A kitchen remodel is a great way to upgrade worn surfaces, add resale value, and create a space that matches your lifestyle. However, it is important to clearly define the goals of your renovation project.
Setting aside a portion of your budget for unplanned expenses is also good. These include unexpected costs like changing your electrical service or running new pipes for a more efficient layout. Contact Kitchen Remodel Richmond VA now!
The kitchen layout is one of the most important decisions homeowners and their designers make when planning a new kitchen. It may not be as exciting as picking out cabinetry styles or colors, but getting the layout right is critical to ensuring a functional and practical kitchen design.
There are many different kitchen layout options. A popular choice is an L-shaped kitchen, which provides plenty of countertop space and storage by using two perpendicular walls. This kitchen layout also allows for an island, which can add a sociable dimension to the kitchen and increase its overall functionality.
Another kitchen layout is a U-shaped kitchen, which provides counter space and storage along three walls of the room. This kitchen configuration is ideal for large kitchens, as it can accommodate multiple appliances and create an efficient work triangle.
If you are considering adding a kitchen island, it is important to consider the location of your major appliances. You want to ensure that the island does not block the area in front of your refrigerator, dishwasher or wall oven. The distance between these areas should be about 4 feet to allow for comfortable movement when preparing meals.
If you’re designing your kitchen from scratch, it’s important to take the time to carefully measure and plan every square inch of your space. This will help you avoid costly mistakes when selecting cabinetry, countertops, and other components for your kitchen remodel. Start by grabbing a tape measure, graph paper and a straight edge. Then, begin by measuring the length and width of each wall in your kitchen. Note the measurements on your graph paper, making sure to record the heights of each surface as well.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the most prominent feature in most kitchens, and they’re one of the most expensive parts of a typical kitchen remodel. They house and protect dishes, pots and pans, non-perishable food, and other items commonly found in a kitchen. Cabinets are available in a wide range of built-in styles to meet your unique storage needs.
When choosing cabinet colors, consider the way they’ll look under different lighting conditions. Natural light can bring out the true color of painted cabinets, creating a vibrant atmosphere in your kitchen. To make the most of this, install lots of windows and skylights. If possible, change the direction of sunlight during the day to see how it affects your cabinet colors at different times of the day.
Under-cabinet lighting is an important part of any kitchen remodeling project. This is because it provides task and ambient lighting to the countertop, helping you work safely during meal prep. There are several options for under-cabinet lighting, including linear and puck lights. Linear lights are strips of small bulbs mounted in a thin casing that’s usually plastic or metal. Puck lights are slim, hockey-puck-sized disks that you mount underneath cabinets with a sticky film. Puck lights can be hardwired to a switch or dimmer, plugged into an outlet, or powered by batteries.
Another option for under-cabinet lighting is integrated lighting, which uses LED strip lights that are built into your cabinets. This is the most seamless option, but it may be the most expensive. You’ll need to work with your kitchen remodeler to determine whether this is a good fit for your project. Cabinets are also a big part of the overall look and feel of your kitchen, so choose a design style that matches your personal aesthetic.
Countertops
Countertops are a big part of a kitchen’s visual impact and a key element in creating a functional space. They come in a wide range of materials, styles, and prices.
Granite remains the most popular natural stone countertop material. Its rich color and dramatic veining are a beautiful complement to almost any kitchen style.
Quartz surfacing is another top choice. It comes in a wide array of looks, some of which convincingly mimic the natural variegation of marble and limestone, but it also offers more durability and stain resistance than stone.
Solid synthetics like Formica are a cost-effective alternative to natural stone. They can be molded to integrate the backsplash, sink, and other elements for a seamless appearance. However, they’re not as heat-resistant as stone and can be scratched or nicked by knives.
Wood countertops bring a warm, traditional feel to the kitchen but they’re also vulnerable to water and chemicals, which makes them a higher-maintenance option. Stainless steel is durable but can be cold and uninviting.
Concrete countertops, made popular by Joanna Gaines, add a bold look and are a great match for farmhouse or industrial style kitchens. They can be dyed any color, poured in custom shapes and even inlaid with materials such as broken tiles for a unique design.
The best way to highlight your countertops is through lighting—natural, spot or ambient—to create mood and make them stand out as a focal point. Adding recessed ceiling fixtures that illuminate the countertops will provide ample task lighting for meal prep and will eliminate shadows that can make it difficult to read or work in the space. Add pendants to brighten work zones, such as the island or sink, and to add a decorative touch.
Flooring
As the gathering point for food, drink and fun for your friends and family, it’s important that your kitchen floor is durable enough to stand up to the rigours of everyday living. There are several flooring options available that are durable, water-resistant and offer an attractive aesthetic.
Wood flooring is a popular choice because it adds value and warmth to your kitchen, and can be refinished to make it look new again if it becomes too worn. It’s also easier to clean than carpet. Hardwood is softer underfoot than tile or concrete, and can be stained or painted to create your desired colour scheme.
Bamboo is a less expensive alternative to hardwood floors, and can be finished in a range of colours and styles. It’s also eco-friendly. Like bamboo, linoleum is soft underfoot and can be stained to match your kitchen cabinets. It’s also water-resistant and easy to clean.
Most experts recommend installing flooring before you install your cabinets, as it will help ensure that the footprint of your kitchen is consistent throughout. This is especially important for open-concept homes, where the flooring flows into other rooms.
Laminate has long been a less expensive way to get the look of wood or stone flooring, but it can be cold underfoot and isn’t waterproof. However, some manufacturers now offer “waterproof laminate,” which incorporates a rigid core of waterproof material, to eliminate this weakness. You can also revamp a dated or damaged floor by painting it for a quick and affordable design refresh that suits any home style. For a cottagecore touch, try whitewashing the floorboards or adding stencils for a funky twist. Alternatively, you can stain your concrete floor for a modern minimalist vibe.
Lighting
While cabinets and countertops take center stage during a kitchen remodel, don’t overlook the impact of your lighting design. It can make or break your kitchen’s look, especially when it comes to establishing the overall tone and style.
First, consider how much natural light you’re looking for. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of 150 square feet of natural light per person in your household. This can be accomplished through a variety of means, including adding or replacing windows and modifying your current windows to improve their efficiency.
Then, decide what type of lighting you’ll use. Task lighting is key to helping you work efficiently in the kitchen, and recessed lighting is a popular option for this purpose. It’s a good idea to space your recessed lights an even distance apart, so they illuminate evenly throughout the room.
Accent lighting adds a more decorative element to your kitchen and can be used to highlight unique features of your kitchen, such as open shelving or a statement backsplash. You can also opt for LED strips or puck lights to illuminate the bottom of cabinetry, as well. This can help you keep track of what’s stored in your cabinets and eliminate any unsightly clutter.
When choosing a fixture, look for a fixture that complements the style of your kitchen and is within your budget. You’ll also want to determine if you need dimmers and lighting controls, as they can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. You can also opt for a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, to finance your kitchen remodel without depleting your available cash.
