Residential Kitchen Renovation – What You Need to Know
Residential kitchen renovation is a lengthy process, so it’s important to have a clear plan for the timeline. This will help you keep your project on track and ensure that the job is completed correctly.
This renovation project focused on aesthetics, but it also addressed functional issues by removing walls and installing a ceiling lift. The homeowners also complied with the “wet over dry” rule, which some buildings have in place to prevent expansion of wet spaces over dry spaces.
Cabinets
Cabinetry consists of the storage compartments that hold your kitchen tools and dishes. Cabinets may be free-standing or built in to a wall or other surface. Some cabinets are made of solid wood, while others are constructed from laminate or other synthetic materials.
When selecting your cabinets, consider style preferences and durability. For example, stainless steel might withstand crashing children’s toys better than laminate. And solid wood might cost more than laminate, but it’s stronger.
Other considerations include cabinet accessories like pullout tray inserts that maximize storage space, ladders within drawers to reach higher cabinets, charging stations and hydraulics. You can also add crown molding to the top of cabinets for a custom look, or to eliminate the gap between your ceiling and standard builder-grade cabinetry. If your renovation falls under the purview of a condo/co-op/HOA alteration agreement, consult that building’s requirements. If not, your designer will be able to help you determine the scope of work.
Countertops
Countertops can be a focal point in a kitchen and can enhance the overall aesthetic of the room. If your countertops are looking a bit rough around the edges and displaying signs of wear, it may be time to consider upgrading them.
There are many different types of countertop materials to choose from. Some are more budget friendly than others and will vary in durability and maintenance requirements.
Some common options include laminates, solid-surface synthetics, quartz and marble, granite and soapstone. Natural stone is the most expensive option but is also highly durable and visually appealing.
Other specialty surfacing materials such as wood, concrete and metal offer unique design opportunities. Stainless steel counters have an industrial look that goes well with modern home designs, while copper and zinc provide a rustic aesthetic for cottagecore-style homes. Waterfall counters extending down to the floor are another popular option that adds both visual appeal and functionality.
Appliances
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, the appliances you choose have a significant impact on almost every other element of your renovation. The layout, plumbing and electrical, countertop cut outs, cabinets and backsplash are all impacted by the types and residential kitchen renovation sizes of appliances you select. For this reason, it’s important to begin shopping for new appliances early in the process.
Choosing the right appliances is all about understanding how you’ll use your new kitchen. For example, chefs and bakers may want to consider professional level appliances with high-end features like WiFi-enabled models and food-preservation settings in refrigerators.
Appliances that seamlessly blend in with their surroundings, such as panel-ready and built-in options, work well in traditional and contemporary designs. Additionally, many people opt for a flush installation, where the appliances are installed at the same depth as the cabinetry. These modern additions work hard, look good and come in a wide range of styles, finishes and colors.
Flooring
The floors in a kitchen are often exposed to heavy foot traffic and high levels of moisture. As such, they need to be durable and easy to clean. Tile is a good option for kitchens because it’s both durable and water-resistant. It also comes in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to match any design theme.
Hardwood is another popular choice because it looks great in almost any home. It’s important to remember that wood floors need to be properly maintained or they can become damaged by moisture.
Concrete flooring might sound harsh for a kitchen but it can actually be very durable and attractive. It can be stained to look like stone, tile or even wood and it’s inexpensive. It’s also easy to keep clean and can be sealed to be almost completely waterproof (although mats are recommended near areas with excessive moisture). Installing flooring under appliances can add to the cost of the project, but it can protect the subfloor from damage.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important decisions that homeowners will make during a kitchen remodel. It impacts how people feel and work inside their home and should be carefully considered to get the best results.
Ambient kitchen lighting is softer overhead lighting that illuminates a room evenly. It is often achieved with recessed lights or chandeliers. Your contractor will help you determine the best way to incorporate ambient light into your kitchen design.
Accent lighting, also known as accenting, is the perfect way to highlight a unique architectural feature like a vaulted ceiling or a decorative hood fan. It can also be used to show off a beautiful piece of artwork or furniture. Adjustable fittings are recommended for this type of lighting.
Pendants are a popular choice for kitchen island lighting and can be a great way to bring visual interest into your home. Adding dimmers to your kitchen lighting is also a good idea, as it will allow you to customize your home’s brightness and create the right mood.
Backsplash
The backsplash is a chance to infuse your kitchen with personality, from a classic ceramic tile design to a textured metal panel. The style you choose can set the tone for your kitchen, so it’s important to explore a variety of options by looking at photos and visiting a home remodeling showroom before making a final decision.
Regardless of the material you select, it’s essential that it coordinate with your counter and cabinet materials. For a balanced look, choose a backsplash lighter than the counter and hotel remodeling companies cabinets. This will hide cooking splatters more effectively.
A full-height backsplash is a great option for protecting the wall around the sink and stove, but you can also add a splash of color by installing a smaller accent piece over an island. Alternatively, try a stacked stone backsplash to add warmth and character to your transitional kitchen. Its natural variation will make it stand out and add visual interest to your space.
