Things To Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen

There is nothing more exciting than remodeling your home, as stressful as it may be. Personal preferences play a large role in planning and designing the layout of any space that needs to be upgraded, and extra effort needs to be put into planning a remodel for a kitchen that should be both highly practical and beautiful.

Your kitchen is host to a variety of daily tasks, from cooking and eating to entertainment. Regardless of whether youre planning a brand new kitchen layout, or a remodel on your current kitchen, these tips will give you some grounding on where to begin.

Budget

The number one factor that anyone should consider is your budget. The cost of kitchen remodels can be exorbitant, and can skyrocket if you do not keep firm control on what you are able to spend. Knowing what you have to spend and having some insight into the actual costs of material and labor helps to give you an idea of what your fixed budget should look like.

Remember to include the costs of the type of flooring, cabinets and countertops that you prefer as these can set you back hundreds of dollars. Small kitchen renovations can cost just as much as complete kitchen makeovers – bear in mind that it is all relevant to the actual task that you need to get done.

The Kitchen Layout

Your kitchen is the hub of your home, and before undertaking any kitchen remodeling or renovation, you need to have a clear idea of what your kitchen space will be mainly used for. Most, if not all kitchens are designed using the triangle theory which basically indicates that there should be a natural pathway between the sink, fridge and stove or cooktop, with sufficient counter space between each.

The distance between these three spaces should be between 12 and 23 feet, and this ensures good ventilation between your appliances as well as ease of movement.

Kitchen Cabinets

Wooden kitchen cabinets are often the go-to for many homeowners, but there are other materials such as vinyl-coated or laminated materials that are practical, easy to clean, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Important factors to consider when it comes to cabinetry are the heights and levels of your cabinets, the layouts above and below your countertops, and whether the storage provided is sufficient.

Finding a balance between maximizing the space available without creating a feeling of claustrophobia is key. Assess your need before beginning to eliminate time wastage and rework.

Kitchen Flooring

Flooring costs can be astronomical, and given the amount of traffic, as well as normal daily mishaps that occur in the kitchen, it is crucial that you select flooring that is practical. Your flooring should be durable and easy to clean while still enhancing the look and feel of your kitchen. Your floor deserves much thought and consideration, given that there are various factors that influence flooring and not every type of flooring will tick all your boxes.

Wooden floors bring a natural warm feel to any space but require more maintenance than ceramic tiles, which are easier to clean. There is also the option of linoleum or vinyl flooring but these again are not as durable as tiles. Ceramic tiles are the most durable and practical but may lack in terms of comfort if you spend much time on your feet in the kitchen.

Work Surface

When planning and designing your new kitchen, be sure to include sufficient workspace for both comfort and practicality. Countertops come in a variety of materials, and again personal preference, as well as longevity, plays a large role in your selection. You should again keep in mind your needs in terms of durability, ease of cleaning and positioning of your appliances.

Neutral colors are highly recommended since they enable ease of decor. In terms of maximizing your space, an island in the center of a kitchen affords more storage and workspace, and maybe something for consideration if your space allows for it.

Lighting and Ventilation

Proper lighting and ventilation are key elements that are often overlooked when remodeling a kitchen. Good lighting is essential not just for safety, but also to create an ambience that will set the mood for your kitchen, and good ventilation ensures proper airflow and circulation in your kitchen. Consider proper window positioning, and quality cooker hoods to reduce the odors from your kitchen.

In addition to these factors, there are other things to consider such as the height of your microwave and remodeling your kitchen in a way that reduces hazards. This is extremely important for families with small children, and we suggest positioning appliances such as stoves in areas where there is minimal traffic.

Other factors to consider are things such as cabinet corners that could easily snag or scratch, and your future needs. Wider walkways or paths through the kitchen are ideal for ease of movement. If you have a larger family or plan to have one in the future, it may help to consider and include space for any additional appliances that may become necessary.