B4 • Friday, September 22, 2023
THE GARDEN ISLAND
thegardenisland.com
6 key steps for planning a kitchen remodel BRANDPOINT Designing your dream kitchen is an exciting endeavor, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Follow these six essential steps to ensure you create a kitchen that perfectly fits your lifestyle and needs. w Assess your lifestyle: Consider how you use your kitchen. Are you an avid cook? Is it a family gathering space? Do you often host large groups? Understanding your lifestyle will help guide your design choices. w Evaluate your existing kitchen: Take a close look at your current kitchen. Identify what you love and what needs improvement. Think about storage, prep surfaces, and any changes you want to make. w Set your budget: Determine a realistic budget for your project. Prioritize your needs over wants, but leave room for upgrades and extra touches that catch your eye. w Select the right professional: Trust the expertise of a professional who communicates well and understands your vision. A skilled designer can bring your ideas to life and guide you through the process. w Plan smartly: Measure your kitchen’s size and consider infrastructure concerns like electrical and plumbing. Focus on workflow and customize storage
solutions to fit your family’s daily living. w Avoid common mistakes: Stay away from overloading with cabinets, ensure sufficient counter space, and invest in quality materials for critical areas like cabinets and countertops. Remember to be patient throughout the process and manage your expectations. Renovating can be stressful, but the end result will be worth it. Take your time and make thoughtful decisions, even if it means leaving some décor choices for later. Finishing touches for your dream kitchen To truly transform your kitchen, pay attention to these key finishing touches: w Lighting: Mix different types of lighting for various purposes. Use ambient lighting for mood, task lighting for meal preparation, and decorative lighting for the island and dining table. w Barstools: Select comfortable and stylish barstools, ensuring enough space between them for easy movement. w Hardware: Choose cabinet and drawer knobs and pulls that match your kitchen’s style and size. w Sinks/faucets: Consider modern features like pulldown spray nozzles, touchless or tap technology, and semiprofessional functionality
U.S. mortgage rate inches up to 7.19 percent this week
for added convenience. w Essentials: Install under-cabinet lighting for countertop work areas, backsplashes for the sink and range, and sufficient electrical outlets, including USB ports for family tech. By following these steps and incorporating these finishing touches, you’ll create a kitchen that not only looks stunning but also functions perfectly for your lifestyle. Remember to trust the professionals, plan meticulously, and invest in quality materials like Cambria to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Earn More Interest On Your Savings With Our 12-Month CD.
ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged up again this week, another setback for would-be homebuyers navigating an increasingly less affordable housing market. The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.19 percent from 7.18 percent last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.29 percent. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loan, also rose. The average rate rose to 6.54 percent from 6.51 percent last week. A year ago, it averaged 5.44 percent, Freddie Mac said. High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in low rates two years ago from selling. The weekly average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained above 7 percent since August, surging four weeks ago to 7.23 percent, a 22-year high. Mortgage rates have been echoing moves in the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing loans. The yield has been climbing amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep short-term interest rates higher for longer to fight inflation.
(808) 245-2463 www.kauaicreditunion.org
4.5% APY on a 12-Month Certificate. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are effective 6/21/23 and subject to change. $1,000 minimum deposit and minimum balance required for entire term. Early termination fee may be imposed. Additional rates are available contact the credit union for more information. Federally insured by NCUA.