While even a minor kitchen remodel works in the home’s favor, the first priority is to make it work for you. One would argue that these things are one and the same – your home, your money, your best interests. But sometimes, we opt so much for increased home value that we forget what we really need and want in our own kitchen.
Moving in this direction, there are some things to add to make your kitchen remodeling work for you. It makes sense to say that the key to all that is to set your budget, wants and likes, and priorities, at the very beginning too. We just throw some kitchen remodel ideas your way. Catch them if you want, leave them if they are not for you.
What do we suggest you add to your kitchen renovation?
1. Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen cabinets account for nearly half the remodel cost – even more if we are talking about custom cabinetry. And they are totally worth the expense unless the existing ones are sound – structurally speaking. In this case, you can change the color by painting the kitchen cabinets. Or you can simply reface them.
The truth is that the need to remodel the kitchen usually pops when most elements are worn and there’s hardly enough storage space. One thing you gain by changing the cabinetry – often the kitchen layout too, is more storage room. And this is a big thing when it comes to kitchen makeovers.
2. A Big Kitchen Sink
There’s an abundance of kitchen sinks on the market, in regard to their size, style, material, and installation method. The first thing to do is consider the size and the shape. Is this new sink going to replace the old one or will the counter be new too? In the case of the former, you are limited by the existing space available. In the case of the latter, you have the freedom to choose and are limited only by the size of the soon-to-be new countertop of yours.
In any case, you will need a new kitchen sink. You may not think of it this way, but the sink is one more workstation in your kitchen. For this reason, you must decide if you want a single or double bowl sink, if it’s going to be top or undermount, et cetera. Whatever your style choices, make sure you get a big sink – the biggest possible since you will need ample space for all dirty dishes and pots, but also to wash fruits, get a glass of water, etc.
3. A Convenient Kitchen Faucet
Kitchen faucets are used constantly and in the most inconvenient moments – when your hands are full or dirty, for instance. They must be single-hand operated and fit perfectly, in regard to the sink’s material but also in terms of the kitchen’s layout. If there’s a window above the sink, you need to get a faucet that will fit without making your life difficult.
Choose the faucet based on your needs but also on the sink’s size. Swivel kitchen faucets are a must today. Now if the sink is extra wide, it’s best to get a faucet with a pull-out or pull-down sprayer.
4. A Resistant Backsplash
There are enough kitchen backsplash ideas to suit all tastes. No doubt. While most materials are strong, they also come with some downsides. For example, tile is great but grout can easily get dirty. Stone is great but cannot be cleaned with the same ease as tile. Prefer glossy options to make cleaning easier.
5. A Durable Countertop
Natural wood and marble are great countertop options, aesthetically speaking, but quartz and granite stand at the top of the list of the most durable materials. Since countertops on peninsulas and kitchen islands take a lot of beating, make sure the material cannot be easily scratched, chipped, stained.
6. Sufficient Task lights
By installing new kitchen lighting fixtures, the room is refreshed. Now the point is to maximize your comfort by making sure every corner is properly lit, especially at the main workstations – the kitchen island and under the wall cabinets. Inside the cabinets too.
7. New kitchen flooring
If the kitchen flooring is in good condition, no need to get a new one. But if it’s worn, this is your chance to install new kitchen floor. Wood is always a great choice, in terms of style, and especially if the rest of the home is covered with wood flooring and this is an open plan kitchen. For a more durable choice, go for vinyl, porcelain tile, or laminate.
