Kitchens are often the center of our homes, a cozy headquarters where we gather to talk, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. If you’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately and you’re thinking you need to redo your kitchen, you’re not alone. Kitchen remodels are among the most popular household projects. Whether you want to refresh a tired look, upgrade to higher quality, or add flexibility and functionality, it’s important to consider the scope of your plans and explore the options available to fit your preferences and budget. We hope this kitchen redesign checklist will help you with such a fun and exciting project!
Budget
Probably the least exciting and most important part of planning your kitchen redesign project is making sure you have a reasonable budget that offers a kitchen you can afford while not skimping on quality and style. A kitchen redesign doesn’t have to break the bank, but spending a little more for quality is always a good investment so you end up with a kitchen that is both durable and beautiful.
Layout
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you have a good sense of how you move through and use the space. Try to take a step back, though, and imagine new ways to use your space. This is especially important if life changes have taken place, such as becoming empty nesters or having grandchildren move in with you. With such changes, perhaps you’d like to add a kitchen island, incorporate pull-out trash and recycling bins, or add a breakfast nook.
Kitchen Elements
Of course, you’ll want to consider all the kitchen basics: appliances, cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, but you should also be sure to consider the other elements of your kitchen that can help give it the look and function you want.
Cabinets
With endless ways to customize them, inside and out, your kitchen cabinetry is an opportunity to let your personality shine! From modern glass doors and white paint to the period look of quarter-sawn oak or rustic hickory, they can set the style for the rest of your kitchen. Remember, too, that cabinets can contain more than shelves. Consider wine racks, slide-out shelves, and organizational features for your new cabinets. A custom cabinet builder like our team can accommodate your style and design for the kitchen of your dreams.
Countertops
It’s important to think about how you use your kitchen countertops when you review options for replacing them. If you’d like to avoid care and maintenance as much as possible, a material such quartz is a great option. If you prefer natural stone, you may want the classic, beautiful look of granite. If cost is a major concern, then solid-surface or laminate countertops may be a better option.
Appliances
If your kitchen redesign includes updated appliances, then you should consider whether different sizes or styles are better choices for your new kitchen. For example, if you’re already going to replace your cabinets, then it may be a good time to consider a larger refrigerator, or to shift your stove or sink to a kitchen island in a way that works for you.
Fixtures
If you’re replacing cabinets and countertops, then now is the perfect time to also replace your sink. Perhaps you’d like to switch from a single basin to a double-sink or try a farmhouse style sink. Imagine those with added features such as strainers, racks, and cutting boards that fit right into your sink. If you want to get your dream kitchen, now is the time, so think about all the fixtures you want and be sure to work them into your new design.
Hardware
Don’t forget the power of hardware to give your space that added bit of flavor. Knobs, handles, and pulls can turn beautiful cabinets into works of art for your kitchen. Custom cabinet designers offer countless styles to complement any look, so you can get exactly the look and feel you want.
Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting, hanging lights over an island, and other changes to your existing lighting fixtures can have a dramatic effect on the overall impact of your space. These not only make a big statement style-wise, but they can also be tailored to your needs so you have lighting in the areas in your kitchen you use most.
Extras
Choosing some fun and functional extras can be one of the most rewarding parts of redesigning your kitchen. Some extras to think about include:
- Specialized storage space for small/countertop appliances
- Over-the-stove pot filling faucet
- Under-the-cabinet knife block
- Under-the-cabinet outlets
- Home office space
- Coffee and tea bar
- Warming drawer
- Stemware racks
- Bar or prep sink
Design Choices
As you choose the components that will make up your new kitchen, you’ll want to consider the overall look you want it to have, including the style, colors, and materials that help bring it all together.
Style
Choosing an overall style for your kitchen can help inform choices you make in other parts of your redesign, such as the type of sink you want, and cabinet and hardware materials. Popular kitchen styles include:
- Country Farmhouse
- Think large and homey, especially with a big, sturdy table
- Modern
- Sleek and sophisticated, minimalism is the theme here
- Cottage
- Envision white or ivory cabinets, vintage hardware, beadboard, and rich wood floors
- Transitional
- Traditional style with a sleek, updated twist
- Rustic
- Lots of wood and stone, perfect for a lake house
- Coastal
- Imagine your favorite beach house kitchen
- Tuscan
- Rich, sunny shades of gold and terra cotta, often with tile details
- Old World
- Dark wood, rich colors, and lots of detail
- Traditional
- Classic features, such as raised panel cabinetry and decorative moldings, but with a crisper, more updated feel to it
Colors
Choosing colors for your kitchen may be one of the hardest parts of planning your redesign — there are so many options! You might make a design board with samples of cabinet finishes, backsplash tiles, and color inspirations to help you find what looks pleasing and harmonious to you.
- Solid Colors
- Solid colors can make a space feel larger while darker colors can make it feel smaller.
- Basics
- Go back to basics but adjust them with just a hint of a different shade of it, such as a slightly peachy yellow or a barely gray beige.
- Color Temperature
- Fall back on warm colors for a cozy feel, like those with a bit of red, orange, or yellow in them. Or stay cool and modern by following recent trends for cooler tones, like grays and blues.
Materials
Selecting materials that appeal to you is important, but be sure they will also look good, function well in your kitchen, suit your lifestyle, and can be accommodated with your budget. When you have custom cabinets built, you can choose from any of the following:
- Red oak
- Hickory
- Hard maple
- Cherry
- White birch
- Quarter sawn white oak
- Red birch
- Walnut
Work with a Custom Cabinet Builder for Your Kitchen Redesign
Redesigning your kitchen can be a rewarding project that makes your home feel fresh and new again. With over 25 years of expertise and experience, we want to help you make your dream kitchen and custom cabinets a reality. To get started, schedule a free estimate with our custom cabinet builder company. We joyfully serve those in Perry, NY and the surrounding communities.
