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Valuable guidance to assist you in the initial stages of planning.
Undertaking a home renovation project can bring about numerous challenges. However, kitchen renovations can be especially exasperating, not to mention costly.
This is because it involves not only the aesthetic aspects of the space but also the selection of various appliances, plumbing considerations, and storage solutions. Additionally, with the need to continue with daily meals, relying on takeout can quickly become tiresome for the entire family.
However, do not allow the increased complexity of a kitchen renovation to persuade you to keep an obsolete area or one that does not suit your needs. We have compiled a list of 10 clever tips that will guarantee a smooth journey towards achieving your ideal kitchen.
Anticipate and Prepare
It would be ideal if you could find alternative accommodation during the renovation process. However, this is often not the case. If you have no choice but to stay in your home during the renovation, it is important to carefully plan for the inconvenience. Since kitchen renovations can take a considerable amount of time, you will likely need to set up a temporary kitchen in another room, such as the dining room or laundry room.
Despite this, try to make the best of the situation and have some fun with it. Normally a kitchen renovation could be completed in less than 12 weeks. It is wise to expect the project to take at least 10-20% longer than the initial estimate given by the contractor, to avoid unnecessary frustration in the later stages of the project.
Analyze Your Present Kitchen
When consulting clients, our first step is to have them thoroughly examine their current kitchen. They are asked to carefully assess it and share what they appreciate about it, as well as what they wish they could change. It is also important to keep in mind the specific square footage of the existing space unless an addition is being made to the home.
We advise clients to understand their reasoning behind certain desires, as it may lead to alternative solutions that are more suitable for the space. For example, if a large island is at the top of their wish list but the space cannot accommodate it, forcing it is not recommended. Instead, we encourage clients to delve deeper and question their reasoning, as there may be other options that would work better in their current space.
If It Ain’t Broken, Don’t Mess With It
If your existing windows are suitable for the new kitchen design, it would be wise to keep them. This will result in significant cost savings. The same principle can be applied to maintaining other permanent fixtures, such as the current plumbing layout. Not only will this free up your budget for unexpected expenses, but it will also save you valuable time, meaning you won’t have to rely on instant meals as often.
Get Advice from Professionals
We recommend hiring a designer and/or architect together with a contractor if the budget permits. Making significant and expensive decisions can be overwhelming without assistance. However, for those working on a tight budget, it would be beneficial to search for local designers who offer hourly consultation services. We emphasize the importance of having a complete team in place from the start when seeking input from professionals. This will ultimately lead to better outcomes.
Prioritize Function in Your Work
Trends tend to lose appeal over time, especially when it comes to kitchen design. It is best to stay away from them. They can quickly make a kitchen look dated. However, if a trend catches your eye, it’s wise to incorporate it only in areas that are easy and affordable to update, such as stools, lighting, drawer pulls, and similar items.
Plan for Appliance Selection
Appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, electric and gas cooktops, microwaves, ice makers, and wine fridges, can vary greatly in cost, ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. These costs will make up a significant portion of your budget for the project. It is important to carefully choose your appliances as they will determine the layout and design of your kitchen. A helpful tip is to include an electrical outlet in the pantry to discreetly hide microwaves for a more streamlined appearance.
Design Decisions Should be Informed by Space
Before making any design decisions, it is essential to contemplate how your kitchen blends with the rest of your home. Is it connected to another room? If so, are there any elements in that area that require balancing in the kitchen? The main principle is to ensure that all elements can coexist harmoniously. Although they may not have the same appearance, they must be able to communicate effectively.
Space smoothing
The primary function of the kitchen is important, but it should also be a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space for you and your family to spend time together. According to Howard, it shouldn’t look like the back of a restaurant but rather be treated like a regular room in the house. To achieve this, consider using finishes and fabrics that add a touch of comfort and incorporate personal elements such as artwork.
The Concept of Openness is Not the Sole Concept
Although we do appreciate a spacious kitchen designed for hosting, it is not a necessary feature for every household. It is common for people to get overly excited during renovations and remove walls that serve an aesthetic purpose. It is important to take a step back and consider the lifestyle of your family before making any drastic changes.
Prioritize Timelessness Instead of Trends
Trends tend to lose their appeal over time, especially when it comes to kitchen design. It is best to steer clear of them. They can quickly make a kitchen look outdated. However, if a trend does catch your eye, it is wise to only incorporate it in areas that are easy and affordable to update, such as barstools, lighting, drawer pulls, and similar elements.
