. As the name implies, this spray provides a gentle cleaning on fruits and vegetables that doesn’t leave the countertop covered in water. As someone who loves to cook with fresh produce, this is actually my personal faucet of choice. Also available from Kohler is their blade-shaped Sweep™ spray and their Boost™ spray which offers a 30% increase in water flow.
Bar Faucets and Pot Fillers
If space allows for one, many homeowners will install a secondary kitchen sink to handle food and beverage prep. Typically, the faucet at this location is just a small, boring fixture living in the shadow of its taller, more distinguished sibling. But what if your bar faucet could be the most exciting thing about your kitchen? We recently upgraded our showroom with the Grohe Blue Chilled and Sparkling 2.0 Faucet. In addition to tap water, this faucet dispenses filtered chilled, medium carbonated, and full sparkling water. Your guests will love the endless variety of drinks, and you’ll love how cool you look dishing out your own signature cocktail.
Another great upgrade for the at-home chef is the hyper-efficient and ultra-stylish pot filler. This handy faucet is usually installed above the stove with an articulating arm that swings out and, well, fills pots. It may not seem like much, but the important thing here is the flow rate. At 4.0 gallons per minute, you’ll be able to fill your largest stock pot in a matter of seconds. Plus, you won’t have to lift it out of your sink and haul it across the kitchen to your stove.
Prep Station Sink
This post is largely devoted to those who love to cook. Those amateur chefs with small libraries of cookbooks, subscriptions to Bon Appétit, and pictures of Alton Brown posted unironically throughout their homes. If you’ve been nodding your head this whole time, you might want consider going in for a pound with the prep station sink. These spacious, sturdy sinks are equipped with helpful features like colanders, cutting boards, rolling mats, and sink grids. They represent the pinnacle of the semi-professional kitchen setup and allow for quick and easy food preparation. Variations are available from a number of manufacturers, but I give the edge to Nantucket Sinks for their sleek design and attractive price point.
There’s Still Time
The good news is that many of these fixtures can be replaced on short notice. Typical lead times for kitchen faucets are 1-2 weeks, and they can be installed in an afternoon. However, if you’re looking to build your dream kitchen before hosting the holidays, you need to start soon. Rushing a renovation can be stressful and often forces people to compromise on their final selections.
For images and further information, please visit our related Instagram post. As always, please feel free to contact us for tips, tricks, and advice on your next project. We look forward to working with you.