Kitchen Remodeling Tips
So you have finally decided to tackle that long-needed kitchen remodeling project and are uncertain where to start? Or maybe you already have your kitchen design plan in place. No matter where you are in your project, these helpful kitchen remodeling tips can take your redesign to the next level.
Kitchen Remodeling Tips
Whether you are designing your home on a tight, fixed budget or have unlimited funds, there are certain kitchen remodeling rules you should live by. With that in mind, below you can find some great, universal tips on how to properly have your kitchen remodeled.
Consider Walkways and Paths
One of the biggest complaints about kitchens we hear is the lack of space and accessibility. So many homes have kitchen areas that are packed too closely together, making it impossible for more than one person to function in that space.
One way around this is to make sure that all walkways and paths in your kitchen are at least 36 inches wide. Not only will this allow for easy movement for you and your family, but it is also a great way to ensure friends or relatives with mobility issues can traverse your kitchen if they rely on a walker or wheelchair.
Choose Your Focal Point
Choosing a focal point and designing around it can really make your kitchen pop and draw visitors into the space. Maybe you have a great set of windows overlooking a beautiful view, or maybe you have a neat breakfast alcove whose charm you can build off of. Working around a focal point can make the difference between a boring kitchen and one that looks like it was created by a design professional.
Colors and Lighting
Not everyone has a giant kitchen space. While it won’t technically add more room, painting your kitchen with soft, light colors gives the illusion of a larger area and removes some of the claustrophobia that dark colors tend to add. Along the same lines, plenty of natural light opens rooms up as well, pushing back shadows and adding a natural, airy feel.
Kitchen Islands
When picking a kitchen island, you will want to think about more than just appearances. While a beautiful island definitely adds to your design, you want to get the most bang for your buck and ensure your island is functional as well.
There are several types of kitchen islands, each with their own purpose. Some are designed to add dining space, which are great for entertaining a small number of friends or family. Perhaps you find yourself needing more cooking space or want to cook in the center of things. In that case, you could consider a cooking island, which can include a stovetop, faucet and sink.
Other types of islands include those designed to add storage space, or even a chopping block – great for food preparation.
Hire a Professional
This may seem like a no-brainer, but choosing a professional design/build firm to help plan and remodel your kitchen is the most important tip we can give you. While you may have experience putting bandages on your child’s skinned knees and have watched countless hours of primetime medical dramas, you wouldn’t elect to operate on yourself would you?
Of course, hiring a home remodeling professional is not something to be taken lightly. Always be sure to conduct due diligence when making your decision about which specialist to use. Do not shy away from asking for references (and calling those references to ask about their experience), photos of past work, and proof of licensure and insurance.
In addition, make sure to meet with your potential remodeler and ask plenty of questions. Make sure you are comfortable with their answers and that you communicate well together. This last point is crucial, as communication between a homeowner and a kitchen remodeler is key to making sure your kitchen project is completed on-time, on-budget and to your satisfaction.
Of course, if you live in the Gainesville, Georgia area, you could always give Tracy Tesmer a call to discuss your kitchen remodel project. He would be more than happy to talk to you about your design plans and work with you on your next remodeling project!