2015 What to Look for in Charleston Area New Kitchens

One of the biggest transformations in the past 10+ years in homebuilding has taken place, literally, in the kitchen. Thanks to homebuyer feedback, technology, and the inclusion of new features and products, a home’s kitchen is now not only functional; it is a thing of beauty and prestige.  

David Weekley Homes - Stunning Cabinetry, Elegant Lighting & Adjoined Butler’s Pantry 
 

Architects have paid close attention to the kitchen so that it is open and easily integrates into the central living areas. From entry-level homes all the way to luxury custom dwellings, Charleston area home shoppers now have an extensive selection of kitchen designs, features and products to choose from … allowing new homeowners to enhance and customize their kitchens to satisfy their tastes and meet their needs. 

 

Flair and Function for First-Time Homebuyers

In today’s market, what was once touted as an “upgraded” kitchen is now considered standard for first-time buyers. As kitchen features have evolved and improved, the many choices of available options and upgrades now allow even first-time buyers to create a functional and impressive focal point in their new home.
 

Will Herring, president of Hunter Quinn Homes, recently observed, “It seems that all buyers today, regardless of price range, expect granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.” As a builder of first-time and move-up homes, Hunter Quinn includes these features, along with such high-performing brands as GE appliances, and Aristokraft wooden cabinetry. 

Hunter Quinn Homes - Included Granite Countertops,
Sleek Stainless Steel Appliances & Arched Doorways  

In addition to granite, stainless steel, and name-brand cabinets and appliances, Ryland Homes offers Corian counters and 42” cabinets, some staggered. Ryland also gives buyers a choice between electric and gas appliances in its communities. And available from TrueHomes are numerous opportunities for customization, such as oversized kitchen islands and built-in kitchen desks that are both attractive and handy when it comes to paying bills or supervising homework. 

 

Designer Touches and Custom Details for Move-Up Buyers and Empty-Nesters

Move-up homes typically offer an abundance of included kitchen features, and a vast selection of available options and upgrades. Cabinetry options include not just a variety of finishes, but custom built-ins and glass fronts. Functional kitchen elements can be enhanced by the selection of a farmhouse-style sink, double-ovens, a commercial hood over gas burners, or a pot-filler over the range. Palmetto Signature Homes and Ryland Homes both recognize that offering this generous selection of choices grants buyers the opportunity to truly customize their kitchens to reflect their personal styles while filling their particular needs.  

Sabal Homes - Furniture-Styled, Multi-Functional Island w/Marble Countertop,
Subway Tile Backsplash & Restoration-Style Lighting

Rob Benware, Charleston Director of Sales and Marketing at Level Homes, explains, “We take into consideration the personality traits of the different buyers our product attracts, and apply a ‘customer-centric’ approach in what we build.” David Weekley Homes’  “Custom Choices™ “program pairs homeowners with a David Weekley design consultant to customize their ideal kitchen.  And Beazer Homes even allows buyers to, at no additional cost, change the original kitchen layout, with its popular “Choice Plans” program. 
 

Often incorporating storage space and additional seating, kitchen islands now serve as much more than simple work areas. In fact, islands are becoming a kitchen style statement, providing a visible area for decorative expression. Spacious counters and numerous cabinets are also frequently highlighted in move-up homes. Lennar offers stunning marble counters and bountiful staggered cabinets, along with oversized pantries. These features, in addition to a GE stainless steel appliance group (with a refrigerator), are all part of Lennar’s Everything’s Included® package for its fashionable Arbor Series homes.

Empty-nesters downsizing to smaller single-level homes don’t have to sacrifice on kitchen space or quality either. Epcon Communities, a popular builder of Active Adult neighborhoods, offers tray ceilings in its gourmet kitchens. Each centered around a kitchen island, these open floor plan kitchens are highlighted by beautiful cabinetry, exceptional appliances and an array of customizable options.
 

Options Above and Beyond for Luxury Buyers

Kitchens in high-end luxury homes have not only the upscale elements typically found in a move-up home (granite, upgraded cabinets, spacious islands, etc.), but also a level of intricate detail visible in items such as hardware, lighting, cabinet and counter finishes, and lavish tile backsplashes. FrontDoor Homes will build a stunning coffered ceiling in its kitchens, with stylish wood wall accents and unique built-ins. Saussy Burbank has optional vegetable sinks, Lazy Susan cabinets and barn-style pantry doors. Ryland Homes offers cutting-edge “must-have” products such as brushed bronze hardware, double ovens with a multi-use Advantium speedcook oven, and cabinet organization accessories. Luxury kitchens are often accompanied by an adjoining butler’s pantry and/or wetbar that houses wine racks and coolers. 

Level Homes - Stunning Cabinets Complemented by Decorative Tile Backsplash,
Elegant Lighting & Wood Paneled Ceiling

As you can see, the kitchen is no longer simply a utility room where food is prepared and the family gathers. It is also for organizing and entertaining … a fabulously versatile space where practical meets gourmet. And while surfing the web is convenient, the serious new home shopper truly needs to visit the builders’ communities, walk their model homes, study their design centers and talk to their on-site agents to discover the wealth of options that are available. The builders and their teams will help you sort through and choose what best suits your wants and needs – and pocketbook – to customize the perfect kitchen for you.
 

 

Palmetto Signature Homes - Customer-Selected Granite Counters,
Upgraded Cabinetry, Pot Filler Faucet over Gas Stovetop


David Weekley Homes - Stunning Cabinetry,
Elegant Lighting & Adjoined Butler’s Pantry 


Ryland Homes - Unique Lighting Fixtures & Gleaming Hardwood Floors


TrueHomes - Built-In Desk Area


Hunter Quinn Homes - Included Granite Countertops,
Sleek Stainless Steel Appliances & Arched Doorways


Ryland Homes’ Townhome - Multi-Functional Island,
Subway Tile Backsplash & Glass-Front Cabinetry


H & H Homes - Decorative Backsplash, Granite Counters,
Staggered Cabinets w/Under-Lighting


Lowcountry Residential Builders - Double Ovens, Attractive Stainless Steel Hood w/Gas Cooktop, Recessed Lighting & Beautiful Wide Plank Hardwood Floors


Sabal Homes - Furniture-Styled, Multi-Functional Island w/Marble Countertop,
Subway Tile Backsplash & Restoration-Style Lighting


Mungo Homes- Ample Storage w/Cabinets, Counterspace,
Large Preparation Island & Pantry


Pulte Homes - Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens & Island w/Dining Area



Beazer Homes - Built-In Wine Rack & Glass Fronts Enhance Cabinets



Eastwood Homes - Exquisite Tile Backsplash & Cooktop Hood


Brock Built Homes- Eye-Catching Tile Backsplash & Luxury Appliance Package


Epcon Communities - Welcoming Arched Doorways & Open Flowing Design


Beazer Homes - Abundance of Cabinets & Lightings
Complimented by Decorative Backsplash & Granite Counters


Dan Ryan Builders - Double Ovens, Incredible Cabinet &  Counter Space


Level Homes - Stunning Cabinets Complemented by Decorative Tile Backsplash,
Elegant Lighting & Wood Paneled Ceiling


Saussy Burbank - Wood Panel Ceiling, Leathered Granite Countertops, 
Built-In Pot Rack, Pot Filler Faucet, Farmhouse-Style Sink & Stunning Trimwork


Lennar- Elbow-Shaped Cabinet/Counter Configuration Ideal for Storage & Work Space


FrontDoor Homes - Excellent Use of Natural Lighting, Built-In Bookshelf & Cabinets


Saussy Burbank - Barn Door-Style Sliding Pantry Door 


Pulte Homes - Oversized Granite Island & Adjoining Wet Bar


Sabal Homes- Built-In Spice Rack, Extensive Trim & Stunning Kitchen Island


John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods -
Decorative Tile Work & Functional Kitchen Island


Ashton Woods - Farmhouse-Style Sink, Unique Display Shelves & Adjoining Wet Bar


Dan Ryan Builders - Butler's Pantry