A kitchen remodel is an opportunity to tailor the space to your needs, preferences, and cooking habits. However, over-customization may limit the kitchen’s appeal to potential homebuyers in the future.
When updating your appliances and lighting fixtures, consider utilizing modern, energy-efficient options. This will not only enhance your style but can also result in long-term cost savings. Click Here to learn more.
The layout of your kitchen impacts every element of its design and functionality. A fresh take on your kitchen floor plan can optimize work stations, shorten distances to key areas, and streamline workflow.
Adding or removing walls can create new space for storage and open up your kitchen to natural light or living areas. But before you take down a wall, determine if it’s load-bearing and seek professional advice from a structural engineer.
One-Wall Layout
A single-wall kitchen layout is the ultimate space-saver, putting all your cabinetry and appliances on a single wall for maximum efficiency. Incorporate clever storage solutions like pull-out drawers and small-appliance “garages” for easy access. And don’t forget to add a pantry, a breakfast bar or a peninsula for additional seating and work space.
Zone Layout
A zone kitchen layout organizes cooking, prep, and cleaning into distinct zones with specialized tools and equipment. This design eliminates wasted movements and minimizes the body’s tension and stress during daily tasks by streamlining workflow.
The island kitchen layout adds extra prep and dining space, as well as a cozy atmosphere. Island designs can easily accommodate heavier, ornate traditional features like wood cabinets and intricate moldings for a classic look.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the most significant investment of all remodeling elements, and can have the biggest impact on a kitchen’s overall look. Choosing new cabinet hardware, a different finish color or even adding a patterned backsplash can make an incredible difference.
One popular cabinet upgrade is to fill in empty spaces above upper cabinets with decorative trim pieces that create an eye-catching focal point. A simple copper sheet can be used for this and is easily cut to the size of the raised cabinet panel. Using a pin nailer, attach narrow wood trim pieces in an evenly spaced pattern to frame the copper.
A popular choice for cabinets is to use solid-core or engineered woods like oak, maple or hickory. These are a better choice than particle board or MDF, as they are more durable and will not warp from moisture. Solid-core or engineered woods are often characterized by having their grain run in a contrasting direction from the rest of the cabinet face, which creates strength and visual appeal.
More substantial changes to cabinetry include changing the layout of cabinetry or refacing them with new doors and drawer fronts. The latter is an inexpensive option that makes a big difference in the appearance of the kitchen.
Appliances
One of the most exciting times during a kitchen remodel is buying new appliances. It’s where practicality meets personal taste. Getting the right appliances is critical for a kitchen that functions well and looks great. The type and style of appliances you choose will have a cascading effect on the design and layout of your cabinets, counters, and overall kitchen aesthetic.
While high-end appliances have their appeal, many homeowners prefer a standard appliance package that meets their culinary needs. This way, they can budget the costs of their kitchen remodel and avoid overspending on appliances.
Depending on your lifestyle, you might want to consider upgrading your dishwasher or refrigerator with smart features like sensor cooking. This will help you save time and money on energy bills, and it will also provide you with more convenient options for reheating and defrosting food.
Another popular trend is hidden appliances, which are built into cabinetry for a seamless look. These innovative units are ideal for homes with open-plan living spaces. They feature advanced capabilities such as sensor cooking and are capable of adjusting the power and time based on the moisture content of your food. Many people find these units to be more convenient than traditional microwaves, and they can make your kitchen more functional.
Lighting
A well-lit kitchen serves multiple purposes for a home. It’s where you prepare food, gather with family and friends and for many, work from home. A layered lighting scheme that includes both ambient and task lights allows for flexibility in how the space is used.
Lighting designers like Randall Whitehead recommend replacing dinky pendants or recessed light fixtures with larger versions, especially over the island. He says to consider using translucent fixtures that hide the bulbs and provide a soft glow or opting for fixtures with different shapes to add visual interest to the room.
Adding a statement tile backsplash is another easy way to elevate the space without requiring extensive demolition. It’s an eye-catching focal point that instantly transforms the room, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors, patterns and materials to match your taste. For added functionality, consider coordinating finishes throughout the fixture selections, socket covers, faucets and appliances to create an aligned aesthetic. You can also incorporate dimmers to easily control the overall mood of the room.
Flooring
The flooring is one of the most important parts of your kitchen. It needs to be durable enough to handle spills, heavy foot traffic, and dropped objects. It should also complement the style of your home and reflect your personal preferences. For example, if you have stained wood cabinets, you might choose to go with natural wood or faux hardwood flooring that resembles the look of your cabinetry.
Lastly, the flooring should be functionally compatible with your kitchen design. A good remodeler will help you understand the costs of your selections before they are implemented so there are no budget surprises down the line. In addition, a professional will help you stay on track with your project scope and prevent “scope creep,” which occurs when the project’s design expands beyond what was originally intended.
Remodeling or renovating a kitchen is a great way to enhance your home and improve its functionality. It can increase the value of your property and provide improved comfort for you and your family members. For instance, you can add more storage space or upgrade appliances to more energy-efficient models. You can even change the overall appearance of the kitchen by updating its lighting, adding a backsplash, or painting the cabinets.
Plumbing
A faulty kitchen can drag down the whole home and make living in it a chore. It can also lead to accidents, such as burns or falls in the area. Kitchen remodeling offers an opportunity to update old, dangerous features with safer ones.
Remodeling includes a full renovation of the space to improve its aesthetics and functionality. It may involve removing walls, moving the location of plumbing fixtures, and changing the floor plan layout. It also covers work that restructures the property, such as adding or expanding rooms and building sunrooms.
The cost of a major kitchen remodel can run into the thousands, and it will be disruptive for the homeowner during construction. Some homeowners will have to move out for the duration of the project, which can last weeks or even months.
A kitchen renovation involves restoring and updating existing elements while keeping the basic structure intact. This option is ideal for people looking to refresh their kitchen without the extensive costs of a complete remodel. For example, a kitchen renovation could include painting cabinets, installing new countertops, and replacing the sink or hood. The renovation can also include rerouting or replacing the kitchen plumbing, such as switching from galvanized pipes to PEX.
Electrical
A kitchen remodel requires new plumbing and electrical wiring. Electrical work should only be done by a licensed electrician to ensure safe and effective installations. Trying to save money by doing the work yourself can be extremely dangerous. Not to mention, if you mess something up, it can be expensive to fix it properly. And even if you know what you’re doing, it can be very time-consuming.
If you live in an older home, the existing wiring may not be up to code for today’s kitchen appliances. A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to bring your house up to modern standards. For example, many older homes don’t have enough outlets or do not have GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets in the kitchen (these are required anywhere water is present to protect against electrocution).
Kitchen remodels can also be prompted by lifestyle changes that necessitate changing how your kitchen works. For instance, you may want to add space for entertaining or make your kitchen more kid-friendly. You might also decide to upgrade your kitchen to include state-of-the-art appliances or smart home technology. Upgrading your wiring prepares your kitchen for future tech and occupant growth, and reduces the risk of accidents caused by exposed wires or faulty outlets.