Robert Majernik and wife Christine are no strangers to remodeling; they’ve completed a slew of renovations in the past and have even fipped a home for resale. When the time came to start updating their newest home (built in the mid-70s), they knew just where to start: the kitchen, one of the most remodeled rooms under the roof.
As they considered the budget and the hard-earned money to be spent on their project, Robert and Christine decided that they wanted a kitchen they could really love (and one that would be appealing to future buyers of the home). With design trends and styles changing constantly, though, how do you create a kitchen that will
stand the test of time and remain attractive through the fuctuating tides of real estate? Take a cue from the experts—the Majerniks—who have found a prescription for lasting elegance.
For one of their past projects, the couple used the skills of local business Jilco Kitchen and Bath. Pleased with their help, the team set forth to create a new culinary space in their current home. The key to designing a kitchen with enduring style (on a budget) is making careful choices in the beginning of the project, especially when it comes to the color scheme. Natural woods and muted tones are versatile and never go out of style. Bryan Fletcher of Jilco Kitchen and Bath recalls, “The homeowners chose a maple cabinet with a stain on it called ‘Pecan.’” The choice, however, wasn’t that straightforward or easy to make. The Majerniks originally chose four different neutral colors (including a traditional, solid white) for the cabinetry. The choice came down to the price point; the maple cabinetry was in the perfect price range and a universally appealing color.
Another tip for creating a kitchen with long-standing appeal? Add a splash of color and one design accent that screams “unique.” For this kitchen, the homeowners incorporated a coastal blue paint for a pop of color in the room. The intricate, stately island serves as the most distinctive design feature. Robert describes, “We saw a picture on a website and used it as inspiration for our island. We wanted it to have really big posts or really big legs.” The introduction of custom detail and color gives the room a bit of personality.
Finally, a timeless kitchen must be open and airy, creating the appearance of vastness. “The whole kitchen was divided into two rooms,” details Robert. “We took out the entire wall so the kitchen was a lot more open. We wanted the eating area to be part of the kitchen.” The team at Jilco worked with the Majerniks to create a kitchen that not only facilitates more cohesive family gatherings, but also is designed in such a way as to remain elegant and beautiful (not to mention sturdy) for years.