In this House That Wisdom Built installment, Vince and Nathan dive deep into modern kitchen design—where to put the sink when your island doubles as the family table, how sculleries are turning show kitchens into entertaining spaces, and why that big beautiful range comes with real ventilation math (hello, make-up air). They weigh panel-ready vs. stainless, give a reality check on pot fillers, talk outlets, full-height slab backsplashes, hidden wireless charging, built-in coffee stations, and the unsung ergonomics (right-handed dishwasher placement!) that make everyday cooking feel effortless. Plus a quick BBQ detour: ribeyes on a Recteq with Lane’s rubs and a Miller Lite in hand. If your kitchen is on the remodel list (it usually is), this one will save you regrets—and maybe a few bucks.
What we cover
- ROI reality: Kitchen remodels routinely deliver the best bang-for-your-buck.
- Workflow 101: The classic work triangle (fridge–range–sink), when it still applies, and how scullery/working pantries are changing layouts.
- Island vs. peninsula: Where the sink really belongs now that the island is the family table.
- Ranges & ventilation: 36–48” ranges as the showpiece, big CFM hoods, and why make-up air kits matter in remodels.
- Panel-ready vs. stainless: Design vibes, durability trade-offs, and budget gotchas.
- Pot fillers: Useful tool or pricey necklace? (Spoiler: mostly jewelry unless you truly cook.)
- Backsplashes & outlets: Full-height slab looks, plug strips under uppers, sill outlets, and when pop-ups actually help.
- Countertop charging: Hidden wireless charging in stone—cool idea, with social side effects.
- Appliance strategy: Built-in coffee systems, appliance garages, warming drawers (and that closet towel-warming hack), fridge/freezer drawers, and why we’re doing fewer microwaves.
- Floors: Why site-finished, glue-down wood is winning kitchens again.
- Ergonomics that matter: Right-handed? Put the dishwasher on the right; trash on the left—small choices, seamless days.
- BBQ/Brews corner: Ribeyes on a Recteq, Lane’s Barbecue rubs (Pow Pow + Steak Supreme), and a humble nod to Miller Lite.
Pro Tips
- Start your interior design by collecting kitchen reference photos—the kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home.
- Remodeling with a big range? Plan ventilation + make-up air early (it can change scope and cost).
- Love a tidy main kitchen? Consider a true working scullery with sink, DW, and secondary refrigeration.
- If resale is near-term, design for the next owner; if you’re staying, design for how you live.
Mentioned
- Lane’s Barbecue (Bethlehem, GA) rubs & sauces
- Recteq wood-fired grills (Evans, GA)
- Wolf/Sub-Zero smart appliance innovations
- Plug strips/“plug mold,” sill outlets, wireless counter charging
Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ
Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders
Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa
Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm
