The #1 Thing Every Kitchen Should Have And What You Should Save Vs. Splurge On In A Kitchen Remodel

While we’ll never be able to predict every kitchen dilemma that will arise, I want to help alleviate some of the stress involved in the decision making process by learning from another designer. I talked with interior designer Katelyn Cheek, founder of James May to discuss kitchen cabinetry, marble countertops, and the one thing people don’t consider enough during a kitchen renovation.

Katelyn Cheek is a Nebraska based interior designer working coast-to-coast on some of the most beautiful homes. She launched her interior design firm, James May, nearly 10 years ago with a mission to create “family-focused homes where practicality and beautiful design come together.” And with over 300 homes in her portfolio, Katelyn knows the ins and outs of a kitchen project.

Take it away Katelyn!

What’s one thing that every kitchen should have?

“In my opinion, every kitchen needs to have a natural element. Whether that’s as simple as a natural wood stain within your cabinetry design or other elements such as limestone flooring, marble countertops, some sort of natural clay tile, a natural stone wall, unlacquered brass plumbing or hardware, or reclaimed, hand-hewn beams.

When everything feels too mass manufactured and “new” it’s bound to date itself in a few years. Most manufactured products tend to leave you with a stale kitchen that will most-likely require some sort of renovation in 5-10 years. Natural materials help extend the lifespan of your kitchen and truly help create a more timeless design.”

What’s one aspect of the kitchen that people often don’t give enough thought or consideration to while planning a kitchen remodel?

“This is easy and it’s not what you think—not one specific item like the layout or lighting. While those are still important, I think there is an overarching idea that people are missing first. The one thing that people don’t consider enough is what they PERSONALLY like design wise.

I think the frustrating thing about design right now is how much social media influences a clients’ decisions and honestly, even newer designers that are still trying to find their footing in a world where everyone is a “designer”. We’re inundated with images from Instagram and Pinterest and too many people are listening to what they’re being told instead of actually coming up with their own ideas. I feel like that sounds harsh and I don’t mean it to, but kitchens, and truly homes in general, have lost so much personality.

AI is making it so easy to copy and paste designs and it’s also so easy to follow a “2024 Trend Report”. Sorry this is probably a very unpopular opinion, but I can’t stand seeing a “Trend Report”. They make no sense. I see designers and clients posting about trends but saying they design or want a timeless space. It’s a complete oxymoron. I also don’t love it when designers say their way is the end all be all. I’ve been seeing this a lot lately and I think it discourages individuality and gives an already stereotypically, “hoity toity” and “unapproachable” industry and worse rep.

I think trend reports are ok in something like fashion where one season we’re all wearing the same Adidas Sambas and then we throw them out in a year, but kitchens and home design can’t get swapped out every season. It’s a much more permanent investment and we need to start using our creativity again, diving deep, sorting through all the crap to TRULY create a space we love and will continue to love for years versus a space that lives in our subconscious thanks to social media.”

Inset cabinetry is very popular right now. What’s your take on it and do you foresee the style staying?

“I think inset cabinetry has been popular for a long time—it’s typically how furniture is made—but it’s growing more common in kitchen design. There are a ton of things that go into deciding what type of construction your cabinets should be.

I would consider the following: What are your resources? Inset cabinetry requires a more experienced craftsman. Do you have that? Can you source it?  Are you going fully on-site custom or are you purchasing from a cabinet company with limitations? You also need to consider your budget. Inset tends to be more expensive.

I also think there are a ton of clients that really don’t know the difference in cabinet construction, so it’s important as a designer to inform them of their options so they fully understand what they’re paying for.

Another item to consider would be, do you like seeing the cabinet box frame? Did you know it actually eats up a little interior storage? You need to consider what hardware you’ll be using—does that work with inset or frameless or full overlay best?

And last but not least, what is the door style you’re wanting. I think cabinet construction is more so an issue of preference and budget. There’s no right or wrong here. My absolutely favorite cabinet construction is old school with an inset door and exposed hinges. They just don’t make ‘um like they used to!”

Where do you stand on two tone cabinets? Do you like when upper cabinets are a different color than the lowers? Or do you prefer one color for everything?

“I’m definitely not opposed to two-tone cabinets. I think when everything is done right, it can be great! I think the main thought when designing a space, like a kitchen, is that it needs to be done as a whole. You really can’t say if cabinets in a space are great or not until you get everything else around it designed and implemented.

You could have the most beautiful two-tone cabinets, but the design could go completely south if all of the other hard and soft finishes don’t compliment it or fall flat. I would never rule out trying something new or different, but I think as you continue down the kitchen design process you have to be willing to shift gears if something isn’t working right.”

Are marble countertops trendy or timeless? Do you recommend any alternative materials?

“Oh this is my favorite question. Marble is a natural material meaning it’s been around for over 2,000 years—yes, I Googled that. The simple answer is that after 2,000 years I’m gonna say yes, we can logically classify marble as timeless.

The one thing I want to make so so clear is that companies will promise that their man-made materials are indestructible and I think that’s so untrue. Over the span of my career, I’ve learned this firsthand. It’s like flooring, LVP or LVT might be more water resistant, but there is no way in heck it’s going to be more durable than a solid wood. I have kids and big dogs, so I’m speaking from experience. Sorry people! And quartz is not stain resistant nor is it heat resistant. It’s more cost effective and for most builders, it’s just an easier product to budget, source and sell.

A natural product will have a natural patina over time. You can’t expect your house to stay perfect throughout its lifetime so it’s important to select products that wear and wear well. This goes back to question number one, natural elements are necessary in a home.

When a man-made material patinas, that more than likely means it’s defective, broke or needs to be replaced. When marble and other natural material patinas, it typically means it’s getting better or is going through more of a natural, expected aging process. 

– Katelyn Cheek, founder of James May

“Like all natural products, marble needs to be sealed. You can also get it buffed out and cleaned up. I have a lot of clients that do this once every 1-3 years depending on their schedules and preferences.

Other great options would be granites, quartzites or soapstones. Don’t get me wrong, quartz is a great, budget-friendly option for other spaces in your home, I would always recommend going natural in the kitchen though. I would also recommend taking the time to source natural remnants for other smaller spaces in your home.  Remnants are a great option to get natural at a quartz price point.”

Are panel ready appliances worth the investment?

“100% yes. I would recommend finding ways in your budget to reallocate funds to be able to spend the money on panel-ready appliances. In a beautiful kitchen, it’s such a distraction to see a large, commercial-looking stainless steel panel filling up your space.

I would cabinet-cover your fridge and dishwasher for sure, hide your microwave in a lower drawer or the pantry and invest in a pretty, professional-looking range. I would also have wall ovens out of site if it’s possible and smaller appliances tucked away to a designated “workhorse” area.

I think the quality of “fingerprint resistant” stainless steel has really gone down over the past 2-3 years with shortages and production issues and keeping stainless products clean seems to be such a nightmare—especially with littles! Unless it’s a colorful French range or a super fun, retro Smeg fridge, I’m also not personally, super into black or white appliances from certain brands.”

For budget conscious kitchen renovations, where do you recommend saving and where do you recommend splurging?

“Good question! I think from experience I would save on your cabinetry construction and wood flooring which are the bigger ticket items. Those are the places you can really save some money.

I would invest in the eye-level items like countertops, faucets, lighting and backsplash. The sink is another place to save a few bucks as well as a good cabinet hardware dupe. But with any dupe, I highly recommend getting a sample first.

I would also invest in natural light. If you have the option for the larger window, do it! And of course, a panel-ready fridge and dishwasher when it’s possible.”

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