FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU DO A KITCHEN REMODEL
Are you considering redoing your kitchen? Before getting down a social media rabbit hole, check out the key elements an entire kitchen remodel should have. It’s more than simply getting new cabinets.
Fresh paint, new countertops, a better layout… are you thinking about a kitchen makeover? We have all dreamed about living in a freshly renovated space, but sometimes it’s hard to make the choice. Before investing time and money into a huge project, we recommend answering these questions:
1. Have you lived in this kitchen long enough to know what I really need to change?
When you’re just moving into a new space, it’s very tempting to just get all the remodeling done. After all, dealing with a renovation while you’re at home can be a real pain. But the issue with remodeling a kitchen that you’ve never used is that you won’t be sure you’re making the right choices.
As experts in the kitchen design business, we’ve seen it all. People choose open shelving because it looks good… to realize their plates are all in different shapes and don’t look good out in the open. Or maybe you decided a big pantry was a must… and turns out you’d rather have a bigger fridge.
These are the things that you’ll only know AFTER you’ve lived and cooked in your kitchen for a while. So if you’re just moving in, live in your kitchen for a couple of months. We guarantee some of your ideas will change.
2. What is bothering you about your kitchen?
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, the first step is to avoid getting overwhelmed. Before jumping to Pinterest to search "kitchen remodels" and seeing what everyone else is doing, get down to the basics. Once you’ve lived in your kitchen for a while, you probably have a few pet peeves. Start by jotting these down. Be very specific. For example, instead of putting down “it’s too cramped”, maybe it’s that the dishwasher is in a very narrow corner. Or, that you need a bigger island because prepping is difficult with the space you have. Here are a few issues you might be dealing with:
· Too “closed off” from the rest of the house? Maybe you need seating space inside the kitchen.
· Are you feeling cooped up? The windows might be too narrow, or they might be facing north. A south-facing window will get the most sun year-round.
· Not enough space? Jot down what you have too much of. Is it fridge/freezer stuff? Pantry staples? Cold drinks? Tupperware? Keep a running list and prioritize it.
· Changes that would make your life easier: maybe you use kitchen appliances often and need more plugs. Or your lower cabinets could be installed higher to allow the Roomba to pick up the crumbs on its own.
3. Do you need a kitchen remodel or a kitchen renovation?
Now that you have a clear list of issues, rearrange it in order of importance. So, yes, a new countertop could be great, but a bigger stovetop is more important for you. Or maybe you’d like space for a bigger freezer.
Next, think about your top 2 to 5 issues and think whether you need a kitchen remodel or a smaller renovation. A renovation can fix many issues like cabinets that don’t close properly, a bigger window, or even a new stone countertop. However, if you need to re-do the layout, widen the paths or add a kitchen island, you probably need a
kitchen remodel.
4. What are your kitchen and cooking must-haves?
Even if a complete re-do would be amazing, most of the time you’ll have to compromise. Either because of budget constraints, or just due to your home’s layout, it’s very likely you’ll only be able to have a few of your “wants”.
Luckily, since you already have a running list of what you’d like, choosing your priorities will be easier! Think of the top 2 to 5 things that would directly tackle your biggest issues, and see if the rest of the list can maybe be tackled over a longer time (or with a smaller renovation in a few years).
The key elements for an amazing kitchen design
So you’ve decided a kitchen makeover is in your plans? It’s time for the fun part! Choosing the key elements in a kitchen remodel can make or break your project. Here are the top items to think about first.
Modern or classic? How to choose the right kitchen design
Decide whether you want a traditional or a more modern kitchen, and remember to consider the rest of your home. Nothing is weirder than a sleek, shiny kitchen in the middle of a traditional home. Traditional kitchen designs tend to use more natural materials and colors. Usually, there will be wood (either natural or painted), stone, and classic details like molding to give everything a homey look. In contrast, modern kitchen designs often have more man-made materials like aluminum, ceramics, laminated countertops, and a shinier finish.
For the color palette, don’t focus on very specific choices, but rather a “tone”: clear, colorful, moody… it’s easier than deciding that a specific paint will have to be on the walls. Once you’ve chosen the overall style and color, we recommend starting with the “biggest” elements: cabinetry, countertops and lights.
Custom kitchen cabinets: yay or nay?
Nowadays, the choice of pre-made kitchen cabinets is wider than ever. So should you go with custom kitchen cabinets or not? It all depends on your needs.
Homes that have a very weird layout, or kitchens with bigger appliances might require custom cabinets. But if you want to save some money, pre-made is probably a good option.
In our experience, mixing custom and pre-made can work beautifully: giving a new finish to pre-made cabinets can get you that bespoke feeling at a fraction of the cost.
Of course, talk to your contractor and get their opinion: sometimes they’ll even have insider discounts at specific stores!
Quartz or stone countertops?
The right countertop can really bring your kitchen design together, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming! Before picking a material or a finish, keep in mind the maintenance needed. Every material has its own pros and cons:
· Marble: This classic countertop gives your kitchen a sophisticated, elegant feel and it’s great for busy family kitchens because it’s heat-resistant. Nevertheless, it is more porous than other choices, and you’ll have to seal it every so often to ensure it doesn’t stain.
· Quartz: Many people like quartz countertops because it can look similar to marble but it’s easier to maintain. It is virtually indestructible and needs no sealers. Many modern kitchen designs use quartz.
· Granite: Granite is one of the more expensive options, but has the advantage of lasting for decades. In fact, most granite countertops won’t ever need replacement with the proper sealing. Some people don’t love the color, but we really like it!
· Corian: This is a newer material similar to quartz, but it is man-made instead of natural stone. Corian mixes minerals with resins to make a very strong countertop. Since it’s very sturdy and doesn’t need sealing, many people choose it for rental properties.
Get the right lighting
The right lighting can make your kitchen truly welcoming and homey! In fact, even with huge windows, bad lighting will make your kitchen feel small. We recommend talking to an expert and, if possible, walking through a few kitchen designs to get a feel for the end result you’d like. In our experience, every kitchen needs three types of lights:
- Ambient: The bigger light fixtures. In general, you want to have a big fixture in the ceiling that will cast as few shadows as possible. Consider the windows, but remember that at night you’ll have to rely only on the artificial lights.
- Task: Usually only where you’ll need more focus. For example, extra pendant lights on the kitchen island or cabinets that light up when you open them. These make actual cooking easier and more enjoyable!
- Accent lighting: The strip lights under your cabinets fall in this category. It helps give your kitchen a more welcoming atmosphere. Sometimes, the same fixture doubles as a task and accent light.
Going Forward with Your Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels are exciting and a little frightening, so it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed!
We recommend getting in touch with a good team that will answer your questions and help you throughout the entire process. At Top Gunn Kitchen & Bath Design, we work with our clients from beginning to end in the design process. From your initial thoughts and questions, we develop a design board asking questions and making suggestions before any work begins. Your new kitchen space should work for you and your family.
Call us today and get started with your kitchen remodel.
We offer virtual estimates via FaceTime or Skype.
