What’s more, the kitchen is the most expensive room in a home to remodel. Even cosmetic improvements like painting the cabinets and replacing the sink can cost over $5,000. If you’re tearing down the walls and buying new appliances, the price can shoot up to $40,000 or more. (But don’t worry. We’ve covered how to save money on a kitchen remodel.)
Set a budget: Be realistic about what your kitchen remodel might cost you. Any renovation project, but especially a large one, will be more expensive than you plan for.
Set a maximum budget and aim for something lower. Add another 10% or 20% for unplanned expenses. You don’t want to end up with a half-finished kitchen because your budget dried up.
Do your research: Decide and write down what you need and what you can afford. Visit home stores, show rooms and home tours to know price, connect with other remodelers, and get an idea of what other people are doing.
Consider hidden costs: Certain costs may come up that you do not expect. Some of these include materials, labor, taxes, delivery, and shipping. Take these into account while setting your budget and consider whether there are any tasks you would rather do yourself.
Do aim for quality if possible: Purchase the best quality materials that you can afford. This isn’t just for functionality, longevity, and aesthetic, but resale value. You can also consider used materials that are still high in quality.
Separate your needs from your wants: It can be tempting to buy the latest gadgets and high-tech or fancy appliances. However, depending on what you require, it’s usually better to sick to hardy basics that you are sure you will use.
Pay attention to the kitchen layout: Determine your priorities and decide how they can work within your kitchen. If possible, use the classic kitchen work triangle, wherein the sink, fridge and stove are arranged in a triangular pattern.
Furthermore, consider how many people typically work in your kitchen simultaneously. If it is more than one, you could incorporate another workstation. Additionally, if there is enough space, you could add a custom kitchen island or buy a wheeled cart.
There should be enough room for both working and flow of traffic. If you have an island, there should be a minimum of 42 inches between it and the counters.
For food preparation, there should be at least 36 inches of counter space. For the sink, there should be at least 24 inches on one side and 18 inches on the other.
If you’re content with your current cabinets’ location and functionality, there’s no reason to get new ones. Paint them or give them a new finish. Or if you want an airy, fresh look, remove some of the doors for open shelving.
Since your appliances will have a notable impact on the layout, choose them during the early stages of planning. If possible, use an appliance store that will both allow you to buy early and hold onto your purchases until you are ready to install them. This is because appliances go in last.
Too many eye-catching or statement items can confuse the eye, and you or your guests might not know where to look, or even find it overwhelming.
Put S hooks beside the range hood so you can hang frequently used items, such as pots and pans. Furthermore, you can install a shelf behind or beside the range to keep your spices, cooking oils and utensils handy.
If you don’t want to keep lugging pots of water from the sink to the stove, a swing-out tap (also known as a pot filler) will allow you to fill pots near the space where you heat them.
Lay out the tiles before they are stuck in place. This may involve some work, but you’ll be able to see if any tiles are off color, if the design isn’t quite what you imagined it to be, or if it just doesn’t work.
Biophilic design has been on the rise. But you don’t need to turn your kitchen into a jungle. Just one or two elements can add a touch or warmth or freshness. Whether it’s wood, stone, leather, or plants, the choices are all classy and versatile. For example, custom cabinetry and millwork can add warmth to a contemporary or white kitchen.
Your utilities and design choices will have an impact on how much time and money you spend on cleaning. Be wary of things that will gather dirt: open shelves, the garbage area, the place behind the sink, and so on.
Custom CabinetsThat’s why kitchen design and renovation projects are some of the most common projects home-building professionals complete. From small, simple kitchen designs to large, open-concept kitchen-dining rooms, all successful renovations begin the same way: with a kitchen design and layout.
So let’s dive into a variety of kitchen styles and smart design ideas that’ll get your creative juices flowing. In this 10-minute read, we’ll cover all you need to know:
When it comes to kitchen design, the options are as diverse as your imagination. Here are some popular kitchen styles and design ideas to consider for your next project:
Embrace sleek lines, minimal clutter, and a clean color palette. Think integrated appliances, handleless cabinets, and open shelving for a polished look that projects simplicity and sophistication.
Capture the warmth of a countryside cottage with rustic kitchen design. Be sure to include exposed wooden beams, distressed finishes, and farmhouse sinks to create an inviting atmosphere that’s both cozy and stylish.
Blend the best of both worlds with traditional and contemporary elements. Mix classic cabinet styles with modern hardware or pair a farmhouse sink with stainless steel appliances for a balanced aesthetic.
Industrial kitchens have a raw, urban appeal. Go with exposed brick walls, metal accents, and open ceilings that provide an edgy vibe. Incorporate reclaimed materials and pendant lighting to achieve an authentic industrial look.
Industrial kitchens have a raw, urban appeal. Go with exposed brick walls, metal accents, and open ceilings that provide an edgy vibe. Incorporate reclaimed materials and pendant lighting to achieve an authentic industrial look.
Bring the beach to your kitchen with a coastal design. Use soft blues, sandy neutrals, and nautical decor to create a serene atmosphere. Then top it off with beadboard paneling, sea-inspired accessories, and light, airy textures.
Ideal for compact spaces, the galley layout features parallel countertops and a central walkway. It maximizes efficiency by keeping everything within arm’s reach, making cooking a breeze.
This layout utilizes two adjoining walls, forming an “L” shape. It offers ample counter space and is great for open-plan living, creating a cozy and accessible cooking area.
Perfect for those who love to cook, the U-shaped layout surrounds you with countertops on three sides. It provides plenty of workspace and storage while maintaining an efficient workflow.
Adding an island to any layout boosts both functionality and style. It can serve as an extra workspace, a dining area or it can even house appliances and storage, making it the centerpiece of your kitchen. However, islands are best for larger areas since they can make a smaller kitchen feel crowded.
Blurring boundaries between kitchen and living space, this layout encourages social interaction. It’s great for entertaining, offering a seamless transition from cooking to mingling. This is a popular option for outdoor kitchen designs.
Seamlessly integrating sinks, countertops, cabinets and drawers is crucial. The standard countertop height is 36 inches (42 inches for bars). However, the countertop height can be adjusted to between 33.5 to 40 inches, tailored to clients’ elbow height for comfort.
You should also verify the height of wall cabinets. Make sure wall cabinets that will store commonly used items are easy to access for your clients.
Efficiency is maximized by arranging the stove, sink, and refrigerator in a triangle. Each side of that triangle should be 3.9 to 8.8 feet, with a total length of 13 to 26 feet. Ensure there are no obstructions within the triangle. Also, try to avoid placing the working triangle away from the flow of traffic between other rooms.