5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips And A Guide
image via : dvd Interior Design
The Art of Kitchen Design:
5 Remodeling Tips and a Guide
Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling · The Basic Steps For Your Kitchen Renovation · Planning for a new kitchen?
After working with many clients over the years, and defining the process, I have created the “Kitchen Remodeling Checklist”, a downloadable project binder, to help you manage your renovation project. This is an organized step-by-step guide to help you create your ideal kitchen.
You see, a kitchen designer is a detective and problem-solver, first and foremost. We observe and ask questions to create a space that works for the way you live. You may be interested in our 2-Hour Kitchen Design Consultation to help you with your remodel or new kitchen
It’s not hard to see why undertaking a kitchen remodel is one of the most discussed topics in interior design. These projects—while worth it in the end—can get to be a little costly and time-consuming. It goes without saying that, if you’re going to do it, you want to do it the right way.- Deborah von Donop- dvd Interior Design
The Kitchen Revolution
The kitchen has been unfolding as the epicenter of the home for the last few years. Kitchens have evolved from the hidden back room with utilitarian equipment into a family haven for homework, gathering, entertaining, and a variety of other functions. While kitchens in condos and small houses may be somewhat limited in square footage, even a galley-style space is often now open to living and dining areas in a loft-style arrangement for better camaraderie and conversation.
Top Tips For A Successful Kitchen Remodel
If you are looking for a quick update to sell? Then this is your go-to list.
Paint your cabinets. What are the most popular colors? See our No-Fail colors for Kitchen Cabinets and free color board download “
New countertops and backsplash ( use a quartz-like stone Cambria ) For more information on the difference between Quartz and Quartzite see my post here.
New Light Fixtures! The linear fixture or more current these days. See my latest selections for kitchen lighting in my SHOP.
Change the Hardware on cabinets! Stainless, black, and brass are all in vogue.
If you are looking to remodel in the near future, I am sharing with you remodeling tips used by the experts. These are my favorite kitchen remodel tips because Kitchen Remodeling without tears is always better!
How will you use your kitchen? Pay close attention to how you use the space without making changes., and decide what tradeoffs you are ok with. (ex: speed ovens, wall ovens, coffee stations)
Shop a similar look: Stools | Clock | Pendant
1. KNOW HOW YOU WILL USE YOUR KITCHEN
Knowing what kind of cook you are, and what is important to you when cooking is essential. Are the new technologies in high-end appliances such as sous-vide, speed ovens, an induction cooktop a requirement?
Think about how you cook and visit your local appliance dealer to see the latest updates in the kitchen. Do you prefer gas or electric? Do you want to have a speed oven to have items cook faster and better, do you want a hood for ventilation that is exposed, or concealed? Would you like your knives to be on your left or right while you cook? Are you a baker, and keep that equipment close to the oven, or are you more of a cook, with spices, pans, and oils nearby?” – dvd
Before starting the renovation, make sure you have a solid plan in place to ensure that your new kitchen will meet your needs. As you cook, walk yourself through your routine while asking questions like the ones offered above. Make note of any favorite details or annoyances that you have about your current space and include any necessary changes to your design plan.
kitchen : dvd Interior Design
Whenever possible, leave the existing layout. Image: dvd Interior Kitchen Design
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2. CONSIDER LEAVING the LAYOUT AS-IS
“When you keep the appliances and plumbing where they are you can create a substantial cost saving on your project overall. Typically, an assessment can be around $5000 each time you move plumbing and/or electrical locations for appliances and plumbing. If you are on a tight budget, consider working with the current layout whenever you can.” -dvd
If you can leave the general layout as originally planned with updated improvements, you can save a substantial amount of money. Unfortunately, many kitchens are not properly planned, or they are too outdated, and a new configuration is required. If this is your situation then a new configuration is a better equity return on your investment for the duration of living in the space.
Choose contrasting colors for a huge punch of visual interest. The classic tuxedo in black, white, and wood.
Shop a similar look: Faucet and Undermount Stainless Sink | Mirror or Mirror | glass Pendant or white milk glass Pendant
3. CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS EARLY INTO THE PROCESS.
If you have time to go the DIY route, that will be a lot more affordable. You can do a high-end kitchen renovation on a limited budget if you have the time to put into shopping for every item yourself and doing some of the labor yourself. With access online, you have pretty much the whole world at your disposal-dvd
The first step in a kitchen remodel is the easiest – gather your ideas and decide what you want. You should also consider how your kitchen will be used and whether your new design will fit within the existing floorplan or if an architect will be needed for added square footage and layout changes. Then you need to call in the professionals. There is a professional out there for just about every facet of a major kitchen remodel, from granite countertops to custom kitchen cabinetry to managing the entire project.
Assuming you haven’t reached out to a licensed contractor yet, you should do so once you have a budget, layout and your overall design plans are finalized. Plan on requesting at least three different estimates that include timetables for completion. For a helpful list of questions to ask your prospective contractors see my post: 10 Questions You Must Ask A General Contractor Before Hiring — dvd Interior Design
“Not knowing that problems can happen, and not keeping in touch with the contractors on a consistent basis is the most common mistake I’ve seen homeowners make during a kitchen remodel. For example, I know you don’t want to seem pushy, and you want to trust your contractor, but if they are running late for instance, it is always a good idea to call them instead of waiting patiently. -dvd
Even if you are planning on the DIY kitchen remodel path, the rule of bidding is that you should never take the low-ball bid when hiring help for a renovation. Low estimates may indicate a contractor may be desperate for work and/or plans on using low-quality materials. All of your bids should be in the same range if your plans and requests for pricing are clearly outlined.
Let your backsplash make a statement. Image: Ann Sacks
Shop a similar look: Shelf | Urn | White Carerra Chevron Backsplash Tile or Swiss Cross Ceramic by Ann Sacks
4. INVEST IN YOUR BACKSPLASH
Take the backsplash tile to the ceiling, especially when they are only 8 feet. It’s also a great way to add some height and drama. This is common in a lot of older homes. Taking the tile up creates visual height and an especially polished look because you don’t have a break where tile meets drywall (particularly around a window). It’s a great look for minimal cost. – dvd
The second unspoken bonus for this tip? A dramatic backsplash will draw the eye with ease and make an excellent focal point. Consider this one if you’re searching for a way to truly make a dramatic impact.
Fresh accessories can give the room a totally different look. Image: dvd Interior Design
Shop a similar look: Canisters | Faucet | Counter Stools
5. SOMETIMES SMALL CHANGES MATTER MOST
“Short of a full remodel is reorganizing and styling your spaces with new elements and accessories. Just updating your lighting, counter stools, or a new countertop can make a HUGE difference in the overall aesthetic. I recently added a new faucet along with lighting in my kitchen and was so pleased with the updated look it gave to an older kitchen.” See: My Kitchen Refresh Here – dvd
If you are debating whether you need to go ahead with a full remodel or if you can get away with a quick update, ask yourself this question: Am I concerned with function or aesthetics?
When the function is the issue, a kitchen remodel is usually in the cards. However, if it’s just the look that needs a refresher, you can swap out a few design elements with current trends. Look for things like accessories, textiles, and wall art to revamp your style. These items will have a huge visual impact at a relatively low price point.
Keep these tips in mind when you tackle your remodel. Image: Elle Decor
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*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission from the vendor at no cost to you. I only share things that I love and hope you will too!
Every cook and the savvy homeowner knows the value of a well-done kitchen. It’s a complex challenge to create the best results on your own if this is your first time.
In an effort to give you all the tools you need to create the kitchen of your dreams, I have compiled the Kitchen Remodeling Checklist to get you organized for the best results from the start.
P.S. Are you following DVD INTERIOR DESIGN on the LikeToKnow.it app yet? If not, this is an easy way to shop all of our favorite finds, including additional app-exclusive content just for subscribers! Just sign up on your phone and you can get started right away!
The Guide: A Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
Kitchen layout help, Kitchen design consultation
I recently posted about a Kitchen Reveal in Rye, NY and I received a tremendous amount of feedback and questions from homeowners considering (or in the middle of) a renovation.
In response to the feedback, I have created a downloadable version of the “Kitchen Renovation Checklist” that is usually reserved for my kitchen design clients. You can use this checklist to build your own project binder, helping you to create your ideal space.
The Kitchen Remodel Checklist includes:
a step-by-step guide to kitchen design and renovation with questions to ask contractors
layout and planning grids
budgeting spreadsheet for tracking your purchases and managing expenditures
your own inspiration pages
tables to list your choice of appliances, cabinetry, and finishes
Use this binder, along with my top remodeling tips to manage your project.
Kitchen layout help - Kitchen Design Consultation- consult an Expert
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