Kitchen Remodel is more than just an aesthetic update; it adds value to your home. If you’re considering a remodel, think about your goals and budget first.
Paint before the cabinets and backsplash are installed to reduce labor costs, eliminate the need for touchups later and guarantee a perfectly straight line where they meet.
The kitchen layout is a major factor in how the room functions and is used. Changing the existing floor plan can have significant costs, especially for large alterations like opening up walls and moving appliances. Therefore, it is important to plan the kitchen remodel and design beforehand with a tool that can help you visualize different options and choose the best one for your home.
A free online kitchen remodel design software allows you to experiment with different layouts and create professional plans and impressive 3D visuals so that you can make good decisions. Choosing the right layout for your space is essential to making sure that you have enough storage, can easily maneuver around the kitchen, and have enough room to entertain family and friends.
Before starting your kitchen remodel, consider who will be using the space and how often. This can help you determine whether a galley or U-shaped kitchen is the right fit, and how many people will be working in the kitchen at once. It is also important to think about if anyone in the household has special needs that you will need to adapt for.
The most popular kitchen layout is the L-shaped configuration that places workspaces along two adjacent walls. This maximizes efficiency and prevents workflow problems by keeping all of the workspaces in close proximity. This kitchen layout can be expanded to an even larger configuration by adding a peninsula that extends into the room. Another option is a single-wall kitchen, which is ideal for small spaces and is commonly found in apartments and condos. The refrigerator is typically placed at the end of the row to allow for easy access and to minimize blocking windows with cabinetry.
Lighting
As the hub of the home, kitchens see a lot of action. That’s why it’s so important that they serve a variety of purposes and aesthetics. If you’re considering a remodel, it’s best to start by determining your goals. Whether it’s upgrading worn-out surfaces, adding resale value or creating a space that fits your lifestyle, there are a few key factors to consider.
Light fixture selection is a big part of this process. You’ll want your space to be bright enough for task lighting while still maintaining a comfortable, cozy feel. A lighting designer can help you select the right fixtures and placements for your new kitchen.
The countertop is another big choice. Granite and quartzite are timeless, beautiful options that can make the room feel elegant and luxurious. But they can also be pricey, and require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking their best. Wood offers natural, classic beauty but can scratch and ding under the stress of daily use. Ceramic tile is a lower-cost option that can be more durable than many other materials.
When it comes to lighting, recessed ceiling fixtures can work wonders for your new kitchen. They provide ambient lighting to the entire room, and if placed properly they can illuminate work zones so you’re never working in shadow. Pendants can also be a great way to brighten open spaces and create a focal point in the room.
Give your clients a reason to smile in their new kitchen with smart storage solutions like pull-out pan racks and basket drawers that make it easier to find and put away everything they need. And for an extra layer of security, consider a knife drawer that keeps blades safely stored and out of reach from curious children.
Appliances
A kitchen remodel is a chance to upgrade your appliances with energy-efficient models, and while it may require a larger upfront investment, you’ll save money in the long run. Consider your current appliances’ lifespans and how often you use them to determine if this is the right time to invest in new ones.
Once you’ve determined your new layout and sorted out the details of your cabinetry, sinks, and countertops, you’re ready to shop for the big-ticket items: appliances. While there are a lot of choices out there, it helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you start shopping, so you don’t end up with the wrong size fridge or microwave, or a stove that’s too small or doesn’t match your cabinets.
Having an idea of what type of appliance you want also helps you narrow down your options when it comes to color and style. You may find that you’re drawn to a particular shade of white or stainless steel, and knowing the color palette you’re going with will help guide your selections. Appliances at this level can also offer a range of bells and whistles, from WiFi-enabled models to food-preservation settings in the fridge.
Don’t forget to consider the other storage elements you can add, like pull-out pan racks, a wine rack, or a lazy susan in your cabinets. These can make a huge difference in how accessible and functional your kitchen is, so it’s important to include them in your design from the beginning.
Cabinets
Cabinets aren’t just for storage; they’re also a big part of your kitchen’s style. They’re available in many different shapes, sizes and finishes. And the type you choose can impact your budget as well as how easy it is to clean.
Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, starting at about $80 per linear foot. They’re typically a mix of pre-assembled and ready-to-assemble pieces that you can customize with decorative additions and custom finishes. Custom cabinets are more expensive, but they’re also available in a wide range of styles and materials.
You can also reface your existing cabinets to give them an instant makeover. This involves applying a laminate or wood veneer over your cabinet surfaces to create a fresh new look. It’s less expensive than a full remodel, but it still adds value to your home.
A kitchen remodel might include refinishing your cabinetry, adding or removing an island, reconfiguring the floor plan or replacing appliances and fixtures. It may also involve changing the kitchen’s footprint and bringing it up to modern building codes and safety standards, like GFCI outlets.
A complete kitchen remodel often requires a permit and professional contractors. It usually includes moving walls, plumbing and electrical services, installing a backsplash, countertops, flooring and lighting, and adding a sink. It can be a very time-consuming project and requires substantial planning and coordination. It may also cost more than a facelift or refinishing. But it can also increase your home’s resale value. If you’re considering a major kitchen renovation, start by hiring a designer to help with the layout and selection process. They can guide you through the pros and cons of each option and help you stay within your budget.
Countertops
Countertops aren’t just an important part of kitchen design; they also add resale value and serve as a focal point in your home. As a result, you’ll want to choose a material that fits both your style and lifestyle while staying within budget.
Natural stone is one of the most popular options for kitchen countertops, as it’s durable and comes in a range of colors that will complement most decorating styles. However, it can be quite heavy and requires regular sealing to prevent stains. Granite is an alternative that’s both affordable and resistant to heat, water and scratches. It’s available in solid slabs as well as modular pieces to suit your kitchen remodeling needs.
Another popular choice is quartz, which is a durable, eco-friendly and low-maintenance material. It’s resistant to heat, stains and scratches, as well as non-porous, making it ideal for kitchens with kids or pets. It’s available in a variety of colors to complement most decorating styles, and it can be cut to fit your specific countertop dimensions.
If you don’t have the money to buy new countertops right away, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This allows you to borrow against your home’s equity and pay it back over time at a rate that is lower than most credit cards.
Having a waste chute built into your countertops is a smart and convenient kitchen remodel idea that will save space in your cabinets. This will allow you to keep trash, recycling and compost out of sight while reducing the need to empty large bins on a regular basis. It’s possible to order counters with this feature already installed, or you can make the hole yourself by boring a small hole in your countertop surface.