No matter which way you slice it, the kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s a central gathering place where you eat, share, catch up, entertain, and more. Naturally, you want this space to cater to your lifestyle. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, having a space that fosters good workflow and meets your aesthetic needs might have you spending more and more time in your kitchen. Planning an entire kitchen remodel can be overwhelming. If you’re just getting started, then this guide is for you. From hiring a contractor to the latest flooring trends, we’ll touch on everything you need to know before tackling your kitchen remodel.
There are a variety of to choose from, each with its own price tag and advantages. In most homes, the kitchen is considered your central hub, so, naturally, you want it to be as aesthetic and efficient as possible. But, before you start tearing out the cabinets and ripping up tile, there are a few factors to consider
Let’s talk kitchen layouts. It’s all too easy to start daydreaming about wall-to-wall cabinetry or an island with hidden storage, but, in reality, your kitchen layout and the features you can include ultimately depend on the square footage of the room you’re working with. A kitchen designer or an architect can help you determine the best layout for your space. To give you an idea of the possibilities, here’s a list of common kitchen layouts:
L-shaped kitchens are one of the most common options available. This popular layout provides ample counter space and leaves you with plenty of room to add a kitchen table or island later on. L-shaped kitchens are great for families who cook big meals and need all the extra space they can get. One potential disadvantage of this kitchen layout is the corner cabinets, which can be deep and hard to reach.
A one-wall kitchen looks exactly how it sounds – all of the cabinets, counters, and appliances are placed along one wall. This layout is common in smaller spaces but works well in large spaces also. Additionally, the one-wall layout provides unobstructed traffic flow, which is what you want in a kitchen. While this layout is a budget-friendly option, it isn’t always considered the most efficient use of space.
Common in small spaces, the galley layout consists of two walls that face each other and hold all of your kitchen items (cabinets, stove, etc.). Galley layouts are highly functional in large spaces or for one person. However, if you have a condo-sized kitchen and plan on having two or more people cooking, you’ll probably find the galley layout too small and restrictive.
U-shaped kitchens are similar to the galley kitchen layout but with an additional counter connecting each side, forming the U-shape. This layout makes working in the kitchen easy and efficient, which is ideal if you enjoy cooking frequently. However, U-shaped kitchens don’t often leave much room to add a table or island.
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in what features you choose to include in your kitchen remodel. Are you someone who loves to entertain? Then items like additional seating and a wine fridge will likely be your focus. Are you a baker? Then extra storage and ample counter space will likely take priority. Some folks may need to consider accessibility features while others long for the latest smart kitchen technology. If you live in a warm climate and prefer dining outdoors, you might even consider constructing an outdoor kitchen. At the end of the day, it comes down to how and how often you want to use your kitchen.
Now, here comes the fun part! Paint colors, countertop materials, backsplash designs, finishing touches… picking out how your kitchen will look aesthetically is a thrill. Odds are you have a strong understanding of your personal aesthetic already. But, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few more hours scrolling through kitchen trends on Pinterest or flipping through the latest IKEA catalogue for kitchen renovation inspiration. Compile a list of materials, color palettes, and accessories that you like. This will give you some direction. If you’re still searching for inspiration, don’t forget to check out these to-die-for kitchen design ideas.
Because your kitchen remodel is an indoor project, there are virtually no restrictions regarding the time of year you can renovate. That said, some months work better than others. If you plan on adding a fresh coat of paint, for example, it would be best to work in a warm month where you can have the windows open for hours at a time. Hiring a contractor during the off-season also has its perks.
