Your kitchen takes the most wear and tear in your home, so investing in a remodel can pay off big time down the road. But before you start tearing down walls, know what you’re getting into.
Thoughtful pops of color can be used to bring your style and personality into the space, but function should always come first. Consider ways to improve efficiency in your kitchen by reorienting the classic work triangle or incorporating a breakfast nook or banquette.
Cabinets
Cabinets are one of the most important components in any kitchen remodel. They can take on a variety of aesthetics and serve many different functions depending on your preferences and goals for the space. For a bold look, consider cabinets that wrap around appliances such as refrigerators. This unique design option adds an extra storage area while creating a focal point in the room.
Lower cabinetry is typically built of plywood or high-quality particle board. It’s designed for durability and strength, and may be framed with wood or metal. Many manufacturers offer a lifetime limited warranty for the cabinet body.
Ergonomics play a major role in the design of lower cabinets, ensuring that materials are easy to reach and accessible. It’s also a good idea to separate everyday dishes and glasses from special occasion items such as wine glasses.
The Gold Kitchen Remodeling Package focuses on elegance that lasts, providing you with a stunning-yet-functional new kitchen. It includes 14 cabinets in a variety of colors, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home’s aesthetic.
Countertops
Countertops are an essential kitchen component, defining the room’s style and function. The best countertops fit both aesthetics and lifestyle while also being resistant to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Whether you prefer simple or bold designs, there are many options for your kitchen. Modern homeowners are embracing ceramic tile countertops because they offer hygienic surfaces that resist bacteria growth. These durable materials come in a variety of colors and patterns that suit any design aesthetic from sprawling Bergen County suburban homes to sleek Chelsea lofts.
Laminate is an inexpensive material made from a plastic resin that covers plywood or particleboard. Thanks to advances in printing technology, it’s now possible for laminate to mimic the look of stone or wood at a fraction of the cost.
Wood countertops add a warm touch to any kitchen. These sturdy surfaces can be crafted from a variety of wood species including teak, walnut, cherry and maple. These countertops are durable and can be refinished over time to keep them looking new. Another option for wood countertops is live edge, where the outside of the countertop is left unfinished and natural.
Flooring
Your kitchen’s flooring works overtime, enduring spills, heat and foot traffic, so choose durable materials that look good and stay looking new. Wood is a classic choice that can complement cabinetry and other features like pendant lights or counters, but it does require regular treatment to prevent warping. It’s also not an option in damp areas, so look for engineered wood flooring with a waterproof base or tile alternatives.
If you like the look of a natural material but need something more practical, consider ceramic floor tiles. Available in a range of colors and patterns, they’re easy to clean with mild detergents. For a more decorative option, try combining different colored tiles to create a custom tile pattern or border.
For a bold scheme, choose floorboards in white for an instantly brighter kitchen or go for traditional terracotta to create a warming, textured scheme. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, refresh your current linoleum or wood floors with a coat of paint. A quick and cost-effective option, it can transform your kitchen to suit any home style.
Appliances
Whether they’re professional-grade or simple enough for everyday use, appliances play a huge role in your kitchen design. They’re also available in a wide range of styles and sizes. The options are almost limitless, so make sure you take the time to research your appliances before making a final decision.
One trend that continues to be popular is camouflaging appliances behind fronts that match the cabinetry. Refrigerators, dishwashers and even massive hoods can disappear into their surroundings with this stylish option.
It’s also worth considering how energy efficient your new appliances will be. Newer models are designed to reduce energy usage without sacrificing functionality or quality.
Stainless-steel appliances continue to be a classic choice that will add value to your home. According to real estate broker Beatrice de Jong, they inspire potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space and encourage them to put in an offer right away.
Lighting
There is no room in the home that requires a well-designed lighting scheme more than the kitchen. With so many functions, from cooking and entertaining to homework and socializing, it’s important to carefully consider your kitchen lighting to ensure the space is well lit for all activities. Luckily, there are several types of lighting that can make this tricky task much easier, including ambient, work and accent lighting.
Ambient lighting can be accomplished through ceiling-mounted fixtures or a series of recessed can lights depending on the size of your kitchen. Often a mixture of both is best to provide the needed coverage. Work lighting (also known as task lighting) illuminates the areas of the kitchen that are hard to see under regular ambient light, such as counter spaces and cabinets. Popular options include under cabinet or recessed task lighting, or a combination of hanging fixtures with a single large fixture over the island.
Accent lighting highlights decor, architectural details or collections to add interest and create an atmosphere. Choose cool or warm lighting to achieve the desired effect, for example a blue plinth light to introduce a modern feel or a soft glow to create a relaxing ambience.