The kitchen is the heart and hub of the home. As mothers everywhere know, this one room can have a variety of functions, from food preparation to entertaining guests. It is therefore understandable why homeowners might feel the need to upgrade or change their kitchen’s look.
Remodeling a kitchen can be a big, time-consuming project. It can also require a lot of money, depending on the changes being wrought. Here are some tips that can go a long way towards ensuring that everything gets done and all important aspects are considered:
Planning
Before getting started on the kitchen renovation, homeowners need to come up with a plan outlining all that needs to be done. They should study the available kitchen space, then consider what can fit and what the renovation should accomplish. It is advisable to consult a kitchen design expert to get some ideas on the remodeling plan. The professionals can also offer helpful tips and give recommendations on areas the homeowners had not considered.
Drafting and working with a budget
After coming up with a plan, the next step is to draft a budget. As mentioned before, renovating a kitchen is a big project that can run into hundreds of dollars if the owners are not careful. To avoid this, they should consider all the appliances, fixtures, lighting, flooring etc. they want the new kitchen to have, then write down their estimated cost. At this point, it is a good idea to see which simple DIY projects can be undertaken to save on costs. Once the budget is drawn up, every effort should be made to stick to it.
Selecting the kitchen layout and design
The best way to remain on budget is to avoid interfering with the basic kitchen layout. Knocking down walls, moving plumbing pipes as well as gas lines and electrical outlets or wiring will only drive up the renovation costs.
The renovated kitchen’s layout should still match the family’s lifestyle. Some aspects to take into consideration include the family’s cooking and dining needs, as well as the required storage space. There should be a clear path from the fridge to the sink and cooker.
Tweaking the lighting
The kitchen should have as much natural light as possible during the day. Bespoke plantation shutters can be fitted to the windows to let in adequate light and air during the daytime. They can be closed at night to retain warmth and privacy.
Additionally, homeowners can install task lighting to light up dark areas under cabinets, as well as pendant lighting for kitchen islands. Wall sconces or light fixtures in the ceiling can be installed to illuminate the entire space at night.
Choosing appropriate countertops
The countertop should be durable enough to withstand a lot of use. The best materials for this include granite and quartz. They are both hardy and stain-resistant, and they can give the kitchen a sleek, polished finish.
Upgrading the flooring
Like the countertops, the flooring should be long-lasting and tough enough to bear heavy kitchen traffic. Concrete and porcelain tiles are good choices for this as they are easy to clean and maintain. Alternatively, hardwood floors can be installed for a classic, timeless look.
Selecting the right appliances
Since the kitchen’s primary purpose is meal preparation, the chosen appliances should enhance functionality and efficiency. The cooktop is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen and owners need to choose whether to install a gas, electric or induction model. Regardless of the type, the cooktop should have a hood large enough to draw out any gas, vapors or oils, to leave the kitchen well ventilated.
The choice of fridge is next and this largely depends on the available space in the kitchen. There is no point in purchasing a large fridge only to limit movement in the room. Homeowners should also ensure that their kitchen appliances are energy efficient to save on costs.
Expanding the storage options
Storage space is one thing people value in the kitchen and this should not be compromised during the renovation. To increase the space available, ceiling- high kitchen cabinets, shelving units, racks and hooks can be strategically placed around the kitchen. Drawers and rollouts can also add much-needed space to the room. Rollouts are perfect for storing small kitchen items, while drawers are ideal for larger cookware. Those who are on a budget can paint their cabinets to give their kitchens a fresh look without breaking the bank.
While there’s no avoiding costs when remodeling a kitchen, people don’t have to spend a fortune in the process. With a good plan and budget, they can get the kitchen of their dreams and save on costs.
