– Choose a competent contractor by getting referrals from friends, architects and designers who share your standards. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.-Doug Durbin
– Eliminate most overhead cabinets and use base cabinets. Augment storage with one or two tall cabinets or an armoire.–Mick De Giulio
– Higher countertops make a small space look smaller. If you must raise cabinets, say you’re tall or have back woes, do so by just 1 inch.–M.D.G.
– The two best flooring choices are granite or porcelain tiles and hardwood. If you opt for tile, go with 2″ X 2″ rather than 12″ X 12″ squares. Lay tiles on a diagonal or create a pattern for greater interest. If wood, consider a herringbone or chevron pattern. Don’t choose a wood that’s too light or dark since those show the most dirt. A runner down the center can break up the long look.–M.D.G., D.D.
– Install illumination over and under cabinets, in an exhaust hood, in a cove ceiling, in ceiling cans and in interiors of cabinets. Glass doors and glass tiles on backsplashes reflect light.–M.D.G.
– Dish drawers are great for replacing upper cabinets.–M.D.G.
If dollars are tight, simplify the design rather than skimp on quality. Select flat cabinet doors rather than embellished ones. Choose top appliances but ones in the company’s lower-price range. –Mick De Giulio
– Lay out equipment in the classic work triangle-with the refrigerator, sink and range along the triangle’s points, as long as that suits your cooking habits. To gain more counter space, use a cutting board over a sink.–M.D.G.
– Since most homeowners in smaller homes don’t freeze much food, select a freezer drawer rather than a big freezer. Choose a smaller refrigerator or model that sits beneath a countertop.–M.D.G., D.D.
– The best countertop choice depends on cabinetry. White marble looks stunning if you want to go lighter. Very dark colors make the space feel more closed in.–M.D.G., D.D.
– To keep limited countertops freer, select a small microwave and put it below the counter or choose a unit that fits into a drawer and pops out when needed.–M.D.G.
– To store “stuff” in limited cabinetry, select interior fittings that improve organization and put equipment rarely used in an adjacent room.–M.G.D.
– Have adequate ventilation since a range can heat up a small space quickly; it should have at least 500 cfm’s of power.-D.D.
– Personalize a backsplash; mirrored tiles expand space.–M.D.G.
– Keep your budget reasonable-10 percent or no more than 15 percent of your home’s value.–M.D.G.
