5 Must Dos For a Successful Kitchen Remodel
If we are lucky, we might get to design and remodel a kitchen one or two times in our lives. And, with the kitchen being the heart of the home, we need to ensure a durable and timeless kitchen design is achieved before embarking on a build out. Below I share with you the 5 Must Dos For a Successful Kitchen Remodel.
1. Maximize Storage
“More storage” is almost always the first request that I hear from a client when embarking on a kitchen remodel. We must have space to put everything in order to keep a kitchen looking clean and attractive. I suggest selecting cabinetry with new storage technology such as a floor to ceiling pull out style pantry and skinny built-in pullouts for oils and spices. Also be sure to create a smart custom design to maximize all possible storage areas that are unique to your kitchen and floor plan.
Floor to ceiling pantry pull-out creates tones of dry food storage and saves space in the kitchen taking up only 8-15″ of wall space.
2. Bring in Light
The kitchen is a room that must be well lit in all functional areas as well as have elements of drama for an atmospheric feel and beauty. A kitchen requires a layering of natural and simulated lighting elements. Best kitchen lighting plans will contain recessed and spot lights at the perimeters of the plan, pendant lighting over islands and peninsulas, task and under cabinet lighting as well as natural light from windows. I recommend that all lighting be dimmable so that you can create the mood.
Overhead lighting was changed out to LED for optimum brightness and efficiency. Glass door cabinets were equipped with rope lights inside and under cabinets lights were added to give the travertine splash a natural glow. All in all the lighting updates made a significant impact in the kitchen.
BEFORE The Remodel
3. Opt for High Contrast Selections
Contrast is an integral element of design, however it’s key in the kitchen. Contrasts of shadow, light, and color as well as smooth and patterned textures will create excitement and help direct the eye to the important elements of the room. For example, a black and white kitchen theme with elements of wood and a splash of color is an excellent timeless choice.
Black, white and yellow are a beautiful in this kitchen–contrasting colors and tones are exciting and bold.
4. Choose Durable and Water Resilient Materials
This seems an obvious one, but still, material choice needs to be a concentrated item of focus when planning a kitchen. For example, wood counters are rich, warm and cost-effective, but they are not recommended for use near a sink. White marble is glamorous but if flaws in the stone overtime will bother your eyes, then it’s not for you. Travertine is a material often used in kitchen design; however it’s porous, absorbs dirt and food and is best kept away from the cook top and prep areas. All materials can be a consideration if you love them, but be sure to consider where they are going and how they will be used. Consult with a designer to ensure the best choices are made.
This kitchen is set up for years of beauty and function. Designer chose durable granite for main counter tops with a highly cleanable subway tile splash. Wood was set atop island where it could be used for prep or table top service. Floor are coated coated and sealed for easy clean up.
5. Integrate Your Kitchen Design to Coordinate with the Style of Your Home
Beautiful home designed by Kohler with kitchen design flowing flawlessly into dinging room and then formal living room.
It can be tempting to create a modern commercial style kitchen with sleek metal and glass elements, but wait—what does the rest of your house look like? Is your home prairie style, craftsman, cape cod, or Spanish? With so many style choices available to us, it is becoming more and more important to make sure that we coordinate our new selections with the existing style of the home and its interior spaces. Designing a kitchen that is too much of a departure from the existing exterior and interior style of the home can actually devalue your property. There are many ways to bring a kitchen up-to-date both functionally and visually and still keep its design cohesive.