It's no secret that renovating a kitchen can be a very difficult task. With so many design elements to consider for both functionality and style, even the smallest decorating decisions can quickly become overwhelming. Even if you have a clear picture of your ideal kitchen, budget concerns often get in the way.
There's plenty to shop for no matter your budget, but you may be wondering how much you should spend on each element of your kitchen remodel. If you're not sure which design features deserve a little more splurge, you're not alone.
Luckily, world-renowned interior designer Nate Berkus took to Instagram to share where you should spend a little more money in your kitchen, and where you should hold back. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, antique-loving designers say sourcing vintage pieces can be quite a journey. Here are Nate's recommendations.
Nate says there are two kitchen design elements that can be a little more luxurious. It is a material for appliances and durable countertops. These features are likely to be used on a daily basis, so it's best to invest in high-quality, long-lasting (and trend-proof) products. Nate adds that choosing the “right” material for your countertop is more important than choosing something you'll like long-term.
“If you do it right, you can do it once and have it all the time. It could be natural stone, a solid surface, whatever it is, but if it's something you really want to live with for 25 years, invest now. Please,” he says in the video.
Although he admits he's not the greatest chef (mentioning that his husband just recently announced) queer eye star Jeremiah Brent spends more time cooking), Nate says appliances are another place to spend your money. According to Nate, the Viking stove in their kitchen is the best Jeremiah has ever used, and the customizable color selection means it's a perfect fit in the couple's sleek and stylish kitchen. I did.
Since Nate's first appearance, oprah winfrey show In 2002, he became one of the most famous interior designers in the world.He has published his two books new york times Best-selling book and HGTV star with husband Jeremiah Brent Nate and Jeremiah Home Project.
(Image credit: Kelly Marshall / Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent)
Where should I store it in the kitchen? Nate says, “Anywhere else.” The designer is an expert in antique sourcing and loves timeless and transitional design styles over trends and fads. While the kitchen probably isn't the first room that comes to mind when you think of vintage items, Nate says there's plenty of storage space for previously used items, even in the cooking area.
In the video, Nate points out a small decorative horse figurine and a wooden bowl on a shelf behind the stove, all of which he says can be bought at an antique store for less than $10. Much of the rest of the family's decorations and organization items came from antiques adventures or were simply the result of some good deals.
“Some of the containers we use to hold our olive oil are from Target. The containers we use to hold our wooden spoons are also wooden vases or vessels, which I think we found at an antique store in Michigan. I wish I could say it was $5,” Nate says.
“Invest in things that are built-in, things that will really serve you well, things that you won't get tired of in 25 years, and all the rest, and go out and find vintage options.” But if you can't do that, Get the best deal,” he continues.
Nate Home Plastic/Ash Wood 9″ Turntable Spinner, Clear
Nate Home 2-Tier Sliding Drawer Organizer Clear/Steel
Nate Home Undershelf Hanging Pull Out Wire Basket White
A trip to an antique shop may not have been on your kitchen design to-do list, but with Nate's advice, it might be best to just get out there and see what you can discover. Not only will you save money on your most important kitchen features, but you'll also be able to adopt Nate's signature transitional style along the way.
