A kitchen remodel can significantly improve functionality and increase a home’s value. The key is to value engineer the project by strategically spending money on materials and features that will make a difference in your daily living.
Understand your own design style & preferences to help guide the research process. Spend time visiting cabinet & countertop material stores & suppliers to find what you like. Contact Kitchen Remodel Tacoma now!
Involves changing the layout of a kitchen space, such as removing walls or expanding its footprint. Also includes luxury upgrades like custom cabinetry and high-end appliances to create a personalized kitchen environment. This option is ideal for homeowners who are looking for a comprehensive transformation and willing to invest in luxury materials.
A kitchen remodel often includes structural changes, so it’s important to have a professional engineer draft a set of plans before starting any work. This will help to ensure that all work is performed safely and in compliance with local codes. This step is especially critical for projects that involve removing existing walls or moving plumbing or electrical fixtures.
Whether you’re doing a minor renovation or an extensive kitchen remodeling project, it’s a good idea to visit cabinet and countertop material stores to get a feel for what types of materials you would like to use in your new kitchen. This will help you narrow down your options and start thinking about details like color, texture, and durability.
One of the most popular layouts for residential kitchens is the L-shaped design, which maximizes storage and functionality. This kitchen configuration features countertops, cabinets, and appliances arranged along two adjacent walls, creating a natural workflow that enhances cooking efficiency. The L-shaped design is a versatile choice for both small and large kitchen spaces, and it can easily be customized to suit specific needs.
Another popular kitchen layout for commercial restaurants is the assembly line configuration, which streamlines food production. This setup is designed for a linear process that begins with prep and ends with a completed dish ready for delivery. The assembly line configuration is an effective solution for quick-service restaurant types, such as pizza parlors and build-your-own bowl restaurants. However, this type of kitchen design is not suitable for restaurants that require a more varied menu. This is because it can be difficult to accommodate different preparation styles in an assembly line layout.
Appliances
Turning a kitchen into a maker’s ideal workspace starts with choosing the right appliances. The most important consideration is efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances spend less energy performing their functions, saving you money and reducing environmental impact.
Another area to consider is how well the appliances coordinate with your overall design style. Many manufacturers offer options with classic lines that complement a wide range of kitchen styles, from chef-inspired Professional to sleek European. And many retailers provide in-store product demonstrations to help you evaluate different products and features before making a purchase.
As a general rule, appliances are responsible for 39% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.1 That’s a significant percentage, and one we can only reduce with higher efficiency and the shift to low-carbon electricity.
Newer appliances are also incorporating advanced technology features that make them easier and more fun to use. For example, some refrigerators now have voice-activated UI systems, integrated operating systems, and even the ability to connect to the internet so you can monitor your food inventory or control your oven remotely.2
Other appliance trends include colors and materials that reflect current styles and preferences. For example, painted cabinets offer a fresh alternative to ubiquitous wood tones. And double islands are increasingly popular, adding functionality and appeal. Some homeowners are also embracing universal design, an approach that makes kitchens easier for children and adults of all abilities to navigate.
A well-executed kitchen remodel can significantly increase your home’s value. But in a shifting real estate market, it’s important to consider whether your project will attract potential buyers and match their expectations. A kitchen that’s out of date or doesn’t function well will be less appealing to buyers.
Lighting
A well-lit kitchen is essential for both functionality and style. Whether you plan on cooking up a storm or just entertaining friends, having proper lighting will make the room feel more inviting and comfortable. However, it’s important to not only have the right amount of light but also use layered lighting that highlights key features of the space.
Layered lighting refers to having ambient, task, and accent lighting in the kitchen. These three types of lights work together to create a fully illuminated and functional space. When implementing a layered lighting scheme, it’s best to keep the overall theme in mind so that your light fixtures don’t conflict with each other.
Ambient lighting, sometimes called general or background lighting, is the main source of light in your kitchen. It provides a soft, cozy glow in the room at the flick of a switch and helps supplement natural light during the day.
Task lighting, on the other hand, is bright and focused to illuminate specific areas for certain tasks. It’s often found under cabinets or above countertops to illuminate workspaces for food prep and cleaning. Typically, these lights are on a dimmer so that you can adjust the intensity as needed for different tasks throughout the day and evening.
Finally, accent lighting is used to highlight decorative elements in the kitchen and adds a touch of character and personality to the room. These are commonly seen as sconces or pendants over islands or hanging from the ceiling and come in a variety of styles.
During the planning stage of your remodel, it’s crucial to consider your kitchen’s layout and how it can be most effectively lit. For example, the work triangle concept emphasizes having the sink, stove, and refrigerator close together to improve efficiency. Additionally, you’ll want to think about your storage needs and the types of lighting that will help maximize them.
For instance, if you’re planning on having a lot of countertop space for food preparation or entertaining, having a pullout pantry or drawers with tall storage space will provide easy access to what you need when you need it. In addition to this, having extra lighting on the bottom of cabinet doors can be helpful for illuminating dark corners and giving more visual depth to the kitchen.
Storage
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in a home, so it’s important that you optimize storage space for maximum functionality and efficiency. Cluttered cabinets and drawers can take away from the beauty of a well-designed kitchen, so it’s crucial to have systems in place that keep things organized.
One of the best things you can do for your kitchen is to zone and categorize, which will help you create a system that works best for your specific lifestyle. If possible, start by taking everything out of each cabinet or drawer and sorting it into like items. This is a great way to see exactly what you have and can make the tough decisions about what stays and what goes.
Once you have a system in place, commit to maintaining it – especially in an area that is so frequently used. Small daily habits can make all the difference!
Another area to consider when maximizing your kitchen’s storage is the “sink zone.” This is where most food prep happens, as well as where clean dishes leave from and return once they are ready for use. You can create a custom solution for this area that will maximize your storage while keeping items close to where they are needed most. This is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your kitchen’s storage.