Ten Things To Remember While Renovating Your Kitchen

Renovating the kitchen can be a time-consuming, demanding, yet enjoyable experience. Intelligent alterations to the layout and settings can improve the functionality and user-experience. It will also ensure a marked improvement in the value of the property if the owner plans to sell the house after some time. Here are some things to keep in mind while planning kitchen renovation.

The Quality Of The Materials That Are Being Used Should Be Good

The cabinets and the drawers that are going to be installed should be of good quality. The measurement and fittings should be perfect so that the cabinet hinges close completely and the drawers do not get jammed. Moreover, the design should be such that the wood has enough space to expand and shrink according to the atmospheric humidity. It is best to avoid drawers that are manufactured out of particleboard or those that have been stapled together. As far as the cabinet interiors are concerned, then it is better to opt for wood veneer than laminate, MDF, melamine or particleboard.

Determine The Heights Of The Cabinet

If the ceiling is eight-feet high, then it is best to choose cabinets that reach right to the top. This way, the storage capacity is increased, and there is greater wall space available for the installation of open shelves or artwork. If the height is greater than eight feet, then some amount of space, like 15 to 20 inches can be left as head space between the cabinets and the wall.

Choose Between Staining And Painting

Kitchen cabinets that have been painted have an individual and unique look. The paint is also durable and gives an additional protective layer to the wood surface. Staining the surface is another option, but this kind of surface finishing wears off very quickly, and cannot be changed very easily either.

The Counter-Top Should Be Elegant

Counter-tops are available in a variety of materials. Carrara marble that has been acid washed or honed and finally sealed is a good option. Home owners can also opt for stained wood, Kirkstone slate, Wiarton limestone, soapstone, or plastic laminates with wooden edges to impart a warm and sophisticated look to their kitchens.

Kitchen Islands Are Necessary Installations

While kitchen islands help in the better optimization of floor space, it is better to install one that is sleek, yet functional, rather than one that is a large cube and hinders movement. It is best to keep it free from clutter so that it can be used as a work station, or even a dining table.

It Is Best To Keep The Design Simple

Design accents like moldings of plaster on the fronts of cabinets, or stoves with pediments over them represent decorative excesses. The style in the kitchen should be compatible with the rest of the decor in the house.

Maintenance Nightmares Are Best Avoided

Natural surfaces like slate, brick, tumbled marble and Terracotta have an inherent texture which makes it very difficult to clean them. On the other hand, smooth surfaces with a white laminate counter, or ceramic flooring can get dirty easily, although they are relatively easy to clean. Counter-tops made of stainless steel are difficult to maintain as well. Therefore, it is best to choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain.

Use Basic Appliances Only

Too many appliances can result in the kitchen looking rather crammed up. Therefore, it is best to choose a set of gadgets and appliances that are extremely essential. Moreover, their color and size should be in accordance with the rest of the decor in the kitchen. For instance, a range of commercial stainless steel appliances can be used to replace separate cook tops and wall ovens, and thereby, utilize the space better.

The Dining Room Should Preferably Be Adjacent To The Kitchen

Clever designing, coupled with appropriate furniture and lighting can help owners to alter the setting of the room according to the occasion. It is preferable to have a floor plan where the dining room is just adjacent to the kitchen so that it is easy to serve food and drinks. While renovating the kitchen, it is best to follow such a floor plan as it improves functionality.

Add Interest

While renovating the kitchen, it is best if home makers can add a personal touch that shows their signature style and personal preferences. It is best not to follow the model designs that are found in magazines and brochures as they might just turn out to be boring after a point. It is always good to add a personal touch.

Kitchen renovation can be both strenuous and rewarding. It is, therefore, best to have a clear plan of action and basic idea of the changes that need to be implemented to achieve the best results.