Residential kitchen remodeling is a big project that involves dropping walls, rerouting plumbing and electric lines, and generally stripping the room down to the studs. Thompson & Boys LLC remodels offer design assistance as part of their bids.
Be smart about materials. Ornate crown moldings, pilasters, and other decorative details eat up budgets. Stick to basics for resale appeal.
The layout is a major consideration when remodeling a kitchen. It impacts traffic flow, access to functionalities, and space allocation. An efficient design can improve workflow and reduce cluttered areas. It can also save you money by reducing the number of plumbing and electrical alterations needed.
Before beginning the design phase of a residential kitchen remodeling project, determine the big-picture goals. That could include additional storage, increased functionality, and a new color scheme or design style. You will also want to consider your budget and timeline. A general contractor can help you decide what features are worth the investment and which are not.
Some remodels are limited by existing room size or structural limitations, but a skilled designer can make the most of every square foot. The layout should consider the work triangle, with the stove, sink, and refrigerator placed within a comfortable distance of each other.
Kitchens with an island layout are popular for their versatility and added workspace. That is particularly important if you have an open floor plan and need to connect the kitchen with a dining area.
If you live in an apartment or a co-op, it is important to understand the rules that govern building alteration and construction before starting your kitchen remodeling project. For example, placing “wet” spaces such as a kitchen or bathroom over “dry” areas like a living room is prohibited in many buildings.
Lighting is a design element that can transform a room, but it’s best applied based on a layered approach. This technique maximizes the effects of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Pendant lights have become a popular kitchen design trend. They come in various looks, from organic clusters to modern molecular lighting. The best pendants are on light surfaces such as sinks, standalone chopping stations, and dining tables. However, they should be hung at most 2 1/2 feet from the feeling they’re lighting to minimize glare.
Another kitchen lighting design trend is to highlight art and other décor with recessed, adjustable fixtures. As homeowners use their kitchens more for entertaining and living spaces, they often incorporate canvasses and framed artwork into the area.
Homeowners should consider the impact on resale value when choosing decorative lighting. While a dramatic chandelier or statement light fixture might look beautiful, the type of fixture you select should match your home’s overall style preferences and other design elements. For example, if you have a modern aesthetic, a contemporary-styled chandelier would be the best choice, as it will complement your other decor. Also, if your home is in a condo or co-op, consult the alteration agreement to find out what is and isn’t allowed during a remodel. This will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Storage is one of the most important elements in a residential kitchen remodeling project. Each household has its own specific needs, and a general contractor can help homeowners find ways to maximize space by adding cabinets, shelving, or other solutions. When assessing storage needs, it is important to remember that households may grow or shrink over time. It is also helpful to look at the frequency and intensity of kitchen activities, such as cooking, entertaining, and food prep, to determine which areas could benefit from more storage.
During your kitchen remodel, it’s a good idea to leave out or store items that aren’t needed in the kitchen, such as oversized furniture, bookcases, knickknacks, and other clutter. This will allow contractors to work safely and efficiently without disrupting your home’s functionality and make the remodeling process much less stressful for you and your family.
Consider moving a few pieces of larger furniture, such as the dining room table and couch, into a storage unit during your renovation. Putting these into a storage unit will protect them from dust and dirt accumulating during the project while allowing you to use them in other parts of your home or move them to a different home when the remodel is complete. These improvements will add value to your home, which can help you recoup some of the costs when you’re ready to sell.
Countertops are a big part of your kitchen’s aesthetic and can greatly impact the overall design of the space. As such, it’s an important decision before starting your renovation. There are a wide variety of natural and manufactured countertop materials. Your choice will depend on several factors, such as your budget and style preferences.
Some of the most popular choices for countertops are granite and quartz. Both are hard, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. They are also stain-resistant, though they may require resealing occasionally.
Wood countertops are another popular option. They add warmth to the room, both visually and tangibly. They are also sanitary, providing a soft surface for cutting and chopping. However, wood countertops must be regularly oiled to protect them from stains and water damage.
Consider using contact paper if you’re looking for a low-cost solution to refresh your countertops. It’s easy to apply and remove and comes in various colors and styles. Some even mimic the look of marble or other materials.
Once the kitchen layout and design are set, it’s time to choose appliances. A good contractor can help guide homeowners through selecting devices that will work well with the overall layout and be functional and durable for years to come.
Many remodeling projects involve upgrading or replacing appliances, which can be costly. The key is carefully considering the options available balancing cost against quality. For example, while a top-of-the-line refrigerator may be more expensive, it will likely last longer and provide greater energy efficiency than a cheaper model.
This is also a great time to consider adding luxury items, like a wine cooler or water filtration system. These additions require more planning, and a plumbing permit will usually be needed.
It’s important to avoid over-customizing a remodel to the point that it limits future home buyers’ appreciation. Overly personal touches, like a built-in pantry, can make it difficult to sell the home. Consider working in unique storage elements, like drawer dividers or mixer risers, to create a customizable look that is easy for future owners to take out of commission. The featured project from NYC-based Klein Kitchen and Bath is an excellent example of this approach. The firm’s team artfully maximized space and added beautiful details, including paneled walls, unique lighting, and patterned backsplashes. In addition, they used floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in rich, ambient light and connect the kitchen to the home’s outdoor spaces.
Whether you handle the kitchen remodeling yourself or have a general contractor managing the project, flooring is a major component of any remodel. It is important to consider the aesthetics and durability of the material. The type of floor will also impact how much the project will cost.
The best choice for a budget-conscious homeowner is vinyl, which is water-resistant and available in many colors and styles. It is easy to clean and maintain. It is also a good choice for a home with kids and pets. The downside of vinyl is that it can be cold underfoot.
If you want a more traditional look, hardwood floors are an excellent choice. Wood is a natural material that will add warmth to the room and is also durable. However, hardwoods can be susceptible to moisture damage. In these cases, bamboo is an excellent alternative. Bamboo is an extremely fast-growing plant and is more water-resistant than traditional hardwoods.
Before beginning any work on the flooring, it is essential to ensure all permits have been obtained. Some licenses are required for a kitchen remodel, electrical, plumbing, and building. A GC will usually handle this step, but if you take the renovation yourself, check with your local permitting agency for details. Also, it is critical to follow proper dust control protocols during the renovation to avoid exposure to silica dust.
