Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting and creative activity for a homeowner; As with any remodel, it’s a good idea to start with a budget in mind and work according to a plan. There is a lot you can do with a kitchen remodel; Kitchen cabinets, sinks, exhaust fans, kitchen sinks, kitchen islands, curtains, lighting, countertops, backsplash, faucets, furniture, tile, etc. they can be replaced or repaired to give your kitchen a whole new look. You should have an idea of the costs involved in a remodel and then plan the remodel to fit your budget.
Before beginning a remodeling project, it is important to obtain a building permit well in advance because municipalities can take time to process the permit application.
The kitchen ceilings can be kept a bit higher to give the kitchen a different feel to the rest of the house and the kitchen can be moved adjacent to the dining area for easier kitchen service.
In kitchens, where space is a constraint, a remodel offers the opportunity to remove seldom-used fixtures and fittings and create some space. The kitchen space can be made more visually appealing by varying the height of the countertops and using different sized cabinets with different styles of doors. Contrasts can be achieved by using light wood stains for islands and darker ones for cabinets. A remodel is also the time to hide unsightly appliances by installing panels that can cover or hide ovens or refrigerators. Another way to make appliances blend in with their surroundings is to install stainless steel appliances; This is because stainless steel reflects the colors of its surroundings and is therefore not very noticeable.
Counter space to allocate can be a difficult decision; Ideally, you should allocate enough space for countertops, and countertops should have enough width and depth to provide work space as well as space for appliances. Cabinets should be positioned so that the contents of the cabinets are accessible from the part of the kitchen where they are likely to be used most often.
Traditional kitchen cabinets come with raised panels and in a variety of finishes and wood options. Contemporary kitchen cabinets offer a neat look with clean lines; building materials include wood, glass, plastic and other materials. Kitchen sinks are mostly made of stainless steel, which is a sturdy and inexpensive alternative. Enamel-covered cast-iron sinks provide a traditional look. Granite and quartz composite sinks offer a high gloss and are durable.
Kitchen islands can be added to spacious and not so spacious kitchens; With smaller kitchens, an island provides additional counter space to place pots and cutlery. Kitchen islands also offer space for a small family to gather, a kitchen island on wheels allows you to move the island and change the configuration of the space. During the remodel, you can try to alter the lighting if necessary so that it illuminates the stove, countertops, cabinets, sink, and other work areas.
Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel can learn for themselves some of the latest remodeling trends including built-in coffee centers that are stylish and take up little space; extractor hoods in various sculptural forms made of materials such as steel and glass; the trend in cabinetry is toward minimalism with floating units, touch-latch cabinet fronts that reduce hardware requirements; and surfaces made of materials such as bamboo, glass and aluminum; dual-fuel stoves that use both electricity and gas; Italian kitchen appliances like ice cream makers, stainless steel truffle shavers, and a panini grill for making sandwiches are popular items to add to a kitchen when remodeling; homeowners are also increasingly turning to smart appliances, such as internet-enabled refrigerators; hidden dishwashers that can wash and store dishes; countertops are customized to suit homeowners’ tastes: wood is used for low-use areas, glass-encrusted concrete, marble slab insets for cakes, etc. are some examples of the variety of materials used for countertops.
You need to make sure the flooring is in place before moving on to the cabinets and countertops, tile and slate are the preferred flooring options for homeowners as they prevent mold and mildew build-up. Cork is also being used as a kitchen flooring material; It is smooth and reduces noise. Other design alternatives for homeowners include kitchen voids and grommets that facilitate movement and create a sense of space, adding distressed ceiling beams for a rustic look, and using glass in kitchen doors.
Several activities of a kitchen remodel can be done as a DIY project, these include preliminary cleaning and removal of appliances and gadgets for disposal or replacement. You can also tear up the flooring, if renovating the flooring is on the remodeling schedule. Getting involved in cleaning activities that open up the kitchen space allows homeowners to develop ideas on how to use the freed-up space in a new way. Activities like putting up the drywall, laying the floor, painting the walls, etc. They can be done as DIY activities. If you also want to add the accessories, you should consult an electrician and plumber. You can save money by installing appliances like refrigerators and microwaves. Getting information online about the various aspects of a kitchen remodel is a great way to start what may be the most satisfying of all your remodeling experiences.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
