Introduction
The kitchen serves as the heart and hearth of your home. It’s where you prepare your meals and where all your parties gather. Is it any wonder that remodeling kitchen is so popular and has the largest payoff in terms of boosting a property’s resale value? Of course, it’s also the most complicated and can be the most expensive.
Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
If you’re remodeling a kitchen for the first, or even third time, it can be overwhelming. From setting a timeline to pulling building permits, a remodeling project requires you to do things that you may not even know about.
- Planning
A successful kitchen renovation is the result of creating a plan. Hiring contractors, deciding on designs, and ordering materials takes time, so planning ahead is the best way to keep your project on track.
- Be Clear
Identifying what needs to be updated is the first step to determining the size of your project. If your space is in good condition, remodeling may be a matter of replacing outdated cosmetic materials to create a fresh look. If this is the case, you may even choose to take on a DIY kitchen remodel.
- Hire a Contractor
We have seen more than a few kitchen remodels postponed due to a lack of contractors and skilled laborers to hire. If you intend to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor, put that task at the top of your to-do list. Trustworthy and experienced contractors are often booked four to eight months in advance and hiring the first available person you find may not product the results you want.
Should you put Flooring under Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Embarking on a kitchen remodeling is both exciting and nerve-wracking. To make it slightly less nerve-wracking, we have coined some ideas about how to make the process easier, less expensive and more successful. Check out this collection of great tips for turning your kitchen remodeling into a journey that ends with the kitchen of your dreams!
- Add Greenery
No room for a greenhouse or garden in your home? Start a mini plant collection in the kitchen instead. This way, you can exercise your green thumb and liven up the room (bonus: plant herbs for a truly useful indoor garden).
- Open Shelves are Trending
Have fun with open shelving, stacking plates and adding items that bring personality to the room as a whole. Try framed photos, candlesticks, and art. The retro red appliances are also definitely worth investing in if you love color and nostalgia.
- Use Metal Grates
Can’t decide between glass display cabinets and solid cabinets? Try this happy medium. The metal grates allow for partial visibility and add a shiny touch.
- Paint It Two Tones
Why settle for one color when you could have two? Just make sure you choose two complimentary colors so nothing clashes, like the muted mint green and dusty rose pink. The wood elements and traditional design will balance things out nicely, too.
- Choose Unique Stools
Your counter stools should be as important as your dining chairs—you’ll always be able to see them, and they can add some contrast to your kitchen. You can add the leather-topped wooden stools for a surge of warm elegance.
- Incorporate Vintage
When you want a pop of color but don’t have the space, budget, or gall to invest in vibrant fixtures or paint, introduce some lively wall art, posters or large prints instead.
- Redo Flooring
If a total kitchen transformation is what you’re after, it’s time to redo your flooring. Many choices are available nowadays. And if you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-clean option and love the traditional appeal of hardwood, consider a wood-look alternative such as vinyl or the glazed ceramic tile, which you can also use on the wall as a rustic backsplash.
- Convert a Corner into Appliance Garage
If you’re going to entertain guests in your kitchen, make your countertops look instantly neater and cleaner by storing frequently used appliances in a built-in garage. You can also use the space as a coffee station or baking center.
- Elevate the Hardware
Hardware and ‘faucetry’ can elevate a kitchen to the next level. Warm-toned metals such as brass have become more common, and there’s also a wonderful selection of shapes and brushed finishes to choose from. Check out the selection at your local plumbing and hardware vendor to see what’s available.
- Don’t Neglect the Ceiling
The ceiling is often over-looked, but you can bring it to life by keeping it bright and well-lit. You can even add a design scheme which can be as simple as painting it a contrasting color to the walls and cabinets or as elaborate as adding beams, wood planks, or applied coffers.
Conclusion
Once you’ve transformed your kitchen, you’ll want to show it off. When planning a remodel, look for opportunities to open up the space and incorporate more seating options, like a breakfast table, a corner bench, or add a bar top to your kitchen island and bring in a few stools.
