Kitchen remodel is a big financial
commitment so spending time researching and incorporating all the features
you want and need into your new space is essential. A kitchen remodel can be
a good way to build your home’s value, so you may want to take into
consideration how the decisions you make will appeal to future home buyers.
If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, big or small, you’ll want to pay
attention to the big three design concerns: arranging the appliances and sink
for a good work flow, making quality decisions when it comes to your
cabinetry, and selecting counter tops.
Key to contemporary kitchen design is arranging the appliances and sink for
the best working flow. This can be daunting at first but is simpler than one
might think to implement. Experts agree that creating a triangle flow from
the sink, stove and refrigerator is best. If you do decide to incorporate an
island in your kitchen be sure not to obstruct this flow and consider adding
a prep sink, seating area, wine cooler or even a cooking top to the island
for dramatic value and function.
Cabinets are one of the most important aspects of your kitchen remodel.
Current cabinet trends can be good for your wallet: a simpler, shaker style
is popular now, which is quite cost effective and works with nearly any
design. Since cabinet doors will often be a large percentage of your total
cost, spending less on the shaker style may allow you to spend more money on
the areas of the kitchen that will stand out like the counter tops and back
splash.
Regardless of the cabinet door style you select, when designing your cabinets
be sure to really think about storage and utilizing all the space possible. A
deep cabinet above your refrigerator and a large pots drawer in the lower
cabinet will pay dividends later. Depending on your space, having your
cabinets custom made can actually cost less than buying the pre-fabricated
ones from the home improvement giants and are typically higher quality while allowing
you to create your own design. Custom made cabinets can take a little longer
so may not be the best option if you’re limited on time, but the look, feel
and quality will usually outweigh any headaches if you’re working with a
reputable cabinet builder or carpenter.
The third big feature that impacts the look and feel of your kitchen remodel
are your countertops. Once you have your kitchen nearly complete, the
countertops are typically the last thing to be installed. This is usually the
most expensive part of the remodel next to the cabinetry so going with a
safe, long lasting option is best. Granite counters are hugely popular. The
cost of the counter tops varies widely and depends on where/who you get them
from but if you can afford it, there is no better way to add value to your
home than with beautiful stone or granite counters.
Taking your wish list and turning it into a useable kitchen can be a
monumental undertaking, however, with just a little planning and creativity
it can be done. Aside from these three big design concerns, incorporating a
few little creative features into your kitchen can help make your remodeled
kitchen truly spectacular. Some of the most popular trends are glass
countertops, soft-close drawers, pull-outs and even touch-to-activate sink
faucets. By considering the current trends you can help keep your new
kitchen looking clean and modern all while adding real value to your home.
