What She Recommends

Countertops: For a natural stone look at a somewhat lower cost, Gilmer suggests a fabricated product such as Silestone ($200 to $250 per linear foot for granite vs. $170 to $220 for Silestone; prices include installation). She recommends these over laminates and solid-surface materials for their durability and looks.

Cabinets: If custom-designed cabinetry is not in your budget, Gilmer suggests stock KraftMaid cabinets with upgrades (i.e., plywood sides instead of particleboard, and solid wood drawer boxes that are dovetailed with full-extension, under-mount drawer slides).

The Macassar ebony is an exotic wood species that costs 50 to 100 percent more than standard varieties, but Gilmer says a similar pattern can be achieved with oak, birch or cherry.

Flooring: Gilmer prefers wood floors in a kitchen and recommends pre-finished wood to cut costs. She also suggests inexpensive tiles, such as slate, which can be purchased at big-box home stores. "I would not do Pergo or Formica floors," Gilmer says. "They have proven not to be durable."

Appliances: Gilmer is adamant about not skimping on appliances and recommends Bosch as an alternative to higher-end brands. "With Bosch . . . you'll get a really good product that's going to serve you longer than seven years -- probably 10 to 15 years."

Terri Sapienza