If a home is where the heart is, the kitchen is the essence of that beating muscle that keeps everything alive and intact. It’s the space where families are connected in their shared love for food.
Yet, sometimes, you find yourself gazing over the outdated cabinetry and scratched kitchen island, thinking, “This is not what I envisioned.”
It’s only natural to feel that way. Americans spend a lot of time in the kitchen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 57.2% of the population prepares meals in the kitchen on an average day.
We’d probably be more inclined to cook up a storm if our kitchens were fitted with modern appliances and bespoke detailing. “Sofia Vergara has a La Cornue stove, why can’t I?”
Oh, but you can. The kitchen is usually the most expensive part of the house to renovate. The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse. And you can’t go into it haphazardly either.
Let’s understand the lesser-known impact of permits on remodeling projects.
Dealing With Red Tape
Some kitchen remodeling projects require permits depending on the extent of the work. Whether your kitchen undergoes structural changes, foundation work or plumbing and electrical work, it’s best to consult your local city government, advises HGTV.
Every city has specific permit requirements for construction, remodeling, and refurbishing. For example, Burbank kitchen remodeling entails checking with the Burbank Building and Safety Division for a better understanding of the requirements. Without doing so, you risk your project being stalled.
Once you are through with the permits, you need to nail a design according to your vision. Even better, get inspiration from celebs because their kitchen designs can be replicated without spending a fortune.
Celeb-Inspired Kitchen Decor Ideas
We’ll share a few celebrity-inspired kitchens to access the right side of your brain and spark creativity. Continue reading before bringing out the sledgehammer and knocking down a few walls.
Anne Hathaway’s Lighting Style
The Hollywood star’s penchant for high fashion extends into her home.
Although restrained, Hathaway’s decor style is more relaxed and subdued. That’s not to say she has boring taste when it comes to her California country home – quite the opposite.
Hathaway’s interior designer Pamela Shamshiri lined the kitchen ceiling with four clear glass flush mounts and two longer copper pendants, using the traditional farmhouse aesthetic as her inspiration board.
The unique placement of the light fittings was in stark contrast to homeowners typically choosing only one lighting option. The use of two different styles of lighting in one space draws the eye up to Hathaway’s vertical kitchen cabinets.
Reminiscent of quiet luxury, the turquoise cabinets and brass hardware expertly complement the wooden walls and white tile backsplash.
Replicating the look is no mean feat. Shamshiri enlisted artisans and specialized fitters to bring the vision to life.
Regal Construction & Remodeling offers sage advice: always work with experienced local contractors and designers. They know the lay of the land and will adhere to building codes and regulations.
Coco Gauff’s Classic Black and White Color Palette
Tennis pro Coco Gauff sees a lot of excitement on the court which is why she chose to focus on an understated color palette in her Delray Beach kitchen.
A contemporary take on a classic style, Gauff’s elegant kitchen plays with black-and-white and flourishes of other shades.
The dark-colored countertops and painted cabinets merge perfectly with the lighter walls, enthusing a sense of calmness.
The classic color palette incorporates different textures, making the kitchen feel warm and inviting. If a timeless, versatile kitchen redesign is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the elegance and simplicity of black and white.
Sofia Vergara’s Ultra Luxe Stove
And here you thought that’s the last you’ll hear about Sofia Vergara’s French stove.
The Colombian-born actress doesn’t do things half heartedly. When she invited Architectural Digest into her Beverly Park mansion last year, fans couldn’t stop talking about her kitchen. And rightly so.
By her admission, Vergara doesn’t like cooking but that hasn’t stopped her from creating a chef’s dream kitchen. She tells AD that she loves entertaining with lots of food, hence the thinking behind her design process.
Comfort is big for the Modern Family star. The white Onyx counter gives off “rich aunt vibes” while the real star is the French-inspired range (stove) from La Cornue.
Veranda describes the European brand as the ultimate status symbol. Costing a little over $ 8,000, these appliances are more than kitchen eye candy. They’ve become worthy investments for well-heeled customers and “home cooks”.
The Celebrity Influence
You can salivate all you want over celebrity kitchens but when putting your mark on your aspirational kitchen, be sure to set a budget and stick to it. To stay within your allocated amount, list the “essentials” and “nice to haves.”
Employ a reliable contractor with a good track record and positive reviews. Insist on looking at their portfolio of previous projects.
Choosing materials should be a collaborative effort with you and your contractor. Go for durable and easy-to-maintain options like quartz countertops and appliances made for energy efficiency.
Now go forth and create magic!.
