Kitchen Renovation is the process of updating and improving a kitchen’s appearance, functionality, and layout without increasing its size. This type of remodeling typically involves refinishing or replacing floors, painting walls, and installing new appliances or fixtures.
Before hiring a contractor, check with your building management and review their renovation rules. Also, consider your insurance needs and potential noise restrictions during the work.
The layout of your kitchen makes a huge difference in how the space works. Although many people focus on cabinets, countertops, tile, appliances and paint during a remodel, the design of the floorplan is the most critical factor.
The kitchen work triangle—the path you take from refrigerator to sink to range while cooking—should be unobstructed. If you’re working with a small space, consider a one-wall layout that puts everything within reach of your kitchen island and eliminates traffic in the room. This layout also offers more opportunities for upper storage, such as open cubbies and a pretty treatment to replace a traditional stacked cabinet.
For larger spaces, a U-shaped plan places cabinets and equipment along three adjacent walls for maximum storage and workspace. This is a good choice for an open-concept kitchen where you want a space that easily flows into a dining area. The G-shaped plan is another popular option and looks similar to a U but with an extended counter that can be used for eating or homework.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the foundation of a kitchen and set the tone for its style and function. Design choices include cabinets that wrap around appliances, corner solutions that make use of otherwise hard-to-reach spaces and specialized storage inserts to keep small items organized.
Cabinet materials and finishes affect appearance, durability and maintenance requirements. Laminate and MDF are the most affordable options while solid wood, character maple, or hickory cabinets cost more. Stainless steel or enameled metal cabinets add a contemporary touch and are ideal for a modern or industrial-style kitchen.
A well-planned cabinet layout maximizes storage. Consider incorporating lazy Susans and other pull-out systems in corners, and adding dividers and pull-out trays to lower cabinets for easy access to often-used items. For a more decorative touch, change out knobs and pulls to refresh the overall look. For larger projects, or if you’re not comfortable handling tasks such as locating wall studs and securing cabinets to the wall, hire a professional installer. He or she has the experience and specialized tools to ensure that your new cabinets are installed correctly.
Countertops
Countertops are a workhorse, and the material, style and texture you choose make a big difference in how your kitchen looks and functions. The best countertop material for your needs depends on factors like resale value, durability, appearance and maintenance requirements, and price.
For example, natural stone counters add a luxurious look that pairs well with traditional cabinetry and classic fixtures. But, because they are porous, they require regular resealing to stay stain-free and looking great.
On the other hand, wood countertops offer a warm, earthy feel that can tie in with many design styles. This material also resists heat and stains, but must be regularly oiled to keep it from drying and cracking.
Engineered quartz is an appealing, durable option that has the beauty of popular natural stone counters but requires less maintenance. It also withstands heat and stains, and is available in a variety of color options. Recycled glass counters are another beautiful, sustainable choice that is available in a range of colors and textures. This material requires no sealing and has a nonporous surface that is easy to clean.
Appliances
Appliances are a vital component of any kitchen. They store and prepare food, as well as clean dishes and cookware. Appliances can range in size, style and cost from budget to mid-grade to luxury. Choosing Energy Star-rated appliances helps reduce home energy consumption and saves money on utility bills.
When choosing your appliances, prioritize function over aesthetics. For example, a large refrigerator may fit your space, but it could be disproportionate to the rest of the room. In addition, oversized stoves, ovens and dishwashers can box you into your kitchen design or require costly structural modifications that you didn’t anticipate.
To maximize functionality and minimize costs, consider built-in appliances for a sleek look. Additionally, look for discounts on cabinets/hardware, counters and flooring to stretch your renovation dollars further. Splurge strategically on high-end appliances where they are most needed and balance them with more affordable choices elsewhere in the kitchen. Also, allocate 10-20% of your remodel budget for unforeseen expenses like repairs and upgrades to electrical or plumbing discovered during construction.
Flooring
If your kitchen renovation involves relocating or removing cabinets, the flooring may need to be replaced as well. It is important to consider your preferred aesthetics and functional considerations when choosing flooring materials.
Durability and ease of maintenance are common concerns for homeowners with busy lifestyles, and the type of flooring material you choose should reflect this. For example, tile flooring is durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles to complement any design theme. It is also easy to clean and water-resistant, which helps protect against stains and mold growth.
Hardwood flooring is another popular choice for kitchens because of its warmth and natural beauty. However, it is prone to moisture damage and can be difficult to maintain.
A full-service design-build firm like Ranney Blair Weidmann can help you develop a kitchen remodel plan that includes floor selections that match your layout, design theme, and budget. They can also assist with determining the best way to move forward with your project to minimize unexpected complications and cost overruns.
Lighting
Lighting is an important part of any kitchen, and you need to pay attention to it when reworking your kitchen. Having the right amount of light allows you to clearly see what you’re doing when cooking, which can help you avoid mistakes. It also helps keep your food looking appetizing and appealing for guests when you’re entertaining.
The best way to ensure your kitchen is well-lit is to add ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, while task lighting illuminates the work zones of your kitchen. Accent lighting draws attention to specific areas of your kitchen, such as art or architectural features.
If your kitchen doubles as a dining room, consider installing dimmers to control the mood of the space. A dimmer switch can help you create a more intimate environment for dinner parties or romantic evenings. You can also use feature lighting, such as backlighting, to showcase decorative elements like art or shelves inside glass-front cabinets. Backlighting is a popular choice because it can be controlled to change through a variety of colors.
Painting
If your cabinets are in good condition, a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your kitchen. A professional painter will be able to guide you on the right color and finish to match your vision for the room. It’s also a relatively quick process. Once you empty out your cabinets, it can take as few as two days for a team of painters to complete the job.
Choosing between painting or staining your cabinetry is another decision to consider during this phase. Staining can highlight natural wood features and add character to your kitchen, but it’s important to keep in mind that stains aren’t as easy to touch up as paint.
It’s also important to decide whether or not you want a backsplash at this point. Backsplashes can be a creative way to add interest and personality to your kitchen, and they’re a great opportunity to incorporate different tile patterns for visual variety.
Drywall
Drywall is the main building material used in modern homes to create walls and ceilings. It is also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board. It consists of cores of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is cost effective, quick to install and requires minimal maintenance.
Its layered construction creates an extra thermal barrier during colder seasons, while blocking external heat intrusion and contributing to energy efficiency. Its inherent sound-absorbing properties also make it an ideal component for kitchen spaces, fostering a more tranquil culinary environment.
In addition to its practicality, drywall also facilitates access points for utilities behind kitchen walls. This makes it easy to address plumbing issues, reroute electrical wiring and upgrade kitchen appliances.
A successful renovation requires a qualified contractor. Block personally matches homeowners with vetted general contractors to provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire process. This includes preparing the space, installing blocking and electrical outlets, assessing environmental conditions and protecting floors and surrounding areas. This ensures a high-quality product that meets the homeowner’s unique vision.