The Art of Compromise in Home Design

In an ideal world, we could have our dream home with no strings attached. However, since we live in a world where we must consider factors such as budget, time, and sharing design choices with our significant other, we must make use of the art of compromise and settle on what we can get for what we have.  

What To Do If Budget Becomes an Issue 

You’ve likely been in this situation. You fall head over heels for a design featured in a home decor magazine or on a home improvement channel and do some research or consult your designer, only to find out that it is out of your price range.  

Achieving The Look for Less 
Home renovators tend to initially shoot for the moon with design choices. For example, many first-time home renovators will request a “marble countertop,” because they like the classic white color and vein pattern of marble. However, marble is one of the priciest options when it comes to countertops. While the average cost of a granite countertop is $75/sq foot, a marble countertop can run anywhere from $100/sq foot to $200/sq foot. 

But luckily for you, you can still get the marble look for less. Quartz is much more widely available and can be manufactured to closely resemble marble. As quartz is stain-resistant, choosing it over marble could save you more money in the long run, especially if you have a large family or young children. Having real marble in the home is more of a luxury statement piece than a practical choice. So, weigh the pros and cons and think about your renovation priorities before deciding. 

• 

• 

Use It as an Accent 
Another way you can work an expensive material into your budget is to use it in a smaller accent area. For example, use the material for your kitchen island or on open shelving. See how the option below incorporates premium burl wood on the kitchen island? This allowed the owner to use the material they love within their budget. The contrast also creates more design interest in the space.  

Consider a Multi-Phase Project 
Finally, if time is not of the essence, you can explore going about the project in phases. Gather enough budget to renovate the most critical parts first (such as those with structural damage or functionality issues). Then come back and slowly work on the aesthetic enhancements. A good home renovation company should be able to develop a good remodeling plan for you.  
 

How to Compromise When Your Partner is Involved in Your Design Choices 

Things can get complicated when you are not solely in charge of design decisions. It can become even more difficult if you and your partner have completely distinctive design aesthetics. You may love the idea of an all-white kitchen, but your partner may find that idea boring and favor a darker option. But it is possible to compromise.  
 

Try the Transitional Style 
If one of you prefers modern design, but the other has an affinity for traditional design, you can create a transitional kitchen that gives a subtle nod to both design styles. A transitional kitchen is a popular design style as it gives a homey feel while still being contemporary. Many transitional kitchens use shaker-style cabinets, as seen in the design below. This design also has curved motifs on the cabinet doors, which gives it a traditional element, as well as traditional light fixtures. 

Mix and Match Two or More Design Styles 
Another idea is to mix different design styles for an eclectic space. How about a modern kitchen with clean lines mixed with a vintage-style range? Or a kitchen with modern black hardware and crown molding? Combining design styles is also currently a very hot trend in the design world because it allows designers lots of freedom to think outside the box to create unique spaces. Observe how the bathroom below combines a traditional clawfoot tub and tile design with modern cabinets and subway tiles! 

Meet in the Middle 
Whatever your design dilemma is, the common goal is to search for a “happy medium” and something you can both live with. If one partner is minimalist and the other is maximalist, then the best solution is the middle ground, something not too bare and has character.  

You may also explore leaving design choices to the person who will primarily be using the space. This holds true especially for rooms such as a personal bedroom, office, or closet space. It makes sense for the person using the room most of the time to decide how they want it to look!  

Seek a Professional Opinion 
If you are still stuck on how to compromise, it is wise to get a professional opinion. Professionals have many years of experience in the field, keep current on design trends, and would typically not steer you in the wrong direction. Visit a showroom to see the options that are available to you. Compare and contrast these options for the best outcome.  
 

Not Enough Space? Here Are Some Ways to Tackle the Problem! 

Space is often at a premium and we may not be able to incorporate everything we want into a new design. But here are some ways you can make the most of the space you have.  

Plan Ahead 
Ever heard of the phrase “cut once, measure twice?” We recommend drawing out and accurately measuring the space before committing to a project. If the project is complex, it is best to hire a professional, who will typically do the drawing for you. For example, if you want to add a soaking tub to a bathroom, you must first see if you have enough space for it, as most tubs are built to standard dimensions. The success rate of your renovation is higher when you bring in a professional because they have done this type of project many times over! 

Knock Down a Wall (the Right Way!) 
You may have seen contractors knocking down walls on home improvement channels. In many scenarios, this is an effective solution to add more space. However, you may have to sacrifice some space in the adjacent room or completely remove it to create more space for your envisioned design. The open-concept kitchen shown below was created by removing partition walls.  

But don’t go hammering at your walls just yet. You will first need to ensure the wall you are removing is not load-bearing, which means you cannot knock down a wall that serves as structural support.  If it is load-bearing, a support beam may be added to the ceiling and still allow you to remove the wall. However, this requires an inspection by a qualified professional to see what could best be done.  

Choose a Multi-Functional Design 
An additional way to create more space is to use multi-functional designs and appliances that serve more than one purpose. For example, add custom pull-out shelves to your cabinets so that you can use every inch of space, including vertical space, without having to reach in. Some kitchen sinks can also double as a chopping surface. Select models of ranges now have an air-fryer option, so you do not need to sacrifice precious counter space with another standalone unit.  

In Need of a Professional? Try the Cabinet Doctors! 

The Cabinet Doctors has created beautiful kitchens and baths for over 30 years. We have a design showroom located in Rocklin, California where you can see and feel all the materials we offer. We take all the factors described above into consideration when working with you to provide the best results.  

Take the first step and get an estimate to get a sense of what is possible with your budget! We offer a quick estimate, which provides a more general estimate for those who just want to know a rough cost and a full estimate, which provides a more detailed and accurate estimate.