Kitchen Remodel

So you’re considering a kitchen remodel? Well, I don’t need to tell you how large a task that is. There are so many moving parts it can feel impossible to think of everything. With so many details, we want to help you organize your thoughts with ten things to make sure you keep track of in your kitchen remodel and ensure its success.

1. Appliances

Appliances are usually an afterthought in kitchen redesign projects. They aren’t physically mounted parts of your kitchen, and there are so many larger things on your mind. However, they will be prominently displayed in your kitchen, so it is crucial to consider how they work with your whole kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice that elevates the look of a room as long as it matches the aesthetic you are going for. They will work better in a modern-style kitchen than a farmhouse style.

2. Lighting Accents

Lighting accents can go a long way in setting a tone for your kitchen, especially if you aren’t a fan of fluorescent lights. They can help create a cozy, homey mood. However, you need to take the whole space into account to get the placement right. What spaces will be dark and require light, such as an overhead light? You need to balance having lighting fixtures that match your aesthetic, a light color that helps your kitchen, and making sure there aren’t any shadows in places you’ll need light.

3. Hardware Style

Before getting too far into a kitchen remodel, you’ll need to make sure you can find the proper hardware to complement the rest of the kitchen. Your hardware style may be a small part of your kitchen, but it isn’t minor. The style of your handles and faucets plays into the overall style of your kitchen and can greatly affect your kitchen’s tone.

4. Islands

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s best to think about how you want to use the space. If you want your kitchen to be a social space, a kitchen island is an inviting feature to gather around. When not entertaining, they also add useful counter space to prepare meals. That said, kitchen islands are best used in large, open kitchens to help you utilize more space.

5. Budgeting

Budgets are the least fun part of kitchen remodels, but they are also the most important. Before committing, you need to know what your spending limits are. Chances are, getting what you want will end up being more expensive than you expect. It’s best to have some money set aside for unexpected expenses with your kitchen remodel, so one unexpected cost doesn’t completely sink the project.

6. Backsplash

When setting the tone of your kitchen, there’s no underestimating the importance of your backsplash. Backsplashes help tie your color scheme together. Quite literally, it touches the upper and base cabinets as well as your counters and wall. It isn’t necessary to opt for an expensive backsplash, subway tiles may work just fine for your kitchen, but glass backsplashes are becoming more and more popular.

7. Grout Color

Grout color is probably the LAST thing on your mind during a kitchen remodel but hear me out. The color of the grout used in your backsplash is subtle, but its color has a significant impact on your kitchen’s tone. Using contrasting-colored grout (white with black tiles) can make the backsplash pop, or a lighter gray can give you a more traditional, smoother look.

8. Flooring

Kitchens, like everything else, need a solid base. Investing in durable flooring like tile during your kitchen remodel will keep you from having to go back and re-do the flooring. By doing it once with durable material, you’ll save money in the long run. Hardwood floors are another option, but in a mess-prone room like a kitchen, you’ll need to ensure it’s protected from spills and water, so it doesn’t warp or deteriorate.

9. Storage

How a kitchen looks is essential, but it also needs to store all your plates, utensils, and cooking supplies. Cabinets should supply most of your storage space, but corner shelves that feature pull-out shelves or lazy susans can help maximize your space without taking away from the aesthetic. Adding a pantry to your kitchen remodel can help you further maximize your storage space and help keep your favorite snacks hidden.

10. Paint Color

The paint you choose for your kitchen is vital, of course, and many factors play into choosing the right paint. If your kitchen receives a lot of natural light, brighter colors may be best to make it an open, welcoming room. Darker tones and wood can also be used to make your kitchen feel more cozy and homey. If you want to use stainless steel appliances, you may opt for grays for either grays or black and white for a modern look.

Kitchen remodeling projects can be overwhelming with so many pieces and factors affecting each other. If you start and end with what you want your kitchen to be and feel like, you can find the details that complete it.