A well-executed Kitchen Remodel Near Me can significantly boost a home’s value. But it’s important to plan and budget carefully.
Over-customizing a kitchen may limit its appeal to future buyers. So, homeowners should choose designs and features that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Here are some of the top kitchen remodel ideas to consider.
The layout of your kitchen has everything to do with how functional your space is. Your kitchen may look stunning, but if it’s not laid out efficiently you can be limited in what you can accomplish within the room. Thankfully, there are many different kitchen layout ideas to choose from, making it easy to find the best option for your space.
The kitchen triangle is a standard kitchen layout idea that provides a workable and efficient workspace. This concept involves placing the sink, oven, and refrigerator in a triangular relationship to provide optimal workflow. While this is a good place to start, every kitchen is different, so it’s important to tweak your layout depending on your specific needs and space.
Galley kitchen layouts are an excellent choice for small-scale kitchens. This layout consists of parallel cabinets fitted along one wall, providing a simple and practical design. This style of kitchen also allows light to flow freely throughout the room, which is perfect for a more open-concept design.
Another popular kitchen layout idea is an L-shaped kitchen. This type of kitchen consists of two joining walls and can be used in any sized space. You can even add an island or breakfast nook to enhance this layout.
Kitchen islands are quickly becoming the trendiest kitchen feature, as they offer numerous benefits such as additional storage, more countertop space, and a designated area for dining. Typically, they are added to single-wall or l-shaped kitchens, but they can also be used in u-shaped layouts.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing your kitchen layout is that you want to consider the preferences of potential future home buyers. Avoid over-customizing your kitchen to fit your own tastes, as this can limit how much your home can sell for.
Once you have your kitchen layout confirmed, it’s time to consider the lighting. Ideally, you’ll have both ambient and task lighting to illuminate the entire room. Ambient lighting should be in the form of ceiling or wall fixtures, while task lighting should be located near your most-used areas. For example, you’ll want to have task lighting near your stove, dishwasher, and sink.
Storage
A well-organized kitchen isn’t just a dream, it’s an essential for efficient cooking. It can make the difference between a 20-minute dinner and a kitchen apocalypse that has you calling for takeout. Smart storage eliminates clutter and turns any kitchen into a dream space, even on the smallest budget.
Whether you opt for open shelving (a favorite trend) or simple cabinetry, there are plenty of clever ways to make it work for your family’s needs. Add a set of expandable drawer dividers to organize your pots, pans and baking supplies or create a neat and tidy under-sink solution with homes for soap, cleaners, brushes, sponges, aluminum foil and plastic bags.
A lazy susan can be a fantastic option for hard-to-reach areas or in corner base cabinets, but it’s also a great addition to upper cabinets as well! This rotating shelf allows you to find what you’re looking for without bending down or emptying an entire cupboard. Plus, it’s easily tucked away when not in use. It’s the perfect way to make a small space work for you and your guests.
Appliances
Whether you’re ready to splurge or renovating on a budget, appliances are the foundation of your kitchen’s functionality. They’re usually the biggest purchase for any kitchen remodel, accounting for 15 to 20 percent of total costs, according to nationwide appliance retailer Appliances Connection. To make the most of your budget, build an appliance package based on your kitchen’s size and features. Choose energy-efficient models that can help lower your utility bills, and read reviews to find the best deals and quality.
Style and design are also important factors to consider as you shop for kitchen appliances. Matching or coordinating your appliances with your cabinetry can create a cohesive look, while choosing state-of-the-art, splurge-worthy options that incorporate advanced technology and sleek design can elevate your cooking space.
If you have a set amount to spend, it may be beneficial to invest in a complete appliance suite at one time to save on delivery and installation fees. Additionally, purchasing appliances from the same brand can simplify smart device integration and ensure compatibility.
When selecting a new kitchen appliance, it’s essential to consider its longevity. The average refrigerator lasts about 12 years, and a dishwasher can last up to 14 years. When it’s time to replace your appliances, make sure they meet the latest standards for safety and efficiency. For example, many appliances now come with sensor technology to detect moisture levels and adjust heating and cooling settings accordingly. This feature makes appliances more energy-efficient, helping to reduce your utility bill and prolong their lifespan. You’ll also find appliances that blend seamlessly into your counters, providing a seamless look without compromising function. These hidden appliances are perfect for open-plan living spaces where you want to maintain a sleek aesthetic.
Lighting
A well-lit kitchen is essential for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Task lighting provides bright, focused illumination on work zones like countertops and stovetops, while recessed ceiling fixtures help illuminate the entire room. And undercabinet lights offer versatile, eye-catching illumination for dark corners and nooks that are often overlooked. For a stylish touch, consider adding dimmers to your kitchen light fixtures, so you can set the ambiance and mood as needed.
When selecting kitchen light fixtures, look for designs that coordinate with the rest of your kitchen décor. This helps to create a cohesive and eye-catching design that enhances your home’s style and functionality. For example, if your kitchen features wood accents, use wrought iron chandeliers to complement the material and add an industrial feel. Or, if you have a large kitchen with vaulted ceilings, opt for oversized pendants that are a bit more dramatic.
Consider the color temperature of your kitchen light fixtures as well. Warmer temperatures (such as incandescent and traditional halogen) can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere while cooler whites are more energizing and bright.
When installing new countertops, be sure to select a durable and low-maintenance material. Granite and quartz are popular choices for countertops, but there are many other options available as well. For instance, engineered quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including those that closely resemble the natural variegation of marble and limestone. Another option is solid surface countertops, which are durable and easy to clean. These are available in a variety of finishes, including matte and glossy, and they can be installed over existing cabinetry.