If you’re like me, you probably spend a LOT of time in the kitchen which means you have plenty of time to daydream about how you’d renovate it — one of these days. I really do like my kitchen but there are a few things I’d do differently if I could.
I’d make the kitchen island bigger, since that’s where the kids congregate for snacks, homework, art projects, etc. And I’d definitely improve the lighting.
But one thing that’s driving me nuts lately is all those fingerprints on the stainless steel appliances! Is it just me or do you feel like you’re constantly wiping down the fridge doors to get all those little fingerprints off so it’ll look at least somewhat clean?
I love the look of stainless steel but it really is tough to keep it shiny when there are kids getting in and out of the fridge all day. I’ve noticed lately while watching HGTV that appliances with cabinet door fronts are really coming into fashion. They make the appliances blend in seamlessly to the kitchen cabinetry and they reduce those annoying fingerprints on the stainless steel.
This photo that I found on the Houzz website makes me absolutely swoon. See?
I love this one, too. See how hard it is to spot the fridge? The ice maker is the only clue.
I asked our friends over at Metro Appliances & More if it’s tough to get the cabinet door look on appliances. Dave Wicklund, manager of the Springdale Metro location, told me that putting cabinet faces on the front of your appliances actually reduces the cost of the appliance itself — since you’re not paying for the finished stainless steel front. That being said, there is obviously a cost to getting a cabinet maker to make a cabinet front for your refrigerator and dishwasher so that they’ll blend into the look of your cabinetry.
Most people who do cabinet front refrigerators order the “built-in” style which means they are counter-depth and about 84 inches tall. There are, however, a few freestanding French door refrigerators that are “panel-ready.” (KitchenAid and JennAir both make a model like this.) And if you’re getting a new appliance soon and you plan on getting cabinet fronts on them, be sure to let the salesperson know so they can quote the price accordingly and get you the “panel-ready” version.
For more info on getting this look for your kitchen appliances, call anyone on the staff of Metro Appliances & More and they can help. (The sales staff there is seriously AWESOME.) The number is 479-750-2200, and the enormous showroom is on U.S. 71 Business between Springdale and Lowell.
