Kitchen Remodel – Cabinets, Countertops and Lighting
A kitchen can never have too much storage. Add unique storage elements like pull-out pan racks and pantry storage to maximize your space.
Many changes are purely cosmetic, but others require more profound renovation. Moving walls, converting to an open floor plan, or relocating built-in appliances may involve structural or utility renovations. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Kitchen Remodel.
Cabinetry accounts for the majority of your kitchen’s surface area and can be one of the biggest changes to a room during a remodel. Cabinets are available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes. Some are prefabricated and others are custom built. It is important to understand the differences between these options before deciding on the final design of your kitchen.
The first step in many kitchen remodels is to rip out existing cabinetry, walls, and appliances. While this is often the most exciting part of a remodel, it can also be a stressful and messy time. It is best to hire a general contractor that can handle this step for you, as they typically have teams of experienced subcontractors who specialize in working on homes.
Once you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, establishing the goals of the project can help make the process more enjoyable. This will include determining how much storage you want and need in the finished product. If you find that you need more storage space, consider adding unique elements like pull-out pan racks, or installing hidden drawers in upper cabinets for utensils and small appliances.
Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you will need to make decisions about layout, materials, fixtures, and lighting. A professional designer can simplify the process by helping you make style choices and foreseeing problems that may arise during the construction phase. They can also manage the subcontractors to ensure that all phases of your kitchen remodel are completed in a timely manner and on budget.
It is a good idea to create a kitchen plan and budget before starting the project. Having this in place will prevent surprises during the remodeling process and help you avoid expensive repairs later.
It is also a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen before the sledgehammers start swinging. This can be as simple as a dorm-sized refrigerator and a microwave in the garage, or it could involve joining sympathetic friends and family members for meals during the remodel. It is also important to plan for eating out during the remodel, as it will be too costly and inconvenient to cook at home for several weeks or more.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most visible parts of your kitchen, and they have a lot to do with how your kitchen looks. You can find a variety of styles, materials and finishes to create the look you want. Some popular choices include natural stone, granite, wood, laminates and concrete. For a modern, sleek appearance, stainless steel countertops are popular. They create a professional-looking kitchen and are durable, stain resistant and hygienic.
One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to update your countertops is by refinishing or resurfacing them. This process involves applying a new surface layer to your existing counters that dramatically changes their appearance. This option is also a good choice for homeowners with budget constraints because it costs significantly less than replacing them.
Another way to change the look of your countertops is by painting them with patterns or designs. High-quality, food-safe paint is available in a variety of colors and finishes that can be used to create a unique, one-of-a-kind look that fits your style. However, this is a more involved project that requires careful planning and masking techniques.
Tile countertops can add a rustic charm to your kitchen and are a good choice for creating a cottage-style or country-themed aesthetic. They’re also durable and inexpensive, though they can be more difficult to install than other countertop options. If you’re considering a tile counter, be sure to seek out a do-it-yourself installation kit that includes a membrane that helps prevent water and grease from damaging the walls behind the counters.
Solid-surface countertops are a middle-ground option between expensive natural stones and cheap laminates. They’re available in a wide array of colors and styles, including faux versions of granite and marble. They’re easy to clean and stain-resistant, and their seams are virtually invisible. However, these surfaces aren’t suitable for hot pans and can scratch easily if not properly sealed.
Another practical upgrade is a waste bin hole that’s recessed into the counter to make it easier and more convenient to throw away trash, compost or recycling. This feature can be installed by ordering counters with the hole built in or, for a DIY project, by boring a hole into the existing counter surface.
Flooring
The floors in your kitchen are constantly abused by spills, heavy foot traffic and other messes, so you want to choose a durable material that can hold up to years of use. Tile is an excellent choice for wet areas, as it can withstand moisture and it’s available in a vast range of colors and patterns. Wood is another popular option, but it can warp if exposed to too much moisture. One alternative to wood is engineered hardwood, which is made of real wood on the surface with a layer of plywood underneath. This provides durability and can be installed in a kitchen without the need for a subfloor.
Linoleum is another green flooring option that is also highly durable. It is made from recycled materials and can be purchased in a wide range of colors. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, and it’s water resistant. However, linoleum can become yellowish over time if exposed to too much sunlight.
When installing new flooring, it is usually best to do so before the cabinets are installed. This is because hardwood and tile both raise the floor by a certain amount, and if you install them afterwards, it could throw off the height of your cabinets and appliances. If for some reason you are unable to do this, you can always add plywood risers under the cabinets to keep the flooring at a comfortable level.
Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen is an important part of any remodel, and it can be confusing with so many choices on the market. An interior designer can help you find the perfect material to match your space and goals.
If you have any other flooring in the house, be sure to remove it and move any freestanding furniture before starting your kitchen renovation. This will keep it safe from dust and debris during the construction process.
If you decide to hire a full-service remodel company, they will likely manage the demolition of your existing floors, as well as any structural changes needed in the kitchen. They will also handle the installation of your new floor coverings, as well as your countertops and sinks.
Lighting
When you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a beautiful focal point that also provides a comfortable workspace, lighting is the final piece of the puzzle. We’ll help you find light fixtures that perfectly complement your style, whether you choose to go with classic chandeliers for a traditional space or sleek pendant lighting for a modern kitchen. We’ll even show you how to use under cabinet lighting to make your cabinets glow with a warm, inviting illumination that’s perfect for entertaining.
Layered lighting is the best way to bring out the beauty of your kitchen, creating a well-lit space that serves a variety of functions. The base layer is ambient lighting, which is provided by ceiling lights or natural sunlight through windows during the day. We’ll help you plan out your ambient lighting to ensure that pathways throughout the room are illuminated, especially if you have an open floor plan.
Task lighting gets rid of shadows and allows you to perform kitchen tasks like chopping vegetables or reading recipes without straining your eyes. We can brighten up work zones using under-cabinet lighting or LED strip lights installed in the ceiling, and we’ll help you select a system that’s compatible with your open floor plan so that it’s easy to switch between ambient and task light as needed.
Accent lighting highlights architectural details, design elements, or art in your kitchen to add a little visual drama. It’s a great option for accenting unique features, such as a patterned backsplash or an eye-catching chandelier, and it’s particularly useful in smaller kitchens where there isn’t much space to feature decorative elements.
Under-cabinet lighting is a game changer for any kitchen, illuminating workspaces and eliminating shadows to give you the most precise task light possible. It can also highlight any jars of spices, vases of flowers, or other decorative items you may have on your countertops. These light fixtures can be easily installed during a kitchen remodel, but they do require some electrical work, so it’s important to hire an experienced electrician who specializes in residential remodeling and knows how to properly wire your home for these types of light fixtures.
