Launching a kitchen remodel project is exciting, but it also requires careful planning. To get started, brainstorm ideas about what you'd like to see in your kitchen, and write those ideas down. Then, hire a qualified kitchen contractor that you feel comfortable working with, and take the time to look at various kitchen design ideas. Working together with your builder, talk through the practicalities, discussing your overall plans, budget, and timeline. Create a scope of work, also known as a contract, that spells out in clear, concise terms, the items you’ll need to purchase (sinks, cabinets, appliances, etc.), and the tasks your builder will complete, such as drywall installation, flooring, painting, etc. In addition, the items should include an estimated time frame for each task, as well as any progress payments that will be made.Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
Designing a kitchen remodel means taking a holistic approach to crafting a space that looks beautiful, functions optimally, and doesn't break the bank. To achieve this, examine the various elements of the room that you’d like to remodel, such as kitchen cabinets, walls, and fixtures. Create a “Wish List” of items you’d like to include, and discuss it with your contractor. As always, it is important to consider both the aesthetics you’d like, as well as your project’s budget. Your kitchen contractor can help you determine materials that are both appealing and affordable, such as light- and mid-toned wood, neutral stone, and classic tile. Don't be afraid to go bold with your appliances, adding bright colors to your kitchen design to turn a basic kitchen into an inspired space. Have fun experimenting with different colors, textures, and finishes until you find the ones that work best for your space.Designing a Kitchen Remodel That You'll Love
A kitchen remodel can be very costly, but thanks to creative financing and the use of modern, cost-effective home improvement materials, bringing your kitchen up-to-date doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. Consider ways in which you can reuse your kitchen cabinets” or perhaps bring in new cabinetry that complements existing features. You might also consider something less dramatic, such as a fresh coat of paint, to quickly brighten up your space. Take a careful look at the cost of kitchen appliances – an upgrade can cost thousands of dollars – but with a little research, you’ll often find energy-saving options that offer both beauty and convenience at a fraction of the cost. Upgrading other surfaces can be cost-effective, too. Refacing cabinet doors, adding a new tile backsplash, and installing resilient vinyl flooring are all excellent and affordable options.Kitchen Remodeling On a Budget
Bringing a kitchen remodel to life doesn’t require a professional contractor. Unless you’re planning on major structural changes, such as window, door and wall moves, a DIY approach could be within reach. Make sure you plan ahead and allow enough time to really get things done right. Begin by doing a realistic assessment of your skills – if you’re not comfortable with electricity or plumbing, leave those aspects to the experts. Start by removing the existing features, such as kitchen cabinets and existing fixtures, leaving the walls and floor exposed. Install new surfaces from the top down, then put in electrical and plumbing roughs starting with the sink and refrigerator outlet, followed by a new light fixture. Finally, complete the project by installing the appliances, finishes (such as wallpaper and tile), and any related cabinetry.DIY Kitchen Remodeling Tips
There are plenty of ideas for getting your kitchen remodel done right. One such idea is to invest in residential-class appliances and cabinetry for a polished, finished look. Residential-class appliances are those that you would find in a high-end kitchen and offer features such as self-closing doors and drawers and hidden touch-control panels. These can be expensive, but a quality upgrade can really give your home a professional, completed look. Adding high-end cabinetry is another way to elevate your kitchen. When purchasing kitchen cabinetry, consider the different stains, colors, layouts, construction materials, door styles, and hardware options – all of which contribute to the overall kitchen design. Cabinetry can also be a great way to add more storage into the space, eliminating the need for more storage furniture.Smart Kitchen Remodel Techniques
Most homeowners want to keep their costs under control while enjoying the full benefits of updating a kitchen remodel. There are lots of tricks to making this happen. For example, painting is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to give any space a brand new feel. Consider repainting your walls or replacing outdated countertops with brand new laminate countertops. Replacing existing fixtures and hardware with fresh pieces is also cost-effective. Kitchen cabinets can be refaced rather than replaced entirely, and cabinet hardware can be updated to add a touch of sophistication to the space. Swap out tile flooring for an easy upgrade, too, or use peel-and-stick tile for an easy solution. Cost-Effective Kitchen Remodel Ideas
The kitchen is where all the action happens, but over time, it can start to look a bit worn out. To give your space a gorgeous makeover, consider reorganizing the interior of the room. Pull out all of the existing kitchen cabinets and replace them with a new style for an instant makeover. If you are limited on time, but still want an update, a few coats of paint are a sure-fire way to brighten up the space quickly and easily. Next, explore the idea of adding color in unexpected ways. Consider adding blue walls and a patterned backsplash to create an inviting feel. Add open shelving, with color-coordinated lighting and plenty of texture for a truly unique kitchen design. Finally, think about swapping out old, dated appliances for the latest energy-efficient models.Splashy Kitchen Remodel Makeovers
A kitchen remodel is a great way to maximize storage in the space. Instead of adding more kitchen cabinets, consider options for double-duty storage, such as an island that can serve as a breakfast bar, as well as storage. Next, consider adding pullout drawers to existing cabinets. These can be used to store everything from pantry items to kitchen tools. Shelf organizers can also be used to create more space in kitchen cabinets, while adding a touch of sophistication. If the space allows, adding an additional kitchen island or peninsula is another way to create more storage space. Consider adding an appliance cabinet with roll-out shelving for easy access to your kitchen gadgets and tools. And, if you have the budget, adding an overhead storage unit can also be an efficient way to make the most of your kitchen design.Maximizing Storage During Kitchen Remodel
Environmental consciousness is increasingly important in many aspects of home design, and the kitchen is no exception. Consider low-impact flows by refusing to tear down existing walls, counters and cabinets. Instead, focus on reusing what is already in place. And, if you are replacing existing cabinetry, seek out sustainable materials, such as natural wood, bamboo, or even recycled plastic. When choosing appliances, seek out energy-efficient models to reduce utility bills. And, when shopping for counters, look for counters made of recycled materials, or surfaces that don’t require sealing, such as quartz. Finally, search for non-toxic and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, stains, and sealers to Iimit dangerous emissions.Green Kitchen Remodel Ideas
Once you have an idea of what you’d like your kitchen design to look like, begin mapping out an organized plan that takes into account the layout of your room and traffic flow. Consider the “work triangle” which refers to the placement of the refrigerator, stove, and sink. As much as possible, try to keep these three points as close together as possible, so that it’s easy to move between them. Also, think through how your appliances and cabinetry might look when placed in various configurations. In addition to the layout of the room, remember to consider the overall functionality of the space. Make every effort to maximize storage and counter space, making sure to have plenty of outlets for appliances. While it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics, making sure you have a functional kitchen design is essential for a well-designed space.Creating a Functional Kitchen Remodel Plan
A kitchen remodel can range from a minor update, such as refacing existing cabinetry, to something more dramatic, such as adding a kitchen island. Regardless of the scale of the project, there are plenty of kitchen design ideas to inspire any homeowner. Consider an open layout with plenty of space for a kitchen island, which can work to maximize work and storage space while entertaining. Lighting also plays an essential role in kitchen design, and experimenting with various styles and methods of illumination can bring the space to life. Ambient lighting works to fill up the room with light, while task lighting highlights specific areas for various activities. Install soft lighting for a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Finally, consider having access to natural light, as it will work to open up and brighten the kitchen while inviting nature into the room. Kitchen Design Ideas for Remodeling Projects