Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Design

What to Look for When Selecting Kitchen Appliances

July 16, 2024

Today, I want to chat about something that can truly make or break your kitchen design: choosing the right appliances. It’s one of the first things you need to tackle when planning your space, and trust me, it’s more important than you might think. There are tons of amazing options out there, and picking the right ones can make your life so much easier! So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about kitchen appliances.

Where to Put Your Appliances

Once you know which appliances you need, the next step is figuring out where to put them. The placement of your appliances can really impact how you move around your kitchen, so think about how you cook and what makes the most sense for you.

Clouz Houz Tip: Start with the working triangle concept. This means positioning your sink, stove, and fridge in a triangular setup to make cooking more efficient. But remember, it’s all about what works best for your routine and space.

Stylish and Functional Appliances

Who says practical can’t be stylish? When picking appliances, look for brands that fit your budget and quality standards, while also adding a touch of style to your kitchen. Some of my current go-to brands are GE Cafe and Blue Star because they balance functionality with great design. We chose this Ilve Stainless Steel range with brass accents for our kitchen. It’s the first time I have tried this brand, and so far I am a big fan!

Integrated vs. Freestanding Appliances

Integrated appliances are perfect for achieving a sleek, seamless look in your kitchen. These appliances are designed to blend in with your cabinetry, making them almost invisible. For our Tumalo project, we chose the Forte brand for our panel-ready refrigerator. Given that panel-ready appliances can sometimes cost upwards of $10,000, we opted for two 24″ refrigerators with freezers below to stay within budget. We used this approach for the fridge/freezer and dishwasher in our Tumalo project, because I knew if I kept them panel ready it would read “larger” and more inclusive than breaking up the cabinets with stainless appliances. Make sense?

The Interior Collective was a great source of inspiration for this project, read more to explain why we went this route!

One trend I’m loving right now is the hidden vent hood. For a long time, big industrial hoods were all the rage, but now more people are opting for hoods that blend into the cabinetry. It keeps the kitchen looking clean and uncluttered. Lately, I’ve been obsessing about plaster hoods for the hood vent insert. Hide-A-Vent is my favorite for this type of installation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right appliances is a team effort. Lean on your architect, interior designer, appliance salesperson, and builder for advice on layout, style, and functionality. Your job is to know what’s out there and think about how your family cooks and does chores. From there, your design team can help you nail down the details.

Picking kitchen appliances might seem daunting, but with a little guidance and some thoughtful planning, you can create a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Good luck, and remember, keeping things simple and intentional is always beautiful. ❤️

Want to read more about our kitchen design? Check out our complete Kitchen Reveal!

Leave A Comment
Join the Conversation

One thought on “What to Look for When Selecting Kitchen Appliances”

explore
More You'll Love
Design

Inside a Virtual Design Project:
From Concept to Execution

Design

The Best Blue Paint Colors I’ve Ever Used

Bathroom

Tile Patterns To Try If You Love Checkerboard But Are Tired Of Seeing It Everywhere

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

0 0
Open
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color. They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward. That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence. Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing. Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

0 0
Open
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color. They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward. That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence. Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing. Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

3 0
Open
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started. One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color. They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward. That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence. Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

2 0
Open
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color. They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward. That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence. Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing. Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

2 0
Open
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started. One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation. Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction. After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color. They come from investing in the wrong things. Spending money where it won’t make an impact. Overlooking details that become expensive to change later. Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward. That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence. Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

One thing I don’t think I fully understood when we made this move was that reinvention isn’t one big moment. It’s a thousand small decisions.

When we left Oregon, I wasn’t running away from something. I loved our life there. I loved our clients, our community, our routines.

What surprised me was realizing that gratitude and restlessness can exist at the same time. You can be deeply thankful for the life you’ve built and still feel pulled toward something new.

For me, that feeling showed up long before we packed a single box. It showed up in quiet moments. Little questions I couldn’t shake. Curiosity about what else might be possible if I stopped choosing the familiar answer every time.

Moving across the country, renovating a nearly 100-year-old home, rebuilding community, growing a business in a new place—it all sounds very exciting when I list it out now.

Living through it felt much messier. There were plenty of moments where I questioned our decision. Moments where I missed what was comfortable. Moments where I wondered if we were crazy. But I’ve learned that growth rarely feels certain when you’re in the middle of it.

And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from this, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. You just need enough courage to trust yourself with what’s next.

I’d love to know—have you ever made a decision that scared you but changed your life for the better?

523 55
Open
One thing I don’t think I fully understood when we made this move was that reinvention isn’t one big moment. It’s a thousand small decisions. When we left Oregon, I wasn’t running away from something. I loved our life there. I loved our clients, our community, our routines. What surprised me was realizing that gratitude and restlessness can exist at the same time. You can be deeply thankful for the life you’ve built and still feel pulled toward something new. For me, that feeling showed up long before we packed a single box. It showed up in quiet moments. Little questions I couldn’t shake. Curiosity about what else might be possible if I stopped choosing the familiar answer every time. Moving across the country, renovating a nearly 100-year-old home, rebuilding community, growing a business in a new place—it all sounds very exciting when I list it out now. Living through it felt much messier. There were plenty of moments where I questioned our decision. Moments where I missed what was comfortable. Moments where I wondered if we were crazy. But I’ve learned that growth rarely feels certain when you’re in the middle of it. And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from this, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. You just need enough courage to trust yourself with what’s next. I’d love to know—have you ever made a decision that scared you but changed your life for the better?
Design Services
Shop
Browse
Contact

64654 Cook Ave Suite 3,
Bend, OR 97703, US

Located inside Tumalo Home

(503)422-5682