5 Things to Consider When Renovating Your Kitchen

Kitchens can really increase the value and feeling of comfort of your house. If you are thinking of renovating your kitchen, whether taking on this project yourself or hiring a general contractor, renovating can be stressful. There are so many decisions to be made, and some of which can be costly. Making smart choices is in your best interest. Here are some tips to help you with your kitchen project.   

Countertops

There is an overwhelmingly large number of materials to choose from when considering countertops for your kitchen. Here are my favorite materials to use, and the pros and cons of each.

• Marble is a beautiful choice if you want an organic, natural looking stone, although it’s usually on the pricier side. If you don’t want to see patina and etching over time, go for something more indestructible.
• Quartz is a great option if you want something tough and hard wearing. These days, there are some beautiful “marble looking” quartz options, but often come with a heftier price point like marble.
• Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone option if you’re going for something organic, but the stone naturally darkens overtime. If you want something light and bright, soapstone isn’t the choice for you.
• Butcher Block is definitely a budget friendly option. I love how the wood brings such warmth to an otherwise utilitarian space. The downside of this cheaper option is that you will likely need to reseal the butcher block every 6-12 months.

Lighting 

It’s always good to think beyond just overhead lighting in a kitchen. Having overhead recessed lighting in the kitchen is great for being able to see what you’re doing, but also consider getting your electrician to also install electrical boxes for wall sconces. At night, these can create a cozy ambiance and give some interest to an otherwise blank wall. I also love using undercabinet lighting. It brings the rooms vibrancy to the next level. Layering lighting in every room is never a bad idea! Consider going with smart lighting that can be changed from a warm soft white for entertaining to a cool white light that helps you see more clearly when working on tasks. Full color smart lighting products can also be changed to different colors to compliment your décor or for decorating for the holidays all year round.

Tile Backsplash

I always do a tile backsplash in my kitchen projects. Installing tile on the walls instantly brings interest and texture. It is also super functional. It’s much easier to wipe spaghetti sauce off tile rather than painted dry wall! Taking the tile all the way to the ceiling can create a beautiful, dramatic effect. Pro tip: beveled subway tile is a great classic, budget friendly option that will immediately add texture and shine to your kitchen. Do some research on the different patterns you can install your tile. Herringbone, Basket Weave, and Stacked bond are just to name a few.

Disguising appliances

I love hiding away appliances when possible. Ask your cabinet person to install woodwork over the fridge and dishwasher so that it looks like another cabinet or pantry. If you can tuck your microwave or coffee maker into a pantry or cabinet, that’s another plus. This prevents your countertops from becoming over cluttered. If this isn’t an option, look into under the counter microwave drawers. They are less noticeable and not as bulky as standard microwaves.

Spatial Planning and Layout

Lastly, and definitely not least, is the importance of a good kitchen layout. The kitchen is where we spend the majority of our time and is most likely the center hub of your home. It important that the layout creates maximum functionality. Make the distance from your main fixtures as comfortable as possible. Placing the fridge, sink, and stove all at a comfortable distance makes prepping and cooking meals that much easier. I prefer these 3 fixtures to be in a triangular shape if possible. I truly believe, if you love your space, you become a more productive and happier person.

Whether you’re on a budget or are going for luxury elements, I hope these tips help you make confident choices. Happy renovating!