Where to Splurge in Your Kitchen Remodel
When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, it can be hard to know where to spend and where to save. As a designer who guides homeowners in Wilmington, NC and beyond through thoughtful renovations, I’ve learned that a few key splurges make all the difference, not just in how your kitchen looks, but in how it lives.
If you want a kitchen that’s both timeless and functional, here’s where your investment will truly pay off.
1. Inset Cabinetry: Classic Craftsmanship That Lasts
Inset cabinets, where the doors sit flush inside the frame, instantly give your kitchen a bespoke, furniture-grade look. This level of craftsmanship is more labor-intensive but worth every penny. The result is a clean, elevated style that never dates itself and adds real value to your home.
Why it’s worth it: Durability, timeless appeal, and a custom fit that reflects true craftsmanship.
2. Cabinets to the Ceiling: Maximize Space & Style
Tall cabinetry not only gives you extra storage but also draws the eye upward, making your kitchen feel more spacious and polished. Those few extra inches can transform the entire room, especially in coastal homes where natural light and vertical space make such an impact.
Designer Tip: Soffit, crown molding or a custom trim detail can give your cabinetry a built-in, architectural finish that feels complete.
3. Statement Lighting: Jewelry for Your Kitchen
Lighting can make or break a space. Investing in well-made fixtures, especially over your island and dining area, adds character, warmth, and function. Whether you love a woven pendant for coastal charm or a sculptural fixture for sophistication, good lighting is the final layer that brings the entire design together.
Why it’s worth it: Quality fixtures elevate the mood and define zones within an open layout.
4. Bigger Windows: Let the Coastal Light In
In Wilmington, we’re spoiled with beautiful natural light, so let it in! Expanding or re-framing your windows during a remodel creates a brighter, more inviting kitchen and connects your home to the outdoors.
Bonus: Larger windows increase resale value and energy efficiency when done properly.
5. Panel-Ready Appliances: Seamless & Sophisticated
Nothing makes a kitchen feel more refined than concealed appliances. Panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers blend right into your cabinetry for a custom, uninterrupted look. It’s one of those subtle upgrades that quietly signals luxury.
Why it’s worth it: A cohesive look that enhances both resale value and everyday enjoyment.
6. Natural Stone Countertops: Beauty That Tells a Story
Marble, quartzite, and soapstone each bring unique movement and texture that man-made surfaces can’t replicate. Natural stone gives your kitchen warmth, authenticity, and that “forever” feeling you can’t fake.
Designer Tip: A honed or leathered finish adds softness and hides wear beautifully over time.
7. A Range That Performs (and Looks the Part)
A larger range (36″ or bigger) instantly upgrades the feel of your kitchen. Beyond its performance, a larger professional range becomes a focal point, especially when paired with a custom hood and timeless backsplash.
Why it’s worth it: Better cooking experience, design balance, and an undeniable sense of luxury.
Design That Delivers Beauty, Value & Function
At Cass Design Co., we believe a well-planned remodel blends everyday function with enduring beauty. When we partner with you, we guide every detail, from cabinetry design and lighting layout to finishes and furnishings. So, the result feels cohesive, intentional, and completely you.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that feels timeless, livable, and worth every investment, we’d love to help bring it to life. Reach out to get started today!
