The kitchen is where family memories are made. Think of the joy, laughter, tears, and life lessons that take place in this little corner of your home. You want it to be as comfortable, efficient, and charming as possible with the best kitchen remodel ideas.
Big or small, simple or sophisticated, your dream kitchen is yours to style. But where do you start?
An honest assessment of your kitchen needs
A successful kitchen remodel project starts with an honest assessment of your kitchen needs based on your current lifestyle. Questions on functionality, comfort, and esthetics need to be answered.
- How big, old, or young is your family?
- Are you or other members of the family avid cooks or entertainers?
- Do some members have special needs? How long do you intend to live in your present house?
- Does your kitchen area have the needed space for the design you have in mind?
Your designer or contractor will come up with a kitchen renovation solution that meets your lifestyle needs.
Spaces, sizes, and shapes
Whether your kitchen remodel goal is to preserve tradition or answer the call of modern living; spaces, sizes, and shapes do matter. A bigger space can accommodate more furnishings and appliances, but a smaller room can be transformed into a remarkable, functional space. In short, a small or medium-sized space can be carefully engineered to function like a large room.
A kitchen renovation design may take the form of many shapes. For example, a U-shaped layout is ideal for medium and large kitchens. It can take in a freer flow of traffic or make room for a kitchen island or breakfast bar. For lengthy spaces, an L-shaped arrangement sets the refrigerator on the outer end of the long leg of the “L”, the sink on its inner end, and the range in the middle of the short leg. A G-shaped design allows room for more furnishings and appliances.
Furniture, fixtures, and appliances
Cabinets ensure orderly storage and are great to fill in odd spaces. A kitchen island can double as a sink and breakfast bar or a range and preparation table. Ideally, the sink must be located between the range and the refrigerator for convenience. Smaller cooking gadgets like microwaves, toasters, blenders, and food processors can be stored in cabinets, side tables, or corner counters.
Whether your kitchen space is big or small, it is best to stick to a kitchen design essential – the sink, stove, and refrigerator must be in convenient proximity to each other.
Lighting
Effective lighting is vital for optimum function, but it also creates a warm and cozy ambiance. Custom cabinetry, elaborate furnishings, and pricey appliances are unappreciated trappings without a well-laid out lighting plan.
The average kitchen has a standard ceiling light and a couple of smaller lights above the sink and stove. When the budget allows it, a chandelier makes for an attractive focal point. Wall-mounted sconces and countertop lamps give off a gentle glow while monorail lighting provides a targeted lighting for tasks yet it’s flexible enough for other targets.
Budget
Finally, every project comes with a budget. Labor and material costs are the bulk of your kitchen renovation expenses. A successful kitchen remodel game plan is founded on two things – what your budget can afford and common sense.
Please feel free to look at the kitchen renovations we’ve completed. We’ve been building and remodeling kitchens for 25 years. We can help you think through the space, flow and fixtures so you get the perfect kitchen for you and your family.
