No kitchen is complete without sufficient storage. Having the right amount of space for all your cookware, dishes and other kitchen supplies will help make it more organized and pleasant to work in.
The next step is determining what the goals are for the remodel, such as a cosmetic refresh or what Ariana Lovato calls a “total kitchen gut.” This will affect everything that goes into your project, including the price tag. Contact Tacoma Kitchen Remodel now!
Cabinets are one of the biggest focal points in your kitchen, so you’ll want to think carefully about how you’d like them to look. A kitchen cabinet remodel is an opportunity to showcase your personal style, and there are endless ways to customize them. You can opt for a more traditional look with simple wood cabinets, or you can go bold with a painted door. You can also add unique details such as a pegboard door or open storage.
Depending on the size of your kitchen and your budget, you might be able to completely replace cabinets or you might need to reface them. If you’re replacing them, you can take this opportunity to update the style and materials, as well as incorporate the newest features. For example, you can opt for soft-close doors and drawers, divider options, or modern brass knobs.
If you’re refacing your cabinets, you can still update the look by repainting them. This is a relatively easy task and can dramatically change the overall look of your kitchen. Choosing a fresh coat of paint will also create a clean, new feel. This is something that you can easily do on your own, or you might prefer to hire professional painters.
Removing upper cabinets can also open up your space and allow more light to flood the room. This is an option that many homeowners choose to do during a kitchen remodel, and it’s also a great way to make your space appear bigger. Bulky upper cabinets can dwarf a small space, so if you have the space to do it, this is definitely worth considering.
Another great kitchen cabinet remodeling idea is to install glass fronts on your cabinets. This can create a clean, fresh aesthetic and is perfect for kitchens that are decorated with white or pastels. You can also display a collection of vintage or antique dishes to add character and depth to the space.
If you have the space, you can also consider adding additional storage by installing a nook in an empty corner. This is a great space for a small pantry, snack bar, or coffee station. You can install a window to let natural light fill the area and you can even back the nook with wallpaper for a more custom feel.
Countertops
Countertops are the most visible surface in any kitchen, and they set the tone for the room’s design. If your countertops are outdated or damaged, they can detract from the overall look of the space and even create a health hazard. Replacing your countertops is one of the most important parts of a kitchen remodel, and there are many different options to consider.
When choosing your new countertops, the first thing to think about is what kind of material you’d like. You’ll want to consider the color scheme of your kitchen and your overall design aesthetic, but also things like durability and ease of cleaning. If you have kids, pets or plan to cook often, you’ll want to choose a countertop that is durable against scratches and stains.
Laminate and Corian countertops can scratch and stain easily, but replacing them with quartz or granite countertops can make a huge difference in the look of your kitchen. The price of these options varies, but the investment will be worth it in the long run.
Another great option for a quick kitchen update is covering your existing countertops with contact paper to give them a fresh new look. Contact paper is available in a variety of patterns and materials, from marble-patterned to peel-and-stick tile tattoos, that can mimic the look of stone or wood counters. This is a great temporary solution for renters and can protect your countertops from damage until you’re ready to move.
If you’re ready to replace your countertops, a professional will create a template of the area so that your new counters can be custom-made. Depending on the material you choose, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a day. You’ll need to have your sink and faucet installed, or at least removed so that the countertop can be cut around them.
Once your countertops are installed, it’s a good idea to add a backsplash to help prevent water, grease and other debris from damaging your walls. This can be done during the installation process or as a DIY project. A backsplash can be made from any number of materials, including glass, metal, ceramic and natural stone.
Flooring
When remodeling a kitchen, homeowners often want to change the flooring in the room. This may be to update the look and feel of the space, or it could be due to a faulty floor that can no longer support appliances or cabinets. Regardless of the reason, this is a major decision that can affect the rest of the renovation. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.
Many people prefer to install flooring first because it prevents having to cut the material around cabinets and appliances. However, this may also limit your flexibility if you ever decide to switch out the cabinet footprint in the future. In addition, you’ll need to add plywood risers underneath any cabinets or appliances that aren’t at a proper height, which can be expensive and can take away from the flawless look of a new kitchen.
Another benefit of installing floors first is that it allows you to use the existing power and plumbing in the room. This can save money and time, especially if your kitchen remodel is on a tight deadline. However, this may not be a good idea for anyone who is planning to add radiant floor heating to their kitchen. This product can raise the flooring by up to 2 inches, which can throw off the height of any cabinets or appliances.
Putting in a new floor before installing cabinets is also more practical for those who are planning to repaint walls or other surfaces during their kitchen renovation. It can be difficult to avoid damaging a new flooring cover with drops of paint, so saving this task for the end of the project can ensure that your beautiful new kitchen floors will remain flawless.
Whatever order you choose to complete the renovation, it’s a good idea to set aside 20% of your total cost for unplanned expenses. This amount can include anything from miscalculations in the amount of materials needed to unexpected electrical and plumbing work. By having this money available, you can quickly address any issues that come up without causing too much of a delay in your kitchen’s completion.
Lighting
As the hub of your home, people tend to gather in the kitchen, so it’s important that it be well-lit. But lighting does more than just illuminate the room; it can add style, warmth, and even set a mood for entertaining.
That’s why it’s important to layer your lighting in the kitchen—a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting allows you to light up the area for its intended purpose while still creating a visually balanced space.
For example, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate workspaces for food prep and give cabinets a glow, while pendant lights over the island can provide general illumination for cooking and dining. Accent lighting highlights decorative elements, like a chandelier or a piece of wall art, and helps create a focal point in the kitchen.
Another consideration when choosing kitchen lighting is the amount of shadow that it casts. Harsh shadows from poorly positioned fixtures can be distracting and make the kitchen feel smaller. To avoid this, consider adding more fixtures or installing them at a higher level to allow for better coverage. Additionally, opting for dimmers allows you to control the intensity of the lighting and adjust it depending on your mood or time of day.
When deciding on the right kind of lighting for your kitchen, it’s important to work with a qualified professional who is familiar with electrical code requirements. It’s also a good idea to have the professional install the infrastructure for your decorative lighting—like the junction box and recessed box in the ceiling—during the remodel, so you can easily upgrade to new fixtures when you’re ready.
During a kitchen remodel, the addition of new outlets and light fixtures is also a great opportunity to add more plugs to accommodate charging devices and other appliances. This is a much more cost-effective way to update your electrical system than tearing down load-bearing walls and rewiring the entire house.
Changing your kitchen’s lighting is a quick, simple, and cost-effective way to transform the room without dramatically altering its layout or disrupting your daily routine. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your remodel!