All the best renovations begin with a plan. Before you call in an architect or hire a contractor, have a basic plan in mind of what you’re hoping to achieve overall. A kitchen remodel is no different. Know what your needs are, and then spend the majority of your budget working toward those goals. Whether you’re looking for a warm and cozy room for your family to gather or you need a sleek and modern space to entertain single friends, your new kitchen should meet the needs you assign it. Areas you’ll want to address include:
Cabinets
Your choice of cabinetry helps to set the mood of your kitchen renovation. Do you prefer the stark contrast of white cabinetry with dark flooring? Or are you a fan of continuous flow, where each element transitions quietly into the next, from wall color to cabinetry to flooring? And then there’s style. Are Shaker cabinets more to your liking, or are you a fan of flat or louvered doors? Configuration is another thing to consider — uppers and lowers? Or lowers only? Do you need a free-standing pantry? How about a spice drawer or a lazy Susan? Visit a showroom to get the feel for different styles in person and work with a custom architect to bring your reality to life.
Countertops
Granite is nice, but is it a necessary element in your dream kitchen? Concrete countertops are just as nice and may look a little less dated. Will you mount the sink under the countertop or over it? Do you need a peninsula or a free-standing island? What about other options? Tile is a possibility. So is quartz. Decide whether you’re more interested in ease of maintenance or cozy appeal.
Flooring
Flooring options for your kitchen remodel are endless. Popular choices include natural stone, luxury vinyl and laminate. Hardwood floors will increase your home’s resale value, but they’re trickier to maintain in rooms where spills and high traffic occur. What are your priorities? Something that’s durable and that will last forever, such as slate? Or a floor covering that is sturdy and wipes clean, like tile?
Appliances
A new kitchen needs new appliances as well. Stainless steel, smudge-proof, white, slate and black finishes are all trending right now. Which one works best with your choices of cabinetry and flooring? Will you need a dishwasher and garbage compactor? How about a beverage dispenser on your refrigerator door or a cooler for storing wine?
Talk about your kitchen remodel wants and needs with your contractor before deciding on a layout and plan of attack to ensure that the new kitchen of your dreams doesn’t become your worst nightmare.