5 Easy & Practical Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive!

[@patriciaferrito9245]

Undermount the sink because it makes it easier to clean the counter top. And it's easier to clean the sink too. No goop in the edge around the sink. I made 1 side of my island a big curve, so I can fit 3 stools at it easily. It's a great shape. I always have flowers on my island.

[@patriciathomas6563]

P

[@ritaparker478]

There is goop that is on the top edge of sink where it meets the counter top. It is gross too.

[@RIXRADvidz]

under-mounted sinks are easier to clean, the counter top just wipes off into the sink without having to jump the rim of the sink on counter mounted sinks. Great Information !! thanks for sharing the tips.

[@KivaBrent]

That’s such a good point! I didn’t even think about that when filming!

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

That convenience never occurred to me before--added incentive to choose an undermounted sink when I get my own place. Thank you for mentioning it.

[@Sooz1234]

Congratulations on your journey to improved health! It takes discipline all the time, but the quality of your advice and your excellent videos show that you have it already, despite your other health challenges. We're rooting for you!

[@Gunsnwhiskey]

Thank you for talking about warm and cool light in your kitchen! You are so right! We have bright white/cool overhead recessed lights (not really room for pendants) for cooking and tasks. We made our under-mount cabinet lights warm. That way, when we're done cooking, we turn off the overhead and put on the cabinet lights for a better mood.

[@Bcka3ke78]

We have just remodeled our kitchen and purchased 4 counter stools which fit under 108” long island with 8” leg on each side leaving it with 92” to place stools under. After watching this video I removed 1 stool and WOW!!!! It made such an unexpected and huge difference. Thank you for teaching me 🙏

[@Bleufacez]

I thought you look like you lost some weight! Congrats! 🎉 I have been on a health kick too and lost 22 lbs from doing intermittent fasting, rigorous exercises, and eating keto-ish in the last 3 months. I have 30 lbs more to go. Good luck on your journey; you look fabulous!

[@orangepets]

Congratulations!!!

[@gabriellamilgromco]

I really appreciate the focus on practicality when it comes to design. Too often I see styling and design direction implemented that is not practical but done purely from aesthetics or because it is what we see online so we think it is the direction to go without thinking how we use the space and how we need it to work for us. Really great tips on lighting. Lighting can really elevate any room, and in a kitchen it is so crucial to layer those lights to get the best ambiance as well as task lighting for all those cooking and prep needs.

[@carencranston5171]

Love your videos because they are so full of practical advice. I want the under cabinet lighting - it looks so good!😊

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much! So happy you find them helpful :) 💕

[@r-e_mii]

I put cheap remote controlled small puck lights under my cabinets. Yep. Sure did. $16. Lol

[@cheesedemon88]

As a lighting designer, I always warn people against those, they look sexy, but beware that they really call attention to any crumb or mark on your floor, so it can easily make your kitchen look dirty. It is something to consider if you’re thinking about getting them.

[@JennWatson]

Hi Kiva, you look marvelous and I know you feel as good as you look! Finally, a nice set of pans that come with storage solutions!

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much, Jenn! I am LOVING these pans!

[@charlottejackson351]

CONGRATS on your weight loss…I thought noticed something different …. I thought it was just the hair color

[@shylo-jean]

Kiva, you're looking great!! ❤

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you!! You're the sweetest :)

[@jeanne-marie8196]

I love the pendants! Simple, functional, and beautiful!

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!!

[@shylo-jean]

That kitchen ❤❤❤❤ Love the bar stools tips and recommendations!

[@hpp867]

I really wish restaurants and bars would take her advice on stools. They seem to think you only need the width of a stool to sit and they cram them together.

[@vassybaby16]

I’m so happy! For once I actually do every single thing in this video! We recently remodeled our kitchen ourselves. Definitely added a bunch of these DIYs

[@emiliaescobar7652]

Wow, I wish I would have discovered you 13 years ago, when we gutted our entire kitchen, the undermounted sink is the bomb! Love this video, TY so much for your time!

[@misscarmen491]

Dear Kiva, Thank you! Great tips and info on styling a kitchen. Am going to give it a try because we spend SO much time entertaining around the island. Now the rest of kitchen will look put together as well. Love your channel and appreciate how you help us enhance our living space. ❤

[@greymatters7039]

How about those CABINETS. I want to reface mine and yours are exactly the esthetic I want. How do I get those?

[@lisagorman2480]

Your kitchen is amazing. Great advice. So rooting for you on your health journey. You look so healthy and happy.

[@priscillacastro1712]

Great video Kiva! Do you prefer the cooking utensils on the counter? Seems your kitchen would look more sophisticated off the counter.

[@ael5629]

Baby girl! You look so amazing! I hope you’re feeling better because you look fabulous and your energy is high. Thank you for the timely video as well. 💕💕

[@Fabby47]

You’re kitchen is amazing ! I have a traditional in wood and white granite. So yes, I have great lighting and accessories. Really fabulous in black ! Thank you.

[@patriciakozak3199]

You are SUCH a breath of fresh air among kitchen designers! Thank you for giving us practical advice. :)

[@royalgoddess3284]

what not to do vs what to do...with examples I get a much better visual. 🤩🥰

[@gingerself869]

I added puck lights underneath my cabinets. You can’t see them and love the lighting they emit.

[@PrincessJazmina]

I love your range!! I also love caraway. I actually have 3 sets. One Perracotta and 2 Rose Quartz!! One thing about these pans is you can literally make a mess in these pans by cooking down fresh tomatoes for hours and just rinse to clean them! I passed along my Perracotta to my husband. (He’s not allowed to use the Rose Quartz, even though he paid for them😂) He cooked a Moroccan Tagine in one of the pans. I was mortified when I seen the aftermath. I just knew it was going to take hours to scrub clean. I waited until my son and him went upstairs to bed because I didn’t want them to hear me cussing 🤬. I was in pure t shock! All I did was rise up he pan and everything came out! I stand by Caraway and suggest them to everyone!!

[@KivaBrent]

3 sets?! Wow! That’s a testament to the quality! Also, thank you so much!

[@PrincessJazmina]

@@KivaBrent if your ears were ringing the other day it’s because I was smack talking about you! I was saying I just don’t get why people wait to update a space when they are looking to sell! (MY HUSBAND 250%) I have dealt with no sprinklers and no sod in my Central Texas home. All I had was weeds and burrs! No a good thing with 2 Standard Poodles 🐩. My husband is in process of retiring from the USARMY this summer. So after 2.5 years of fighting plucking stickers out of my babies fur, he decided it’s a good time to install sprinklers and sod 🤦🏼‍♀️! Nothing is actually uglier than a naked Spoo!

[@GeorginaCasanova-o8o]

Just found your channel today. Im in love and thats because I've only look a 2 videos so far. Looking forward to even more amazing contents.

[@sandieedward993]

Kiva Great Looking Kitchen as Well as Awesome Advice 😮Thank You

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks, Sandie! How’s your day coming along!

[@viviancrump9420]

Love your decor and alllllllll your tips kiva , Congrats on your health journey to long life with your loved ones❣️☮️🌞

[@ilanafeldman1862]

Love your decor!!!!! Thank you so much. Where is your black vessel on the counter holding utensils from please? 🙏🙏

[@karenlynnlockwood6205]

I’m in LOVE with counter & backsplash! The movement is gorgeous ❤️

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!!

[@Grannynan]

I have always thought you look great...your sense of style is amazing. I am loving your new look! Have fun shopping for new clothes to fit your new body!

[@milariestoro5890]

You look amazing KB, will love a video about your health journey!😊

[@sandramigacz1766]

The under mount sink was the best thing I did in my kitchen remodel. I also get the most comments about it. You look fabulous!

[@roseroy183]

I had to laugh when you said “having a random box”. That’s what I have on my hearth!

[@eleanorrkuntzi6422]

Great tips - always appreciate your wit and wisdom!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much for watching, Eleanor!! 💕

[@casadamel1952]

Kiva, where did you get that gorgeous marble brush with the soap holder top? Love it!!!

[@LadyY2U]

Hi Kiva! Nice video :-) I've the Caraway cookware but me & my aesthetically pleasing look issue can't have them on the counter lol Take care!

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

Cluster things together. Your kitchen does tell a story .

[@Opinions-galore24]

Kiva, finances are a real challenge right now. I can't do ANY of the things you suggested. 😔 I think the only one I can afford to do is the under counter peel & stick lighting.

[@KivaBrent]

! Please put yourself first and your other needs. I’ll make a video soon on how to upgrade the different parts of your home totally for free! Thanks for being here.

[@brandnewyorker]

Absolutely love your no frills design!!! All you advices are as beautifying as practical! 🙏🤩

[@jennaford5946]

KB thank you for giving us some dimensions for the bar seating. BtW...you look great. I saw it in your face immediately and now I see full frontal. Thank you for all your tips!

[@barbaramooreschlote967]

Thank for an informative, interesting video. Love your backsplash. Is it marble?

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks for watching! It's soapstone :)

[@tamaramartin4015]

Your videos always add a zip of happy to my day; thank you. And not the point at all, but you are not short, you are gravitationally gifted (fun size works, too 😉)

[@traceygartrell3419]

Thank you so much for your inspiration

[@katrish786]

I'm blown away at your awesome kitchen. Congratulations on your weight loss, you go girl!

[@Thebearclaire]

Your kitchen is gorgeous! Loving the black matte cabinetry and seamless backsplash

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much, Claire!!

[@chrisrizzo627]

Can you tell me the name of the cabinet manufacturer? Love the look. Thanks!

[@karenbarnes8091]

I just had to say your kitchen is gorgeous and also thanks for the tips

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much, Karen!!!

[@danbev8542]

To each his own. 1. I don’t want my home to look expensive. I want it to look comfortable and functional. 2. I don’t like granite. Cheap granite is being chopped out of mountains in Brazil, then shipped here, using huge amounts of petroleum. 3. I used local Virginia soapstone harvested less than 200 miles from me, and a fabulous Boos wooden countertop for my baking island. 4. I love my cast iron skillets, my Lodge Dutch oven (a fraction of the cost of Le Crueset), my All Clad saucepans (bought on sale) - all hanging from a pot hanger. 5. I love to cook in my kitchen!

[@osmaragonzalez2499]

But honey what are you doing here? It seems you have it clear, you are careless about any other perspective...RELAX, take your sleeping pill please!!!

[@chrissuthers9654]

Undermount sinks are great - however - not all countertops will support the weight of an undermount especially when the sink is full. The overmount rim helps support the sink on those types of countertops. Check to see which countertops will support the sink of your choice before proceeding..

[@darrenchichester9777]

Great video. Your marble is GORGEOUS.

[@deborahreliford8575]

KB you look good!!! Great job on the weight loss. Thank for the kitchen tips. You are my style savior.

[@kristinekerr3688]

Hello from Pittsburgh Pa. I subbed. Your card us great! Pls do a video showing us the cards you have already made that you showed in the beginning.

[@erinw1196]

Can you let me know where I can find your utensils holder. I love it!

[@marthagarcia6280]

Love, love, love your counters

[@vinesh7732]

Tour kitchen color is stunning ❤❤

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you!!

[@barch6232]

Hi Kiva! Do you remember where the brass bowl with sphere legs on ur countertop next to the stove is from? ❤

[@KivaBrent]

It’s from target! The studio McGee collection!

[@judithvigorito4548]

You look fabulous! ❤️

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@MB-LLL]

Great tips Kiva, thanks!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks!!

[@adhope2729]

Nice looking kitchen! Love the dark hair and glasses on you.

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

Great architecture design particularly your kitchen sink

[@chandracox6814]

50lbs?! Yooooo! That's incredible! 💪👊✌️

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@chrisrizzo627]

Congrats on your fitness - you look great. Can you tell me the name of the cabinet manufacturer? We’re you happy with them? Love the modern look. Thanks much

[@nataliaspinelli9747]

Loving your videos the best in this niche!!

[@allisonangier1631]

Love the surgery metaphor you used. When we built, we asked the electrician to light up the kitchen like we could do surgery! I (mildly) disagree with undermount sinks though. Installers told us that there are a surprising number of them that fail (fall through). If that happened, you could be facing countertop replacement and lots of expensive cabinet repair as well. The risk isn't worth the cosmetic appeal, imo.

[@camellia8625]

Surely there is a guarantee on the installation. Thanks for pointing out the issue.

[@mellocello187]

All of my sinks, kitchen and three bathrooms (total of 6 sinks) are undermount, for the past 22 years. No problems. Same in previous home, 20 years, no problem. Never heard of them falling through. Sounds like someone just didn’t want to do the installation.

[@kcflaca07]

Love all the suggestions. Congrats on getting healthier 💕

[@roseroy183]

Love your videos. I need so much help!!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much!! 💕

[@goldenparachute392]

What if you only have lots of puck lighting in the ceiling? Do you prefer warmer or cooler?

[@jacquelinewalters9329]

Loved the video! Helpful tips. Where is the utensil holder from?

[@FurryPoodle]

beautiful kitchen.

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you 😊

[@RicardiaMissBacardi]

Great video KB. I'm sooooo scared to update my undermount double sink to a single. Have all the parts ready lol just not the courage I'm just going to have to tackle this head on now.

[@Paula-sw2tt]

No wonder I love the kitchen in my rental apartment. I have all of these in there, except pendants!

[@iSTYLEMYSTYLE]

Kiva your kitchen is gorgeous! I love the marble.🖤

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you! 🤗

[@shannonthorne9460]

Thanks!

[@caliwebb3]

wow what an inspiration you are. I have zero design whatever it is but this makes me wonder.....can I ?????????

[@vinesh7732]

Please make video about the foyer how to look sophisticated and expensive and how to choose the colorsthat gives expensive look ❤❤❤❤

[@surgeinc1]

An undermount sink is more sanitary. Over-mounts capture bacteria along the perimeter as the mounting adhesive wears out over time.

[@tonismith5945]

Thank you so much!!! YOU look AMAZEBALLS!!! 😍😍😍 I will be the FIRST to call you having your own show on HGTV or your own home decor line❣️❣️❣️

[@legallyblonde88158]

I love the undermounted sink, and the rule of three tip! (Unfortunately I’m in a rental but someday) I cannot mix light tones tho. I personally HATE blue tone lights, especially next to warm ones. But I do love lights under the upper cabinets. 😅

[@JRenee141]

Yes I really hate cool tone lighting in a home. Leave that for the doctors office. 😫

[@soriyazz]

We love you doing the job making it easier for us lazy folks. 😂. TY luv

[@samanthamanyepa7157]

You glasses are so cute!

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you!!!

[@GilliMarieMoody]

Congrats on your gorgeous kitchen. I am highly jealous. However, as luck would have it, my landlord has yet to fix the light fixture, after several weeks of trying(!) so, I placed two kinds of lighting, one low and one high (and one plugged into the living room), and they look great. Function…? Well, I might need to get another high one. SIGH.

[@j.m.7056]

Your discourse on bar/counter stools is spot on! It drives me nuts to see too many crammed in. Not welcoming at all!

[@whomadethewordword5035]

Congrats on your health journey!!

[@wandahosea7803]

KB you are looking great! Congrats on the weight loss/healthy lifestyle journey.

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

If we can make our own kitchen look this expensive, why don't we try it? Appreciate how you explained it, KB. 😉💯

[@jmahoney9561]

Ten percent off is just tax, so No Thank You! I’m not in the market for pots and pans anymore because I buy from HSN and I just purchased a beautiful set from Curtis Stone and I love them. He also has a nesting set of pots and pans. Your kitchen is Gorgeous! 👍🏽😊👍🏽😊👍🏽😊

[@kaysmyth7099]

Congrats on weight loss. Love tips for kitchen will put some in my kitchen. Looking for new cookware thank you for the info on what u use.👍🦩

[@lilysgram5886]

Kiva you look fabulous!!

[@KivaBrent]

Oh thank you!

[@merhona3472]

Deco next to the stove will attract layers of grime, not to mention that the dry flower arrangement is a fire hazard next to the stove.

[@sylviawolff433]

Kiva ! Looking good!! Live your kitchen! One question you still put your microwave above you stove top?! Is it a matter of Space?

[@KivaBrent]

They didn’t have enough stone to cover that portion if we had removed the microwave, so it had to stay!

[@johnniemaegraham5856]

​@@KivaBrent 😮

[@MariaJoseGuzman-qg2un]

I saw those plants too close to the burners and immediately thought FIRE HAZARD!

[@flopipop5376]

it's funny to see cultural differences : in Europe we would say : sliding storage everywhere (no shelves in the cabinets), no standing oven and an integrated hob, no high cabinets but only full height storage and nothing or shelves on the standard cabinets.we would just agree on the sink which is still quite expensive and maybe difficult to change

[@angiecsoto]

Great advise thanks😊

[@girlygal098]

Kiva is the best. Hands down.

[@SF-ru3lp]

I love your snappy, packed content Kiva! Your name is almost Irish! ... Caoimhe ('kweeva'). Congrats on your weight loss. I am in the diet club too... have cut down on both fats and carbs and i am feeling so much better. Thank you again for great content. You strike the right balance on all aspects. Delighted to subscribe. G Ire

[@cynthiapittard4086]

Great suggestions

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks for watching!!

[@anneporter123]

50 pounds! Yeah Kiva. Congratulations. I'm very happy for you.

[@rochellesudler4248]

your kitchen is beautiful:)

[@MsMadam57]

Great job

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you!!

[@cherylperkins7538]

Nice, but the extreme busyness of the marble would make me crazy. When I cook I can't concentrate with all that going on. Sorry

[@marciaferguson6839]

Great video. You look fantastic, as usual ❤❤❤