There’s no room in the home more integral to the overall interior style of your house than the kitchen.
And if your kitchen is looking a little dated, now is a great time to consider a renovation or total redesign.
The Case for a Kitchen Renovation
If you’re going to renovate any room in the home, it should be your kitchen.
As this study from UCLA shows, 68 percent of a family’s time is spent in the kitchen/nook and/or living room.
That’s roughly two-thirds of the time spent in the home.
And on top of that, the kitchen is one of the first rooms that prospective buyers look at when considering whether to put an offer in on a home.
After a kitchen remodel, 90 percent of homeowners say they want to spend more time in their homes.
And on a scale of 1 to 10, homeowners rank upgraded kitchens a 9.2 in terms of joy and satisfaction.
Practically, financially, and emotionally — a kitchen remodel is a smart investment.
The only question is, where do you start?
4 Kitchen Renovation Tips
Kitchen renovations come in many shapes and sizes.
You can go as simple as a few DIY cosmetic upgrades or as intense as ripping the room down to the studs and starting over.
But regardless of what you do, here are a few tips you’ll find helpful:
1. Get Some Professional Help
You might have an eye for design, but there’s a big difference between decorating a space and renovating a space.
Any time you’re tearing things out and replacing them with new elements, it’s helpful to have someone with more than just an “eye” for where things go.
You want someone who has professional experience and design education. This will ensure things get done right the first time.
It also offloads the bulk of the responsibility and prevents you from having to make every little choice, which can quickly lead to decision fatigue.
2. Start With the Appliances and Sink
Many homeowners start the kitchen renovation process by thinking about visual components like paint colors, countertops, and the backsplash.
But it’s also important to consider the appliances early on in the process. That’s because they have a major impact on layout.
“When planning, don’t just measure their width: Check the depth and leave clearance for circulation around door openings, including the side of the fridge, which often needs to be up to three inches to open interior drawers fully,” designer Stephanie Krikorian writes.
“Also, don’t skimp on ventilation: People forget the range needs a vent, or they underestimate the strength it needs (a heavy-duty range requires a heavy-duty hood!).”
The kitchen sink matters, too – much for the same reasons.
It impacts cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and even plumbing.
Figure this one out sooner rather than later.
3. Find the Right Kitchen Table
The kitchen table is more than a place where you sit down for meals.
It’s the place where you have important conversations, help the kids with homework, pay bills, and gather with loved ones.
There’s nothing technically wrong with a generic table from a big box design store, but why not invest in something that has a more unique flare?
A sleek, contemporary dining table with clean lines and quality craftsmanship doesn’t just look different – it feels totally different.
By making the dining table one of the focal points of your kitchen, you’re able to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and relaxed.
4. Think Practically
As important as aesthetics are, don’t forget about the practical aspects of the kitchen.
Seemingly small details like counter height, trash can placement, drawer slides, and lighting choices can impact how you use the space.
(This is another good reason to use a professional designer. They’re able to account for small details that you might not be aware of.)
Make Your Kitchen Shine
A renovated kitchen will make you more comfortable and happy.
It’ll encourage you to spend more time at home — relaxing, entertaining, cooking, and even eating healthy.
Done the right way, it can even add considerable value to the sale price of your house.
All in all, it’s a wise investment worth exploring in more detail.
BuyHouseEZ
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
I loved reading your blog post about 4 tips for a kitchen renovation. I really liked the tip about being helpful on Twitter and you've given lots of great tips and advice to help you get your kitchen a facelift.