A kitchen remodel is a home improvement project that justifies an extra amount of thought and attention to detail. A new, thoughtfully planned-out kitchen offers many benefits and improvements to the general quality of life in the home. Efficiently functioning kitchens that are easy to clean and maintain make meal preparation easier and less of a burden. Here are a few things to consider when remodeling a kitchen:

1. Lighting
2. Countertop material
3. Kitchen island
4. Type of sink
5. Cabinets
6. Appliances
7. Appliance placement
8. Ventilation
9. Flooring
10. Backsplashes
11. Electrical elements

1. Lighting

The need for adequate lighting in a kitchen cannot be overstated. In fact, getting lighting wrong or overlooking it is one of the common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid, so it is one of the important things to consider when remodeling a kitchen. Be sure that light fixtures, and enough of them, are installed in such a way as to provide light to the entire room.

This is an essential kitchen remodeling tip. Recessed lighting in a kitchen is an effective way to provide ample lighting without multiple light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. They can also supplement a main decorative light fixture. Also, make sure to include adequate lighting above the sink and stove areas, as these are places that will receive the majority of your time in the kitchen area and can easily be shadowed by cabinets.

You might also consider installing kitchen lighting that is compatible with a dimmer switch or lights on multiple switches. This is a kitchen lighting idea that can give you even more control and flexibility with lighting levels. Plus, when the area is not being used for food preparation or clean-up, some of the lighting can be toned down. Assessing and updating the lighting is one of the ways to modernize an outdated kitchen and can make a big difference.

2. Countertop Material

The material used for your kitchen countertops is important, and bold surfaces on counters and cabinets is a popular kitchen remodeling trend. Some types of materials are more economical in nature, but they may not provide as many benefits. Laminate countertops are easy to clean, but they are more susceptible to damage from heat and scratches than surfaces made from stone, tile, or granite.

If budgetary constraints restrict you from installing an entire kitchen of granite countertops, you may still be able to incorporate a small section of this material in your kitchen. This allows you to still receive some of its benefits while staying within your project’s budget.

3. Kitchen Island

Another one of the things to consider when remodeling a kitchen is whether or not you want a kitchen island. Not every kitchen layout is made for an island, but they can prove to be a big benefit in terms of additional cabinet and counter space. Prioritizing storage in this way is a kitchen island trend. Some islands can also serve as an eating area that is less formal than a dining room table. It’s also a more convenient proximity to the sink and dishwasher, which can make clean-up a lot easier.

These are some popular kitchen island ideas. Before deciding for or against the inclusion of a kitchen island, consider the space you have available and how you want the island to function. Some kitchens that do not have quite enough room for an island may be perfect candidates for a breakfast bar, which is essentially an extension of the kitchen’s countertop. Whichever option you choose, make sure that it enhances the function of the kitchen and does not negatively restrict traffic flow or the area’s overall efficiency.

4. Type of Sink

There are many options when it comes to kitchen sinks, both in material and in shape. When you remodel your kitchen, it provides a great time for a sink upgrade. Stainless steel sinks are a popular and timeless option, but other materials, such as composite sinks that provide a stone finish, can add a look of luxury to a kitchen design.

Consider the size and shape of the sink as well. Deeper sink basins can be convenient when washing larger cooking utensils, pots, or pans. You should also take into consideration what type of sink fixture you would like to incorporate into your new kitchen design. Not only can sink fixtures go a long way to complement the style and aesthetic of the kitchen, but they can also provide more functionality to this room in your house.

Fixtures with detachable sprayers make hand-washing dishes much easier, and many sinks are now designed to incorporate drinking water faucets that are connected to water filtration systems installed beneath the sink basin. All of these are great options to take into consideration when you’re remodeling the kitchen.

5. Cabinets

When choosing cabinets, consider the style you are going for with your new kitchen and determine what, if any, kitchen cabinet trends you want to incorporate. The cabinets will be one of the first things people see when they enter the room, and, as such, they are a big statement piece. The color, finish, and material are all important, but the layout and design of the cabinets are also things to consider.

You want your cabinets to look great, but you also want to make sure that you include enough cabinet space in your remodeled kitchen. Not having enough storage is one of the signs it’s time to remodel your kitchen. Ample cabinet space helps to keep your kitchen area clutter-free, so plan for more, rather than less.

When possible, incorporate a large pantry and utilize corner cabinets such as lazy-susans so as to efficiently maximize the available space in the kitchen. Lastly, you might want to consider upgrading your cabinets to feature those with self-closing drawers, which keep them from slamming shut and can help reduce wear-and-tear damage over time.

6. Appliances

When remodeling your kitchen, it is often a good time to go about upgrading your appliances. Older appliances can be substituted for newer, more energy-efficient models, which will save you money in the long run. This is just one of the many benefits of kitchen remodeling.

Depending on the layout, you may also be able to choose appliances that can be placed in different spaces in your kitchen, which can lead to better efficiency and functionality of the room. For example, some remodeled kitchens will feature a new island that has a sink and dishwasher placed within it. Updating your appliances is sometimes one of the best ways to update your kitchen.

This can serve to keep countertop space around the stove and food preparation areas available, while also creating more room for lower cabinets. Having an island with an eating area as well as a sink and dishwasher makes cleaning up after dinner a breeze. When remodeling your kitchen, think about the options that are made available with new appliances – they can have a bigger impact than you might think!

7. Appliance Placement

Kitchen functionality is essential when remodeling your kitchen. If there’s anything that doesn’t work with the flow of your kitchen, now is the time to change it. If your kitchen has the right flow and you don’t want to change it, that’s great!

If you do decide that you want to switch some appliances around, think about your typical kitchen routine and how you go about tasks. Then, arrange your appliances where they feel most convenient for you and your family. There is no perfect kitchen layout because every home and family is different, but thinking through the daily routine can help you find the right placement for your appliances.

8. Ventilation

Ventilation is something you do not want to ignore when you remodel your kitchen. If you find your kitchen to be stuffy or even a little bit smoky while you cook, you will want to prioritize ways to improve kitchen ventilation. Making sure the exhaust fan filter is clean and using the range hood while you cook is important, but if that isn’t doing enough, you may want to consider replacing or upgrading your ventilation system.

9. Flooring

Flooring is another part of a kitchen remodel you should not overlook. If your floors are in good condition, and you don’t see a reason to replace them, you may not need to. However, if you notice any water damage, squeaks, or sagging, these can be some signs it’s time to replace your flooring.

If your flooring has any damage or you are simply looking to upgrade the style or type of flooring, there are so many different options to explore. There are a few things to consider when choosing flooring, such as durability, style, and how water-resistant the material is. Kitchens are usually high-traffic areas, and they encounter a lot of spills and messes, so picking the right material can guarantee your satisfaction in the long run.

10. Backsplashes

You may think that backsplashes are not a necessary aspect of a kitchen, but they do serve a useful purpose. Kitchen backsplashes protect your walls from grease splatters, spills, and other general wear and tear. Plus, a backsplash is a small kitchen detail that can make a big difference!

This is also a great location to unleash a little bit of creativity in your kitchen, if you want. You can choose a stylish pattern or pick some bold-colored tile. A popular home renovation trend is kitchens that have a bit more color than the popular all-white kitchen. However, if you aren’t keen to use too much color, a backsplash is a great way to incorporate just a little bit of color without overwhelming your kitchen.

11. Electrical Elements

Kitchens often have so many appliances, and sometimes, it can be hard to find the right place to plug those appliances in. Making sure that your kitchen has more than enough outlets will make your kitchen much more functional and easier to use.

A good rule to follow is to place outlets on the perimeter of your kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, make sure you have a few there, too. Because some kitchen appliances use USB cords, consider outlets that have a USB port, as well. This is also a great place to have a charging station for any cellphones.

Leaving out little details like outlets and even light switch placement is a common mistake to avoid. In order to keep track of all the different aspects of your kitchen remodel, you may want to consider putting together a kitchen remodel checklist. You can customize this checklist to reflect exactly what you want in your kitchen model, and it will be a great way to keep you on track as you plan!

Remodel Your Kitchen With Zephyr Thomas

Kitchen remodeling projects can be a very rewarding type of home improvement for a homeowner. In fact, it’s one of the home improvement projects with the highest ROI! These are just a few things to consider when remodeling a kitchen. There are definitely several aspects to consider, but that creates an opportunity to uniquely customize this space in your home and to make it function exactly how you want it to.

If you are ready to remodel your kitchen or start another home improvement project, give us a call at (717) 399-4708. If you are looking for some great ideas and inspiration for your new kitchen, you can also stop by our showroom and talk to one of our experienced representatives!