5 Design Tips For a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Remodel is an investment, but it’s also a great way to add value to your home. The trick is to figure out what works best for your needs, and what’s most cost effective.

For example, instead of upgrading to real marble countertops, consider quartzite materials that look similar and cost less. Or, swap a range for a wall oven that installs at waist-height.

Cabinets

Cabinets are a major component of your kitchen and can impact the overall look. They’re available in face-frame or frameless construction and a range of finishes and door styles.

Decorative hardware can give cabinets an updated look. The brushed nickel pulls pictured on this kitchen by Twelve 15 Design Studio create an elegant touch to the space.

Drawers are a great alternative to doors in lower cabinets and allow for more storage. They also allow for access without crouching, which helps avoid painful back or knee problems.

Some designers offer options called universal design, which incorporates features that can be manipulated by users of all abilities. This includes easily manipulated handles and low switches. A kitchen’s layout should consider maximizing accessible storage close to the most-used appliances and work centers.

Countertops

Countertops take the most wear and tear in a kitchen so it’s crucial to choose a surface you love that also has real endurance. Look for a durable material that can withstand heat, heavy usage and spills.

Stainless steel countertops blend well with modern appliances and have the added benefit of being resistant to heat and fingerprints. They can be welded, ground and buffed to remove seams and are available in a wide range of colors.

Porcelain has recently become a top choice for countertop materials because of its hygienic properties and ability to mimic the look of other natural surfaces like marble or wood. You can also get a variety of edge profiles from simple rounded edges to s-shaped ogee curves that add a more luxurious touch.

Flooring

The kitchen floor does a lot of heavy lifting: it must hold up to lots of foot traffic, shrug off spills and be durable. It also makes a major design statement.

Laminate floors are a warm, low-cost option that can look like wood but is less prone to moisture damage. Newer laminates include rigid cores made of waterproof material that make them more sturdy than traditional versions.

Tile offers a sleek contemporary aesthetic and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. Stone can add a luxurious feel to the room and looks even better with age as it acquires a patina. Whether you choose polished marble or honed limestone, these enduring materials will elevate your kitchen design. You can also use patterned tiles to visually zone the space, especially in open-plan homes.

Lighting

A well-lit work area is not only a safety essential, it can also help create a sense of space and openness. Choose a multi-layered lighting plan that includes ambient (overall) light, task light for areas like cooking and reading recipes, and accent or decorative lights to highlight special features or create moods.

Recessed, track, pendant and flush-mount lighting are all excellent choices for ambient kitchen light. They’re concealed into the ceiling and look sleek, while being very effective.

Under cabinet lighting is another ideal kitchen lighting option. It performs multiple roles including task lighting, highlighting your beautiful backsplash, and a great way to add ambiance when paired with a dimmer switch. It can be hardwired, plugged in, or powered by batteries. This flexibility allows you to easily create the right mood for every occasion.

Appliances

The appliances in a kitchen are the heart of it. They cook your meals, reheat leftovers and clean the dishes. Choosing the right ones is vital to your everyday functionality in the cocina. The last thing you want is a set of new appliances that don’t fit your space. Removing and re-installing them can add to your costs, interfere with the project timeline and reduce your productivity.

A modern refrigerator, oven and dishwasher also increase your home’s value, especially if you opt for stainless steel appliances. This style is popular and inspires potential buyers to envision themselves in your home. It’s a great way to get the most out of your investment. Also consider getting Energy Star-rated appliances that save energy and money without sacrificing performance or style.

Island

Whether it’s to create a focal point or serve as an additional workspace, kitchen islands add more versatility than countertops installed along walls. They also provide extra storage and seating.

Kitchen islands can be built in or purchased as carts that are moved to and from a spot within the kitchen when not in use. They’re a great option for homebuyers who are looking to consolidate spaces and can be loaded with features like pull-out surfaces for chopping or kneading, drawers for cookbooks, cabinets for fine glassware & cutlery, and more.

Keep in mind that if you do go with an island, it needs to be proportional to the rest of the space and offer enough clearance for free movement around its edges. A good rule of thumb is to plan for a minimum of 36 inches on all sides.

Storage

Storage isn’t just a matter of cabinets and drawers. Open shelving is a hot trend that puts pretty dishes on display and creates a welcoming atmosphere. You can even add a little personality by arranging nooks and crannies for items that wouldn’t fit into standard cabinet sizes, like empty orphan file holders that become upright storage zones for aluminum foil, parchment paper, plastic bags and other kitchen supplies. You can also create a secondary storage zone for less frequently used kitchen staples, such as serving platters, cookbooks and other decorative items. If you have the space, consider taking your cabinets all the way to the ceiling to make full use of that valuable real estate.

An expandable drawer divider makes it easy to customize your drawers for your specific needs, dividing them into multiple compartments for everything from utensils to baking supplies.