Get The Kitchen Remodel of your Dreams
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house. Finding the perfect kitchen is difficult, since you want a room that is practical for cooking, but also comfortable enough to spend time enjoying your meals in. Remodeling your kitchen is much different from remodeling other parts of your home.
With other rooms, remodeling typically involves buying new furniture or moving existing items around. Kitchens are more complex since there are so many more fixed parts. There are many levels to remodeling a kitchen. In some cases, you only need to update your appliances, while other projects involve gutting your kitchen to replace cabinets.
Tips for a Successful Remodel
Before looking at the popular trends, it is important to learn the basics of kitchen remodeling. The most important part of your remodel is planning. Because it is such a big project, you do not want to impulsively make purchases. Not only do you risk buying something you are unhappy with, but you might even get an item that does not fit your kitchen at all. One of the key parts of planning is measuring. Make sure to measure both the height and width of any items you are replacing, as well as any areas you must pass through, such as your doorways and walkways. The last thing you want is to buy your dream refrigerator, only to find you cannot get it into your kitchen.
Another part of planning is picking all the fixtures and materials before you begin. This gives you a much better idea of how expensive remodeling will be. You also want to factor in the cost of any new appliances. Remember, the most expensive option is not always the best fit for your kitchen. At the same time, do not try and cut corners by going with less reliable materials. You may initially save money, but when it comes to your kitchen, you want products and materials designed to last.
Do it Yourself Tips
Planning becomes even more important with do it yourself projects. When you are planning, be honest with your abilities. If there is something you are not confident doing, do not be afraid to hire someone for assistance. This is especially important if you are installing new appliances that require rewiring your kitchen to operate. You must also plan out what tools you need to purchase.
Finding the right materials may also take longer if you are doing the project yourself. However, you may be able to save on money. Most professionals partner with select companies, but you have the freedom to pick your seller and shop around for the best prices.
Remodeling yourself will most likely take longer than if you have a professional. When you are planning your project, make sure you include a few extra days to get everything done, otherwise, you risk rushing and messing something up. Make sure to plan what you will do while your kitchen is being remodeled. For example, you do not want to remove all the appliances in the beginning to speed things up, only to find you have no means of cooking until the new appliances arrive.
Updating Appliances
If you do not want to start with a big change to your kitchen, consider remodeling your appliances. There are many small changes you can make to update your kitchen. If you are a coffee drinker, you can get a customizable coffee maker, which automatically saves your favorite settings. There are also several items you can get for your sink, such as an automatic sensor to activate your faucet. This pairs well with automatic soap dispensers.
A popular appliance to update is the refrigerator. In 2020, smart refrigerators have the ability to track the items in your fridge, updating you via phone app when you are running low on items. Some models also feature a programmable calendar, or allow you to search online for recipes. You can even get models that play music while you are cooking.
New Paint
Not all kitchen remodels must be large projects. If you are overly happy with how everything functions in your kitchen, but still desire change, consider giving your kitchen a new paint job. If you want a more professional feel, consider going with bright whites or shades of gray. If you want a friendlier or invigorating kitchen, add yellow or blue. If you have wood accents, green may pair well with your existing decor.
Adding an Island
If your kitchen feels cramped, a great way to free up space is by adding an island. Kitchen islands come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some islands are entirely practical, meant to store dishes and appliances while giving you a surface to cook on. These islands are often mobile, allowing you to roll the island around your kitchen as needed. Other islands lack mobility, but are large enough to function as a traditional tabletop.
Cabinet Changes
There are many changes you can make to your cabinets. If you want a more open look, consider clearing out your cabinets and installing shelves along the wall. If you already have cabinets on the wall, simply remove the doors to turn them into shelves. You can also make cabinets look classier by replacing the basic doors with glass door inserts. There are also options to add lights to the interior of your cabinets, making it easier to see items and giving your kitchen a pleasing ambient glow. For a more extreme project, consider removing cabinets entirely and adding additional window space to your kitchen.
Countertop Changes
Changing your counter top is another top remodeling project. There are many possible styles to choose from. In terms of practicality, quarts or granite countertops are excellent choices. Both materials are scratch, heat and impact resistance. If you are on a budget, consider laminate countertops. There are multiple styles available, designed to emulate traditional stone and wood countertops. For something more elegant, you can install marble countertops. Wood countertops can give your kitchen a charming, retro look.
