Kitchens are the focal point of most homes. In an era where we see more home designs with an open concept, kitchen decor and layout is more important than ever. With open spaces, kitchens are a popular gathering place.
Although kitchens are an important factor when house shopping, buyers will often forgo their dream kitchen for other amenities. The thought process being, we can do a kitchen remodel later. By doing this, the homeowner can design the kitchen of their dreams.
What makes kitchen remodeling so popular is that a lot of people hate their kitchen. For some, the dream of a new kitchen tops their to-do list. As families grow there is a real need to expand.
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen, but don’t know where to start? Click here for 10 essential tips for a stunning kitchen remodel.
1. Create a Budget for Your Kitchen Remodel
Before embarking on any large project, you should have a set budget. Remodels are costly ad if you are not careful you can easily overspend. Remodeling your kitchen won’t be cheap if you plan on doing it right.
There are many line items to cover, materials to choose from, and directions you can go. Are you only replacing appliances and fixtures? Or will you do a complete overall that will require ripping out walls or expanding the homes square footage?
Setting a budget an sticking to it will help you stay on track.
2. Secure Financing
Once you have your budget set, financing is next. Is remodeling your kitchen something you’ve saved for? Or will you need to secure financing?
There are several options to pay for the project. You can take out a personal loan, use the equity in your home, or finance the project through a retailer. The best option is paying cash upfront, but most people don’t have that luxury.
3. Hire a Contractor
Doing a kitchen remodel on your own will save a lot of money. Unless you are a trained professional, it could also end up costing you a lot more money. Plus, you may compromise the overall look you’re going for by doing shabby work.
Hiring a contractor with a proven track record is the best route. A general contractor will oversee the project from start to finish. They also have connections with the best subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, and other tasks that will require skilled workers.
A reliable contractor can also help with pulling permits and ensuring your project is done according to code.
4. Consult with a Design Center
Not sure what you want for your modern kitchen remodel? Consider visiting a kitchen design center. This can be at your local home improvement store or a custom shop. There you will meet people who specialize in kitchen remodels.
They can show you what’s trending and help pull together selections to fit your idea of a dream kitchen. Everything from colors to materials will be at your fingertips.
Design centers often offer to finance, and if you’re lucky they may have a no-interest repayment period.
5. Color Scheme
As your project gets closer to becoming a reality, it’s time to start making decisions. First on your list is the color scheme you want to go with.
It’s okay to give your kitchen some personality. There is no reason to be boxed in with subdued colors that don’t inspire you. Rooms in your home need a theme that will drive other design decisions.
Consider an industrial theme with white walls, black and bronze cabinetry, and metal accents. Or you can keep it contemporary with neutral tones. There is a full spectrum of colors to choose from so be creative.
6. Appliances
Technology has brought us to the Smart era. Choosing between black, white, stainless steel, or matte finishes is no longer the big decision. Smart kitchen appliances are all the rave.
You can have a refrigerator and trashcan that compiles a shopping list. Some cameras allow you to see what’s in the fridge while you’re at the store. Artificial Intelligence can give you the ingredients and cooking instructions for a favorite dish.
Believe it or not, you can start the over before you get home, or turn off the stove in case you left the house and forgot.
7. Flooring
Pull up the linoleum and the peel and stick tile. Your kitchen flooring needs a facelift. There are a variety of designs to choose from.
Hardwood flooring is acceptable in today’s kitchen. Go with the real stuff or select from faux wood ceramic tiles.
8. Countertops
Countertops are the main work surface in the kitchen. Quartz is currently very popular with updated designs and no maintenance required. If you’re creating your dream kitchen you may want to look at natural materials like marble, granite, or quartzite.
The surface you choose will be contingent on the overall design of the kitchen.
When making your final decision, consider how the countertops will be used. Will you need an area for food prep? Do you need surfaces for entertaining where people can eat or set drinks on?
You may want to consider using dual surfaces for your countertops.
9. Backsplash
The backsplash is where you can be extra creative and leave your mark. There are many options available, from tiles to textured finishes to murals.
Use your backsplash to make a statement in your modern kitchen remodel that express the personality of your home.
10. Lighting
Lighting is important in the kitchen because it sets the tone of the room. There are many options. You can choose recessed lighting or pendant light fixtures. Also popular is kitchen-themed chandeliers.
Remember, when doing themed kitchen remodels, your light fixtures can make or break the design.
Are You Ready For Your New Kitchen?
Embarking on a kitchen remodel can be exciting and frightening all at once. Careful planning is important to a successful remodel.
Your new kitchen needs new countertops and we have a wide variety of materials to choose from. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our representatives.