The Kitchen Is The Heart Of Your Home. Plan Ahead To Ensure You Love It.
Ideas for upgrading and remodeling a kitchen abound in 2022. We can help you choose the best ones and avoid mistakes in your planning. Just let us know how we can help!
Here are ten steps to make your kitchen the heart of your home:
- A new start: Declutter and reduce. Get rid of stuff you don’t use! Everything in your kitchen should have a home and be put away after use; if not, throw it out or donate it. Kitchen clutter leads to stress which can really dampen your mood. The more comfortable your kitchen feels, the better you will feel about cooking, baking, and spending time there.
- Consider your cooking workflow before deciding on a new kitchen layout. You’re probably opting to cook at home even more since the pandemic. Where are you most often standing when it’s time for prep? Where are you most often positioned when it’s time to serve food? Where are you most often sitting down when it comes time to eat? Where do dirty dishes tend to accumulate now that they need a home in your new kitchen design? Draw out your current “kitchen” (feng shui masters say this should be drawn based on how you feel/how much energy flows through this space) and label where everything is, then draw out your dream kitchen (based on what you want). Then make changes to the flow of traffic and create new work areas to match your vision of how your kitchen should look and function.
- The rest of your design choices will be driven by your personal style. Do you want a stained wood and vintage look? Or a sleek, modern look with clean lines and gleaming surfaces? Consider how you feel in this space and what you need from it now and later. If this is a busy family hub, perhaps a large island is needed but if it’s just two people frequently cooking together then that might not be necessary. Consider larger or more frequently used appliances (dishwasher vs oven), as well as access to sink storage drawers and shelves
- Decide on appliance size and placement. What do you think of these items? Do you really need that 48-inch range or will a 36-inch give you all the cooking power you need? Consider smaller appliance sizes and integrated 24/28 inch ovens instead of regular 30+ inch ovens to maximize counter space. Consider cabinet door swing when placing fridge and dishwasher.
- Focus on lighting: Natural light is essential to every room we occupy throughout the day; it provides warmth and comfort for both our eyes and spirit and even aids in digestion (especially important for kitchens!). Start adding recessed lighting above task zones and in between cabinets if your kitchen doesn’t have much cabinet space for storage; add under-cabinet lighting when possible. Highlight seating, work and eating areas with pendant lights. Use sconces or chandeliers as needed (this might be over the sink or table).
- Think about the materials that surround you while cooking: Wood is inviting, metal is modern and fresh, tile is practical and stylish, and stone is earthy and luxurious. How can you incorporate these elements into your kitchen design? What materials speak to you?
- Choose colors that are both calming and practical: Blues tend to be good for the soul, especially if they are lighter blues or tints (think sky vs navy) (think sky vs navy). Greens are calming and invigorating; yellows are cheerful; reds can be stressful. Always consider adjacent colors when choosing paint for this space including cabinets, flooring, appliances & accessories.
- Consider ways to maximize storage without sacrificing style: Built-in cabinetry can bring both function & beauty- think about adding glass fronts instead of solid cabinet doors for a lighter look at eye level (think about the fridge, oven & dishwasher) and built-in shelves/storage between cabinets for additional storage. Add open shelving to walls (either across or above upper cabinets) (either across or above upper cabinets).
- Making small changes over time keeps your kitchen looking current without the high cost of updating this room. Consider replacing cabinet hardware annually or every few years, change out wall art seasonally, switch out accent pieces when you feel like something new is needed & swap out linens for holidays and seasons. Countertops are expensive but laminate can offer many of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost; also consider painting existing counters if they don’t suit your design aesthetic.
- Keep it simple: Too many countertops, islands, seating areas, and appliances can overwhelm a kitchen. If your design budget is tight then pare it down to essentials – a working sink, stove and refrigerator.
How To Prepare And Complete Your Kitchen Remodel
What you may need is a comprehensive plan of execution to get from idea to the ideal kitchen: Here is how to approach this task with a maximum of success and a minimum of annoying or costly mistakes. You won’t go wrong getting the help of a professional remodeler to benefit from their experience in creating masterpieces just like the one you desire for your perfect kitchen.
Be Budget Aware
Keep in mind that kitchens are expensive to renovate, so make sure you know what you want before starting any work .
You might want to hire a professional remodeling contractor first so you have some idea of how much it will cost. Make a list of what you need and check your budget. If you don’t have the money, there is no point in going any further as renovations can be very costly. Read on if you are ready to make a worthwhile and highly enjoyable upgrade to your home.
Decide On The Style: Modern, Traditional, Rustic…
To renovate a kitchen, you must first determine which style best suits your home and lifestyle. Should it be all new? Or maybe cosy and traditional like grandma used to make? It may take several days or even weeks to decide – but once you’ve got it, it will be a lot easier to plan the renovation and choose the right materials and appliances for your kitchen.
For example: if you want a modern-looking kitchen – new cabinets and counters with straight lines would fit best. If you opt for more traditional – wooden furniture with rounded edges would look nice. You can also try to combine different styles – rustic and modern like this one:
Plan: Write Down Your Ideas First
When everything is clear in your head (and on paper), start planning where the oven, sink, and seating will go. For example, tiles require proper ventilation and stone can be quite heavy. All of this will be appreciated later when your kitchen is finished and looks exactly as you wanted it.
Decide on the layout: L, U, or square?
There are three basic cabinet layouts that you can use to best suit your needs. Consider where to put appliances like the stove, oven, and sink, as well as food, pots, and pans… Write down everything that must fit in your new kitchen and how much space each item occupies. Maybe now is the time to hire some professional help If you need a structural engineer to make sure all your calculations are correct, then get a carpenter to help you out.
Layout 1: L-shaped
This layout is good for small kitchens as it takes the least amount of space. It also provides more counter space in the corner where cooking appliances are located, which is ideal for those who cook frequently. The downside of this arrangement is that it requires at least 4 electrical outlets which can get expensive once you add up everything together.
Layout 2: U-shaped
The U-shape is popular in large kitchens and homes with children or teenagers because it allows for conversation between two areas without stepping on each other. Another great thing about this layout is that appliances like the oven and dishwasher are located right in the middle of the kitchen, within easy reach. However, it will take up more space than an L-shaped arrangement so be prepared to sacrifice some storage space for more countertop work surface.
Layout 3: Square
A square-shaped kitchen is perfect for people who do not cook much or have only one person living in the house. It makes use of all available space but can feel small if there are too many cabinets or appliances surrounding it, as everyone needs a bit of elbow room during daily tasks… This layout also takes up quite a lot of floor area so keep that in mind as well before deciding on anything final.
Choose Cabinet Material And Color
There are so many different materials to choose from these days and they all have their pros and cons. It’s really a matter of personal taste, but it is important to remember that some materials like stone will require additional care and others – wood – may not be ideal for high traffic areas or homes with kids. Here is a quick summary of the most popular cabinetry material out there:
- Wood (oak, maple, birch…) – easy to clean, doesn’t show stains or scratches well… But make sure you take good care of it properly.
- Laminate (Formica) – looks nice, available in various colors but scratches easily.. has no natural look to it.
- Natural stone – easy to clean, but expensive and may require professional assistance.
- Vinyl – almost as good as laminate at first glance, but can feel sticky after a while.
- Metal – very sleek looking, perfect for modern homes.. may be noisy during cabinet installation though.
Kitchen layout & cabinets: Final considerations
After figuring out everything from appliances to countertop work surfaces to cabinetry materials and colors you should have a pretty clear idea of what your kitchen will look like once it’s all done. Now is the time to start planning where things should go and how wide each space has to be so that everyone who visits your newly refurbished kitchen can move around freely without bumping into or knocking anything over.
Add Shelves Or Cabinets Above And Below Your Countertops
In the kitchen, a wall of open shelves adds space for cookbooks and glassware.
Getting groceries out of the car is easier with well-organized cabinets. Wire baskets hung inside the cabinet doors are great for small items such as spices or pill bottles while cabinet organizers can be purchased to store larger items like cereal boxes and baking supplies… You can simply add knobs or pulls to achieve the look you want.
If You Have Room, Add A Kitchen Island
A kitchen island allows a cook to spread out and prep food while also completing the look of your new kitchen. An island will also provide an additional surface for entertaining after preparation is done. It’s a perfect place for buffet-style dining events too!
An island provides extra prep space and seating for large meals. Kitchen islands may be freestanding or attached to cabinets on one side. They come in all shapes and sizes, from long bars for two or three to bistro-style islands with stools for four or more.
Remember to leave enough room between the island and nearby dining table or countertops for people to walk around it. After you decide on a shape and size, determine whether you want it attached to cabinets on one side (which can make cleaning easier) or if you’d rather have a freestanding island instead. Then pick a surface material such as natural stone or butcher block, which is durable but requires special care. Tile, stainless steel, wood veneer, and laminate are all options.
Use Glass Cabinet Door Panes
Maximize a room’s sense of depth and openness by using glass doors on your cabinets. Although many people choose frosted glass to ensure privacy in other rooms, clear glass works just as well when it comes to making the kitchen space feel larger than it is. The transparency tricks your eye into seeing more than there is, giving things that are actually quite small an illusionary feeling of size. In addition to the visual perception, clear glass cabinet doors also add a sense of lightness and can be quite sophisticated when used correctly. When you close them your cabinets will seem to disappear from view,making your kitchen feel bigger than it actually is.
In contrast, placing gray-tinted glass on your cabinet doors can create a sense of cozy intimacy.
Glass cabinet doors on upper cabinets allow light to flow throughout the room, making it seem brighter and more open than it actually is.
Avoid Trends That Will Look Dated In A Few More Years
Just because something is the “cool” thing to do now doesn’t mean it will look good later on. Follow your preferences and needs for your lifestyle, not the current trends. Pay attention to designs that have stood the test of time. Faddish designs could prove to be both problematic in function and decrease your home value when it’s time to sell.
Some ideas about more sustainable kitchen trends. Some of the latest design trends in kitchens that should still look fresh and modern in just a few years include: The use of stainless steel appliances – stainless steel is sleek, modern and easy to clean. It goes with almost anything so it’s a win-win! Clean-lined handles – Cup pulls were once popular but are bulky and out of place in a modern kitchen. They also take up valuable storage space. Gray cabinets – The trend towards gray cabinets is for both the fronts and insides. It’s different but not too bold. Just remember to use soft grays rather than dark ones which are quite popular now. Dark backsplashes – A darker color wall behind your stove and sink is a great way to finish off the look of your modern kitchen. A contrasting material like glass, subway tile or quartz makes it pop. Subway Tile – If you want to go with that traditional white subway tile look then try choosing a mosaic for the center area of the backsplash. You can also match it to the grout color in your countertops to tie in the look. White or light cabinets – This is a great way to open up the space and make it look clean and bright. If you have dark floors underfoot then all the better! You can also consider painting your current cabinets for an instant update.
Make Your Kitchen As Functional As Possible
Preparing dinner in a cramped kitchen is no easy task, for either the cook or those who have to navigate around her! Kitchen renovations are known to increase the value of your home and open it up to a new market. Kitchens are integral parts of any house as they play such an important role in day-to-day life, so it is no wonder that people want them to be as functional as possible!