The kitchen is the heart of the home, where families gather to eat, cook and socialize. Remodeling this space is a worthwhile investment that can significantly increase your house’s value.
Remodeling can involve removing walls, expanding the kitchen footprint and improving workflow. It is also a great opportunity to add more storage. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA now!
A kitchen layout is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel. It determines how you use the space, and how well it fits your lifestyle.
The best way to start planning a new kitchen design is with accurate measurements. Begin by measuring the length of each wall in the room, excluding trim and molding. Write down these measurements and refer to them as you draw your kitchen floor plan.
While you’re at it, measure fixed features like outlets, plumbing fixtures, and vents. Take the time to double-check your measurements, as even a small error can make a difference in the final layout. Next, consider the size of your appliances and the amount of counter space you’ll need. This will help you estimate how many cabinets and islands you’ll need to accommodate them all.
Depending on your family’s needs and the size of your space, you may decide to opt for a galley kitchen layout or an L-shaped design. The latter is ideal for smaller spaces and maximizes cabinetry storage with a running run of cabinets along two adjoining walls. The u-shaped layout is another popular choice for larger spaces, as it provides substantial countertop and cabinetry storage while maintaining a clean working triangle.
You can also add a peninsula to your kitchen layout, which is ideal for open-concept spaces. This allows you to incorporate a dining area while keeping your workspace free of unnecessary distractions. If you’re working with a limited space, you can also choose a one-wall kitchen layout, which is perfect for studio or loft spaces.
Before you begin the construction phase of your kitchen renovation, it’s a good idea to discuss the layout with an experienced kitchen designer. They can give you expert advice on how to maximize your space and create a functional layout that will work for your family’s unique needs.
While a kitchen remodel or renovation can include major changes to the structure and layout of your home, it’s important to keep in mind that these upgrades should still complement the overall style of your house. For example, a modern Temecula kitchen should be designed with contemporary materials and finishes, while a more traditional style might look better with classic wood and stone.
Storage
The kitchen is often the focal point of the home. Thoughtful upgrades to this space can increase value and become a primary factor in the decision for potential homebuyers.
The distinction between remodeling and renovation is that a kitchen remodel typically involves substantial changes to the overall structure of the space, including altering layouts and introducing innovative ideas. On the other hand, renovation usually focuses on refreshing surfaces and fixtures that remain in place while making them more appealing and functional.
Both approaches offer many exciting options for updating your Temecula kitchen. The most important considerations are how much you’re willing to invest and what your desired outcome will be.
A complete kitchen overhaul will require critical alterations to the space’s structure and design, so it may be more expensive than a simple update. But it’s also an opportunity to create a kitchen that perfectly fits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, which can ultimately be worth the investment.
For example, you could choose to replace countertops with a beautiful and durable material like quartz, which can stand up to spills and heat. Or, you could opt to add smart appliances that allow you to control them from your phone, which offers both convenience and added security. Adding decorative elements like a patterned backsplash or butcher block counters can also evoke an authentic kitchen feel that’s both classic and current. And if you’re able to manage the project on your own, it’s a great way to save money while still creating a kitchen you love.
Appliances
Appliances are a key part of any kitchen remodel. Not only do they add to your home’s overall style, but they can also help you prepare food in a more efficient way. Whether you want to splurge on luxury models or are looking for an affordable upgrade, today’s appliances offer a wide range of options.
Standard appliance packages can cost just a few thousand dollars, and include all the essentials like refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave oven. They come in both traditional and contemporary styles that work well with most any layout. If you have limited space, compact versions that integrate with cabinetry give a clean look without compromising functionality.
For more comprehensive remodels, luxury brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf offer unparalleled quality and advanced technology. They’re pricier upfront, but their sleek design and advanced features elevate the kitchen into a chef’s paradise. For even more luxurious updates, smart appliances that connect to Wi-Fi offer the ability to control and monitor their performance from anywhere with an internet connection.
It’s important to choose your appliances in the early planning stages, so you know what will fit and how they’ll function. An experienced design-build company can assist with the selection process, ensuring your new appliances are perfectly tailored to the rest of your kitchen. This prevents costly design changes down the line that could result from making an incorrect choice based on limited information or impulse purchases.
Lighting
A kitchen remodeling project can involve a wide variety of changes to the space, from adding or removing walls to replacing appliances and fixtures. It can also include aesthetic upgrades like painting or installing new flooring. The goal is to create a functional and stylish cooking area that reflects the homeowner’s personal style.
One of the most important aspects of any kitchen is its lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme illuminates workspaces and enhances the décor without creating visual distractions or detracting from the functionality of the room. Kitchen lighting ideas include a combination of task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting.
To illuminate the counters, choose recessed or pendant lights with glass shades that filter light and protect from splashes and debris. Incorporate dimmers to customize the mood of the space and allow you to set the perfect amount of illumination for working.
Accent lighting highlights the details of your cabinetry and countertops, adding dimension to your kitchen. Consider recessed can lights, wall sconces or track lighting for this purpose.
Ambient lighting sets the overall tone of a room and can be provided by large windows or skylights, or even an open fireplace. Choose bulbs with the right color temperature for the desired effect – cooler temperatures (5000-6000K) are better for task lighting, while warmer temperatures (2700-3000K) add a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Decorative lighting can highlight artwork, sculptures or other decorative elements in your kitchen. Pendant lights can feature a brightly colored shade that provides a focal point in the room, or you can choose a fixture with a subtle tint for an ambient glow. Vaulted ceilings are no obstacle to incorporating a dramatic chandelier or other elaborate fixture; simply choose a flexible chain that allows the light to be hung at an angle.
As kitchens become increasingly used as living/gathering spaces, homeowners are displaying artwork on the walls and accenting the space with decorative items. Choose recessed, adjustable fixtures to light canvases and framed prints to show them off in the best possible light.