Are you dreaming of a complete kitchen makeover with loads of natural light, an open floor plan, custom cabinets, quartz countertops, subway tiles, and pendant lights? Maybe you're looking for a simple refresh with a new coat of paint and some decorative accents?
No matter your vision, the key to a successful kitchen remodel is having a plan in place. Whether you want a mini revamp or a major kitchen redo, you're in luck with Sioux Falls Home Remodeling's latest guide.
We'll give you the best kitchen remodeling tips to ensure a seamless renovation project from conception to completion.
Let's dive in.
Before diving into the exciting world of kitchen renovations (and countless hours on Pinterest!), it's important to evaluate the current state of your kitchen so you can plan your new design. This initial assessment will serve as the foundation for your remodeling goals.
Here is how you can get started:
Take note of what isn't working in your current kitchen. Do you have outdated appliances? Too little counter space? Not enough storage or seating? Poor lighting? These pain points will help you prioritize your remodeling efforts.
How will you use your ideal kitchen? Do you entertain guests most days of the week? Or do you prefer small, intimate dinners with your partner or immediate family? This can help you analyze the traffic flow of the kitchen area to ensure there are no bottlenecks or awkward areas that may restrict movement.
Are your kitchen cabinets bursting at the seams? Or are countertops overflowing with piles of groceries? Efficient storage solutions ensure a clutter-free and well-organized space.
Consider the overall look and feel of your existing kitchen. Does it blend with the rest of your home's decor? Does it represent your personal style? Identifying your aesthetic goals will guide your design remodel choices.
Once you've defined your remodeling goals, it's time to set a realistic budget.
Budgeting is the most important step to ensure you stay on track financially and avoid costly surprises. While it's great to have big kitchen remodeling dreams, you must ensure you can afford it.
Here's how:
Review your finances and decide how much you can spend on a kitchen renovation. This must include all costs, including materials, custom cabinet doors, appliances, and labor.
Kitchen remodels can be pricey, so if you're handy and have the time, a DIY approach can be cost-effective. However, DIY projects tend to take longer to finish. Alternatively, opt for professional services, such as kitchen remodelers, interior designers, or building contractors, for a quick turnaround time.
You can allocate your spending once your budget is set. Cabinetry, plumbing, electrical work, and high-quality appliances should take precedence over aesthetic changes like painting or lighting.
Get quotes from multiple contractors and kitchen designers to ensure you get the best value for money. Comparing prices will help you negotiate better deals. Additionally, you can research material and appliance pricing online to ensure you're not being ripped off.
Set aside an additional 10% - 15% of your total budget to cover unexpected costs during the remodeling process (e.g. building material price increase, contractor delays).
Keep an eye on your spending and record all project costs. Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or budgeting app to monitor your expenditures to ensure you stay within budget.
Choosing the right layout for your kitchen renovation is vital to ensure a smooth transition between areas. To achieve this, the "kitchen triangle" - sink, stove, refrigerator - must be designed for easy accessibility.
Here are a few layout design options that maximize space and functionality:
Once you've decided on a layout for your kitchen, you can plan and design the relevant storage solutions you need. Efficient storage is essential for a clutter-free kitchen.
Here are a few tips:
Opt for tall cabinets that reach the ceiling, with upper sections to store infrequently used items, to maximize storage. Install narrow pantries in tight spaces. Hang pots and pans from an overhead rack to free up cabinet space and add a decorative flair.
Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets for easy cleaning and accessibility to hard-to-get items. This is particularly helpful for those pesky corner cabinets.
Hide trash cans and recycling bins in drawers for a clutter-free space. Large drawer units (for pot storage) with shallow upper drawers installed inside (for cutlery and utensils) add a modern touch. Drawers under the sink are another great option as they offer better accessibility to cleaning products.
Pro tip: Install drawers in the toe-kick area (the space beneath the base cabinets) for storing flat items like baking sheets.
Breakfast nooks with built-in seat storage are ideal for small kitchens with limited space. Kitchen islands with built-in drawers, cupboards, and shelves are handy in bigger kitchens, offering a space-savvy solution.
When choosing materials, aim to strike a balance between durability and aesthetics. A full kitchen remodel is not cheap, so you don't want finishes and fixtures that become outdated quickly. Timeless designs in neutral tones - such as marble or quartz countertops, white kitchen cabinets, and ceramic tiled flooring - are made to stand the test of time.
Here's our advice:
Fun fact:40% of US homeowners opt for white cabinets due to their timeless appeal.
Lighting is often underestimated in a kitchen makeover but plays a big role in terms of functionality, ambiance, and aesthetics.
Gone are the days of (blinding) fluorescent lights.
Instead, modern kitchens have layered lighting to illuminate different areas, such as:
Here's a breakdown of the four main options:
These lights set the overall mood and brightness of your kitchen. They provide a gentle, soft glow that fills the entire room, allowing you to move around comfortably.
Common examples include:
Task lighting is used to illuminate functional "task" areas, such as prep or wash areas. They generally only brighten a designated spot in the kitchen.
Common examples include:
Accent lighting highlights specific features in your kitchen. Unlike task lights, which focus on functionality, accent lighting creates visual interest. You can use them to draw attention to artwork, illuminate architectural designs such as unique cabinetry or backsplashes, or showcase decorative objects on open shelves.
Common examples include:
Decorative lights have nothing to do with functionality and are rather used to add a bit of personality and style to your kitchen. These can be great conversation starters or focal points that express and reflect your unique taste.
A few examples include:
Choosing the right kitchen appliances comes down to your cooking style, budget, and layout. Are you a gourmet chef or a master of quick meals? Do you entertain often, or is it mostly solo dining? Understanding how your kitchen is used will help you decide which items you need.
Here's a list of common kitchen appliances:
Choose the size and configuration (French door, side-by-side, column, top freezer, etc.) that best suits your needs and budget. Consider additional features like water dispensers and ice makers.
Consider gas or electric-based stoves and ovens based on your cooking preference and style. Built-in stovetops and ovens are best for traditional homes while freestanding cookers add a modern touch.
Microwaves come in a variety of sizes and wattages. Higher wattages cook faster but are generally more expensive. Low-wattage models are more cost-effective and are perfect for quick reheats.
Base sizing on the available space. Do you need a large floor-standing dishwasher for a family of five? Or would a countertop model do the trick in a small space? Look for features like adjustable racks, noise reduction, water consumption, and efficiency.
Kettles, coffee makers, blenders, and toasters are small appliances that are commonly used. Opt for a kitchen layout with "hidden" storage units to keep countertops clutter-free.
While durable and timeless finishes ensure your new kitchen is made to last, eco-friendly practices create a kitchen that's good for you and the planet!
Here are a few tips:
Before replacing existing elements, consider if they can be repurposed or upcycled.
For instance, consider replacing cabinet doors instead of gutting and replacing the entire cabinetry framework. Turn old cottage-pane windows into unique photo frames, give old free standing butcher blocks a fresh coat of paint, or make eccentric light fittings from colanders, mugs, or vintage cutlery.
Choose countertops made from recycled materials, cabinets made from sustainably sourced wood, energy-efficient appliances, and sensor-controlled lighting to reduce your carbon footprint.
Minimize artificial lighting and maximize natural light. Place windows, skylights, and doors strategically to allow light into the room for a more open and airy feel.
Your kitchen remodel isn't just about new cabinetry and countertops. It gives you the chance to create a space that reflects your personality and unique style.
Here are a few ways you can do it:
Incorporate conversation-starting elements, such as a vintage pendant light, colorful backsplash, or unique open shelving units to display personal items.
Don't be afraid to express yourself with paint colors or accent walls. Dark colors are eye-catching, creating a stark contrast against lighter furniture. Lighter, softer tones create the illusion of bigger spaces with a calming atmosphere.
Personalize your kitchen walls with artwork that reflects your taste.
Include potted plants and mini herb gardens on windowsills or use hanging planters to add a touch of vibrancy to the space.
Decorative cabinet handles, unique faucet fittings, eclectic lighting, and statement runners/rugs contribute to a personalized kitchen area.
Here are a few remodeling mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.
Be realistic about your finances. Create a realistic budget that includes not just the cost of materials and appliances, but also potential demolition, plumbing, electrical work, and permits. Factor in a buffer of 10% - 15% for unexpected costs.
Another common mistake is working on a budget that is too low. This leads to rushed jobs and sub-par results. While cheap contractors, flooring, fittings, and cabinets will save you money in the short term, they will not last in the long run.
As mentioned, the kitchen triangle refers to the imaginary path between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. Ensure these elements are positioned efficiently for maximum accessibility.
Kitchens are packed with appliances, utensils, and pantry goods. Before your remodel, take inventory of your belongings and plan adequate storage solutions like cabinets, drawers, and pantry space for optimal efficiency.
Think about how people move through your kitchen. Ensure ample space for opening cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator without creating bottlenecks or obstructing walkways.
While trends can be inspiring, prioritize functionality if you want your kitchen to stand the test of time. Choose timeless design elements for major features like cabinets, countertops, and floors. Add trendy touches in the form of lighting, feature walls, runners, or artwork.
While DIY projects can be rewarding, kitchen remodels are complex tasks that require careful planning. Plumbing installation, electrical connections, building permits, and structural modifications require professional expertise to ensure a safe and code-compliant makeover.
Pro tip: Consider a kitchen designer if you're stuck with layout and interior design ideas.
The general rule of thumb is to budget 5% to 15% of your home's value for kitchen renovations. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, your kitchen budget should be between $15,000 and $45,000.
Custom cabinetry is the most expensive element of kitchen models, accounting for around 30% of the overall budget.
Here are a few kitchen remodeling ideas to create classy kitchens when on a budget:
-Opt for a neutral color palette - paint, furnishings, tiles, appliances.
-Replace cabinet doors with ribbed or flat panel doors.
-Replace cabinet hardware with sleek, modern handles.
-Install under-cabinet lighting.
-Incorporate a dark feature wall to create dramatic contrasts.
-Opt for an eye-catching backsplash.
-Incorporate seating around your kitchen island.
-Remove clutter from countertops.
So there you have it; a complete rundown of the best kitchen remodeling ideas and how to put them into action.
Proper planning, setting a budget, choosing the right layout that works for you, and avoiding common reno mistakes contribute to your kitchen revamp's success.
Whether you're gutting out an old kitchen or upgrading a few minor elements, chat with Sioux Falls Home Remodeling today. We're passionate about home design.
