Here’s an insider perspective you don’t want to miss from Mr. Bradco himself, Michael Kienzl. Known for being very forthcoming, here is his insight on Spanish Decor where you will get all your questions answered about this popular design and how you can integrate it into your home.
1) Why is preserving a kitchen’s overall aesthetic design better then completely remodeling a kitchen?
This rustic Spanish style kitchen features handmade tiles, Alder cabinetry, and a wrought iron door integrated with modern appliances.
“Many people want to gut their entire kitchen and start from scratch. Moving a wall and relocating fixtures and appliances are one of the more costly construction costs you can incur. Keep your ego in check and ask yourself if the money that needs to be spent could not be saved or maybe spent on other upgrades that will bring more advantages to the overall project, such as adding an island. People have certain ideas like constructing an entirely new kitchen from scratch, but we put their ideas in perspective and guide them in the right direction. Since there is no definite standard on what an average kitchen remodel can cost, we help you get what you need instead of what you impulsively want.”
2) What is the best option for a vintage Spanish style homeowner: To select reface cabinets or replace them?
Old fashioned Spanish style cabinetry with wood pegs holding the doors together, a feature only seen in old and rustic cabinetry.
“Vintage style homeowners want to preserve the original features of their kitchen or bathroom. Often there are important components that can only be preserved by refacing the existing cabinetry such as a tile backsplash, a special countertop material, or other components unique to the style of the house. Think twice before ripping out all your cabinets, and see if it’s a structural issue. If the guts of the cabinets are falling apart, the boxes should be redone. A reface can be as elaborate as new cabinetry. Bradco can redo the drawer fronts to help sync your kitchen’s overall look while preserving the usefulness of the cabinets by installing metal glide mechanisms.”
3) What are the easiest elements to implement on a Spanish inspired kitchen?
This Spanish style kitchen features wood beams, a stunning handmade tile insert in the backsplash, an island with a wood countertop, a built-in canopy hood, and painted cabinets. Everything is new but we preserved and recreated the Old World Spanish charm of the house.
“There is not one specific element to implement on a Spanish kitchen, but more of a combined effect that constitutes this look. Cabinetry that has an arched door with rustic but still elegant hardware along with painted or dark stained wood cabinetry is one overall Spanish effect. Hardware makes a big difference on cabinetry to achieve that Spanish kitchen look. Try adding glass into some of the cabinet doors to give it more of a furniture look. You can also opt for countertops that imitate marble, waved granite, a rustic floor, or even a shaker door. A shaker door is a simple door with a square frame around it. Just take center panel out and replace it with glass, or even some decorative handwoven brass grilles.”
This tile niche adds space and character to the kitchen and gives it a rustic Spanish look.
4) Being that Spanish decor design is so popular, how can you make it look expensive yet cost effective?
“If the overall layout of the kitchen is functional, refacing can save some serious dineros. Consider leaving the backsplash and change only the countertop, change a stainless steel sink to a farm sink, or make minor modifications to cabinetry. Add an open wine rack instead of a row of cabinets you don’t need.”
5) What are the usual Spanish design decor pieces involved when remodeling a kitchen?
This hutch is distressed and has sculptured legs. The crown molding is in a natural wood stain and the cabinet is painted.
“Painted or stained cabinet doors, cool hardware, a tile backsplash, some corbels and cabinets on legs. Add some seeded glass in some of the cabinet doors, some arches, even open cupboards in the wall.”
6) What are some classic interior designs related to Spanish decor that have never gone out of style?
“Niches with wood counters and recess lights on top, decorative arches, texture on the walls. For more kitchen specific, a recess panel with an arch, painted cabinetry with glass inside, legs on the cabinets, or a tile backsplash work great. In Spanish decor cabinetry, not much oak is used. Alder, known as the “poor man’s cherry” is a hardwood that has become very popular because it stains well and is used instead of cherry wood since it’s less expensive. Alder is not a tight grain, instead it’s a big grain that has a swerve design.
Rustic hardware on a dark stained Alder cabinet door.
In regards to colors, choose strong earth tones. Spanish and Mexican influence use stencils on the walls, painted in a different color than others in the same room.”
7) Why do you think the Spanish style of decor is so popular?
This wall is decorated with handmade tiles and a variety of niches constructed in it to get a feeling of life and depth.
“California has a long history of Spanish-style real estate. Many of the structures here are influenced by Spanish designs. After all, the Spaniards had a big influence in the development of this area. Missions were the first pillars of society after the Spaniards discovered this area. It is a warm and friendly style that fits well to our history, weather, and geography.”
Whether it be a small change or a complete remodel, there are numerous ways to integrate Spanish style into your home that can be efficient and more importantly cost effective. Here at Bradco, we pride ourselves in our quality of work to transform your beloved home into the look you’ve always dreamed of. Our great selection of Spanish Decor will leave you with endless style possibilities and the expert advice from our interior designers can help you in this exciting process.
If you have any questions about any products or services of Bradco Kitchens & Baths don’t hesitate to contact us:
Phone: 323.936.3457
Fax: 323.939.9354
Toll Free: 866 4 Bradco ( 272326 )
