The kitchen is one of the most commonly used rooms in a home, and a well-appointed kitchen can add significant value to your property when it’s time to sell. Many prospective homebuyers prioritize properties with updated kitchens.
If your kitchen is cramped and you’re constantly stepping over people or if it’s outdated, it may be time to remodel. Contact By Design Kitchen Remodeling of Tacoma now!
Cabinets are the backbone of a kitchen and can be configured to make the most of the room’s layout and floor plan. They also offer the opportunity to make a dramatic style statement that sets your kitchen apart from others.
Traditionally, cabinets are mounted to the wall above the countertops to hold bowls, plates, serving dishware and cups. They can also be used for storing pots and pans, as well as bottled hygienic products like detergent and shampoo. Cabinetry can be designed with either doors or drawers to store items, and the finish can be stained or painted wood. Decorative moldings can be added for an extra touch of elegance.
When choosing your cabinet material, keep in mind how you use your kitchen and the lifestyle of family members. Solid wood cabinets are the most durable option. They can be stained or painted to create a custom look, and they’re easy to wipe clean and resistant to humidity changes. However, they’re more expensive than other options.
If you want to save money but still get the look of natural wood, consider opting for a plywood core with a hardwood veneer. This offers a cost-effective alternative to solid wood, but it doesn’t have the same integrity and will show signs of wear more quickly.
Another option for adding an element of style to your cabinetry is open shelving. This can make a beautiful statement, but it’s important to have enough storage space for your dishware and utensils to prevent them from becoming a Jenga game. To make the most of your open shelving, try organizing by zones so that similar items are grouped together and close to where you’ll be using them.
Countertops
The countertops in a kitchen can make a dramatic impact on the overall design of the space. They can also add value to the home and increase its resale potential.
The right countertop material will complement the style of the cabinets and flooring, as well as your design preferences. Choose from a variety of materials, including natural stone and engineered quartz. You can even mix and match materials to create a unique look.
For example, a marble counter offers a warm, traditional look, while an honed granite counter provides a sleek and modern appearance. Both can be paired with natural wood or steel cabinets.
Another popular option is concrete, which comes in a variety of colors and textures. It can be stamped to look like other materials such as granite or slate, and is an environmentally friendly choice. Concrete is durable and scratch-resistant, but it does require periodic refinishing.
Stainless steel is another popular option, as it can withstand heat and resist stains and scratches. It can also develop a beautiful patina over time that adds character to the kitchen. It is more expensive than other options, but it can increase the value of the home.
Other countertops include travertine, which has a pitted surface and soft, earthy tones. It’s a great choice for rustic or country designs. It’s also durable and heat-resistant, but it does require regular refinishing.
A double island can add counter space and seating for casual dining. It’s a great place to gather as a family or entertain guests. It can be a focal point of the kitchen, or it can blend in with the rest of the room. Open shelves can provide storage for cookbooks, dishes and other items. You can also install a built-in bench for additional seating.
Appliances
The right appliances can be the difference between a kitchen that looks dated and one that feels updated. Appliances are an expensive element of any kitchen remodel and choosing energy-efficient and high-quality models can help cut costs in the long run.
The appliances you select should be determined early in the kitchen remodel process. Your selections will impact nearly every other design choice, from layout to plumbing and electrical. Determine whether you prefer freestanding or built-in appliances, gas or electric, and what venting option will work best for your space. You should also decide whether you want a microwave or oven installed over your range and plan for the additional cost of a stylish chimney hood or cabinet hood.
Kitchens that offer plenty of storage and counter space can benefit from double islands, which provide a versatile workspace for food prep or casual dining. Island materials vary, but concrete and butcherblock offer a natural look that pairs with most cabinet styles. Granite remains popular, but engineered quartz offers a range of colors and textures that replicate the variegation of real marble and limestone.
If you’re limiting your remodel to updating existing surfaces, consider a kitchen renovation rather than a full remodel. Renovations can refresh your kitchen without altering the room’s structure or layout and may be more affordable than a full remodel.
If you’re planning to stay in your home for an extended period during the kitchen remodel, it is important to establish a plan for how you’ll cook and eat. Consider renting a small appliance, using disposable utensils and creating meals ahead of time to avoid eating out or resorting to ready-made foods during your remodel.
Flooring
A kitchen remodel is an opportunity to replace worn, tatty or stained flooring. It’s a chance to choose flooring that fits your aesthetic preferences and suits the overall feel of the space.
A full kitchen remodel is a major undertaking that involves substantial changes to the overall structure and design of the space, such as changing or adding walls, reconfiguring doors and windows, and installing new fixtures and appliances. It often requires a larger budget and the services of professional design and contracting professionals.
In a kitchen remodeling project, the focus is on enhancing the kitchen’s functionality and aligning it with modern living standards. This may include creating more storage space, improving workflow, or updating the aesthetics. It can also include relocating the position of appliances or adding or upgrading features to accommodate specific dietary needs.
Renovating your kitchen is a great way to increase its value and make it more appealing for future homebuyers. However, it’s important not to over-customize your kitchen, as this can limit its appeal to a more limited audience. For example, installing a walk-in wine cellar might not be attractive to most potential buyers.
It’s also worth remembering that remodeling your kitchen is a big project that will involve disruption to your everyday life. Contractors will be traipsing in and out of your house, making a mess, and potentially leaving you without a functional kitchen for weeks or even months. If you can avoid this by opting for a more minor renovation, it might be the right choice for you.
Lighting
When designing your kitchen, it’s important to think through how you and your family will use the space. This helps ensure you’re selecting the right light fixtures to suit your needs. In a well-lit room, you can work more efficiently and comfortably.
The most effective lighting designs incorporate layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lights provide overall illumination, while task lights focus on specific areas like countertops and stovetops, and accent lighting highlights decorative elements or architectural features. When combined, these lighting types create a versatile and functional kitchen that can be adjusted to suit different activities and moods.
Pendant lighting is a popular option for kitchens, and they come in many different styles and finishes. Choose adjustable pendants to direct the light where you need it. If you have a vaulted ceiling, consider using flexible chains instead of hard pendant rods. This will give the illusion of more height and a lighter, airier look.
Undercabinet lighting brightens cabinets and eliminates shadows for easy food prep. It can also be installed in glass-front cabinets or open shelving to showcase collections and decorations. Choose warm or cool white LEDs to match your kitchen’s color scheme.
Accent lighting can be achieved with wall sconces, uplights, and track lights. These can highlight decorative accents, artwork, or architectural details. They’re also great for spotlighting countertops or highlighting the texture of backsplash tiles. They can even be used to highlight the architecture of a ceiling or emphasize a vaulted ceiling in an open concept design. In addition, recessed and flush mount lighting can be used to provide general illumination. They’re also easy to control with smart home systems or integrated into a whole-home system.