Nothing adds more value to your home than a beautiful, updated kitchen. It’s also a room where prospective homebuyers look first when touring your house.
A kitchen remodel can be a bumpy journey full of zigs and zags, but with careful planning, you can make your renovation as smooth as possible. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY now!
Your kitchen layout is one of the most important factors to consider during a remodel. The right floor plan will ensure clear traffic pathways and the proper spacing of appliances. It’s also vital to factor in your family’s cooking habits when determining which kitchen layout is best for you. Think about who will be using the space and how often. Considering primary cooks, butlers, and any small children or elderly household members will help you design a more efficient kitchen for your lifestyle.
A common layout choice is the galley style, which consists of two lines of cabinetry on opposite walls with a walk-through corridor in between. This is an ideal solution for tighter spaces or one-cook kitchens as it maximizes space. An L-shaped layout is another popular choice, allowing you to take advantage of three adjoining walls with ample storage space. A kitchen island is a free-standing structure that provides additional cabinet and countertop space and can be used for seating.
While practicality takes precedence, you should consider the aesthetic of your new kitchen when choosing a layout. You may prefer a modern or traditional style, or perhaps something more eclectic. Reviewing photos and visiting home improvement showrooms can give you an idea of which layout will be best for your space.
It’s also important to keep in mind your budget and how extensive your remodeling project will be. Choosing materials that offer both quality and durability will help you stay within your price range. Opting for less expensive fixtures and reusing appliances where possible can further cut costs.
In addition to budget, your kitchen remodel will be determined by how much you want to change the look of your space. Changing countertops, backsplashes, and cabinet hardware will provide an immediate visual upgrade that won’t require significant construction.
If you want a more dramatic transformation, consider adding new cabinets or changing the color of your walls. This will make your kitchen feel completely fresh and updated without increasing your overall cost. Whether you choose to remodel your kitchen with a full structural overhaul or simply upgrade its surfaces and amenities, a successful project will increase the value of your home and make for an attractive selling point when it comes time to sell.
Materials
Your kitchen’s surface materials define its character and impact how the space functions. The right choice is key to creating a beautiful, functional space that supports the ways you live and entertain.
Countertops and backsplashes are essential kitchen remodeling components because they help to create a focal point that sets the tone for your entire kitchen. Choose from a variety of durable, easy-to-clean materials, including granite, quartz, and marble. Consider your color scheme, too. Do you want to emphasize blue’s cool, mellow emotions that improve attentiveness or red’s attention-getting luster that displays your personality?
Cabinets also play a critical role in the overall look of your kitchen. Whether you choose wood, metal or painted cabinets, you have a variety of material options to fit your needs and budget. Cabinets made of solid wood offer a premium aesthetic and will last for years. They can be repainted and refinished to match your style as often as you like.
For budget-minded homeowners, engineered woods like particleboard and plywood are great affordable alternatives to natural wood. They’re stronger than solid wood and less prone to warping over time. You can even save on cost by opting for a painted finish over a stain or clear coat.
Kitchen remodeling requires a significant investment, so it’s important to set a budget for your project. This can help you stay on track and avoid overspending. A professional NYC kitchen design expert can help you determine a budget that aligns with your goals and practical needs.
Once you have a clear vision of what you want your new kitchen to look like, you can begin to explore the various materials and finishes available. Each material comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, a butcher block countertop adds a rustic touch to your kitchen and is extremely durable, while stainless steel countertops are hygienic, non-porous, and resistant to scratches and heat damage. Porcelain is also a popular kitchen remodel material because it’s cheaper than granite and can resemble it without the price tag. The right choice will depend on your priorities and the level of functionality you need from your kitchen.
Appliances
A kitchen remodel isn’t complete without upgrading your appliances. If your current refrigerator, stove, oven and dishwasher are old and worn, replacing them will give your new kitchen a fresher look and improved functionality. Plus, today’s kitchen appliances are usually more energy-efficient and have smart features for easier cooking and cleaning.
As you shop for appliances, keep in mind that the style and layout of your kitchen will influence which types of appliances can fit in your space. Then consider features like size and capacity, warranty, and energy requirements as you compare your options. Also, visit retailers and showrooms for product demonstrations to see how well the appliances function in real-life settings. These demos can help you decide whether a particular appliance fits your lifestyle or kitchen design.
When shopping for kitchen appliances, start by establishing your budget. Appliances typically account for 15 to 20 percent of the total kitchen remodel cost, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget before you begin shopping.
After deciding on your budget, select the type and size of appliances you need. For example, if you are remodeling your entire kitchen, you may have to choose between a side-by-side or French door refrigerator, as well as gas or electric ranges. Then, choose a dishwasher that will fit in your space. You should also take into consideration the layout of your kitchen and any future plans you have for it, such as expanding it.
During a kitchen remodel, you can also upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems to improve safety and efficiency. Replacing older fixtures can help you meet updated building codes and standards, and it can save you money on energy bills, as well. Plus, upgrading to GFCI outlets can reduce the risk of electrical shock from faulty outlets.
Whether you’re ready to splurge or remodeling on a budget, a professional designer can help you plan your new kitchen and guide you through the process. They know the ins and outs of kitchen design, layout and repurposing and can make sure your new kitchen is both functional and beautiful. Plus, they can help you stay on track with your budget.
Lighting
The right lighting can elevate a kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming space for guests. It’s also one of the most important design elements to consider when remodeling your kitchen. There are a wide variety of options to choose from that can work in any type of kitchen style.
Ambient: This is the first layer of lighting that creates an overall level of illumination for the entire room. This can be achieved by ceiling lights, natural light from windows, or a combination of both. Ambient lighting is essential for kitchens because it helps to illuminate workspaces and reduce shadowing.
Task: This is the second level of lighting that focuses on specific tasks, such as food prep or cooking. This can be accomplished with recessed or track lighting, or it could be as simple as installing pendants over the island. Task lighting is essential for kitchens, and it can help to prevent accidents and improve efficiency.
Accent: This highlighting adds depth and dimension to the space by focusing on architectural features and decorative details. It can be achieved with sconces, uplights, strips, and recessed or track lighting. Accent lighting is a great way to showcase unique features in your kitchen, such as a beautiful backsplash or a custom-built hood.
There are many different types of lighting fixtures available, and it’s important to find ones that match the aesthetic of your kitchen. If you’re not sure where to start, contact a professional contractor or electrician for assistance. They can help you decide which fixtures will be best for your kitchen, and they’ll make sure the new bulbs are the right match.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s where we spend most of our time. It’s important to take the time to plan a kitchen remodel that will be functional and beautiful for years to come. With a little bit of planning and the help of an expert, your dream kitchen can become a reality! To learn more about how 3Rs Construction & Remodeling can transform your kitchen, contact us today.