Scrolling social media, pinning kitchen design ideas, or walking by home improvement stores are great ways to get your remodel wheels spinning. However, a successful kitchen remodel requires many different specialties.
A well-executed kitchen remodel increases your home’s resale value. However, you must have a clear vision, goals, and budget for the project.
Cabinets are one of the most expensive components of a kitchen remodel and a key element of its overall design. They are typically a mix of upper and lower cabinets that wrap around appliances like refrigerators. They may be stacked or hung on the wall or from a base. Adding cabinets to your kitchen can significantly increase its storage capacity. They can also be used to add an element of elegance and style. Even simple cosmetic accents like new hardware, crown molding on the top and a repaint can dramatically improve a cabinet’s look.
Depending on the manufacturer, cabinetry is usually constructed of solid wood or engineered materials such as plywood and MDF (medium density fiberboard). Cabinets with solid wood doors are more expensive than those made from veneer over MDF. They are typically glued with dovetail joints or other industrial methods for strength. Solid wood cabinets are more durable than MDF or particle board but can warp if exposed to steam, water or other liquids.
The quality of the cabinetry will directly affect its price. Entry-level cabinetry uses less expensive materials. These include particle board, MDF covered with foil-faced molded wood or plastic laminate. It also includes lower-quality hardware (pulls, hinges and glides).
Many homeowners opt for a hybrid solution that combines stock cabinets with custom modifications. This allows for a wide range of styles, sizes and specialty features at a more cost-effective rate than a fully-custom kitchen.
A kitchen remodel can increase your home’s value, as well as make it easier and more convenient to use. According to the 2022 Remodeling Cost vs Value report, a mid-range kitchen remodel will return about 30.7% of its cost.
Other home improvement projects that can increase your home’s value include a bathroom remodel, replacing an outdated bathtub or shower with a luxurious freestanding tub, installing a new fireplace and adding solar panels. The return on investment for a new bathroom will depend on the size and scope of the remodel, as well as your local market. Compared to other renovations, bathroom remodels have the highest ROI.
Countertops
When it comes to kitchen upgrades, counters are often the focal point. While focusing on aesthetics, it is important to remember that new countertops must complement the rest of the room to provide maximum value. For this reason, a kitchen remodel should include matching cabinets to ensure the counters blend seamlessly with the design scheme.
One popular countertop option is marble, which provides a timeless look that many buyers are drawn to. Quartz is another choice that provides a modern aesthetic and offers durability. Its non-porous surface also makes it resistant to stains, and the colors available offer homeowners plenty of design options.
Other materials like limestone, soapstone, and slate are also becoming more commonplace. Each stone has its own unique features that create a distinct appearance. However, they all share in that they are heat-resistant and durable, making them a good choice for those who cook often.
If you are looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen, try copper or zinc countertops. These materials can bring a rustic or industrial feel to the space. In addition, they are easy to clean and durable. These materials may be a more expensive choice, but they can add a substantial amount of value to your home when compared to other options.
Another way to boost your kitchen’s function is to add a waste bin directly into the counters. This simple addition can make it easier and faster to throw away trash and can save floor space in a small kitchen. This is a great option for anyone who wants to minimize their impact on the environment.
Choosing the right counters is an important decision that will affect your kitchen’s functionality and style. Choosing neutral or natural colors is typically the best option for those who want to appeal to the most number of potential buyers.
If you are thinking about installing new countertops, be sure to consult a real estate agent to see how much the project can increase your home’s value. They can advise you on what types of counters are most popular in your area, and which ones would look best in your home.
Flooring
The floor in your kitchen is one of the most important elements in your remodel. There are many different flooring options available to suit your aesthetic taste and needs. You can choose from hardwoods such as white oak, black cherry, and hickory to create an elegant look, or you can go for something more durable and practical like tile or luxury vinyl (LVT).
Depending on your budget, you may also want to experiment with different patterns or designs in your floor. For example, you could opt for a herringbone pattern that can make your kitchen feel more modern. You can also add a splash of color by choosing a stain on your cabinets that complements your new floor.
In terms of sturdiness, your kitchen floor needs to be hard-wearing as it’s a work space that’s used constantly by people in the household. You should also consider how easy it is to keep clean, as a high level of maintenance will keep your floors looking their best for as long as possible. Wood is a popular choice, but you might also consider stone or even a wood-effect porcelain tile.
When it comes to the best order of events for kitchen renovations, Chip Wade recommends that you put down your flooring first 90% of the time. This gives you a fresh playing field and is better for the longevity of your remodel. This will be particularly beneficial if you decide to change your cabinetry at any point in the future as the floors under the cabinets will match up with that layout.
Regardless of the type of remodel that you choose, you should always remember that you’re doing this to improve your home. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a remodel, but it’s important to focus on what’s going to increase your home’s value. This means that if you aren’t going to get a return on your investment, you should reconsider the work that you’re having done.
Lighting
When designing your new kitchen, it’s important to keep in mind that lighting can make or break the space’s overall look and feel. From the type of light fixture to the color scheme, your choices can impact how bright your kitchen is. For example, darker colors and finishes can absorb light and make the room feel smaller, while lighter color schemes and reflective surfaces can open up a small space and make it feel bigger.
The best kitchens have multiple layers of lighting to illuminate the entire room. Ambient light creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes family and friends feel at home. It can also highlight artwork and other decorative elements. Task lighting illuminates work spaces, like countertops where you prepare food or inside cabinets so you can see what’s stored in the shelves. Accent lighting adds a finishing touch by highlighting unique architectural features or a collection of dishes on the counter.
One way to bring natural light into your kitchen is with skylights, which can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. However, it’s important to consider the direction of your sunlight in the morning and afternoon, as this will affect how much daylight your kitchen gets throughout the day. Another option for bringing natural light into your kitchen is to install light-sensing artificial lights, which adjust their intensity based on how much sunshine is available in the room.
When choosing the right light fixtures for your kitchen, the options are limitless. To help you narrow down your selection, start by looking for a light source with a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) to ensure that the colors of your kitchen are true. Then, choose a style that complements your home’s décor, whether you want to go with classic recessed lights or a more contemporary look with a high light rail on the ceiling. Finally, don’t forget about under-cabinet lighting, which can be an essential part of your kitchen’s design by performing multiple roles. It can provide task lighting for preparing food, accent your backsplash, and even act as a mood light when equipped with a dimmer switch.
