Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, then you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Spruce it up a bit and/or optimize your space with these ideas. Whether your mission is to make your space more appealing or to improve its functionality, the below tips will help set you on the right path.

Color & Style:

• Smaller spaces benefit from simple, bright colors, but pops of fun or contrasting colors can cheer up any kitchen. Eliminating multiple wood finishes by painting cabinets can make a huge difference. Don’t overlook the ceiling. Keep it well-lit and bright but consider painting it a contrasting color to the walls and cabinets.
• Whether you’re a minimalist or love patterns and themes, reflecting your personality in the kitchen might even help you be more expressive in your cooking. Consider a color scheme for a cohesive look and decorate seasonally for a fresh perspective. Also, if the space feels cramped or has poor flow, consider knocking down walls, changing where large appliances sit or changing the flooring. Going with the same flooring in surrounding living areas creates a unified look and improves natural flow.

Backsplash & Lighting:

• Add personality to your kitchen with backsplash. Get creative with patterns and placement. From textured tile to colorful mosaics and subway tiles placed in unique patterns versus the traditional grid, backsplash can break up a space, add interest and most are easy to wipe clean. Another idea is beaded board or shiplap, which are both cost effective and add style.
• Natural lighting is best but a mix of lighting in your kitchen is recommended. For an intimate dining or entertainment area, consider recessed lights on a dimmer. Under-cabinet lighting helps with visibility in dim places and pendants above islands with seating areas offer a casual dining area for guests to perch while meals are being prepared.

Prep Space & Storage:

• If your kitchen is a little on the small side, consider a hidden prep table that can be rolled out for use and hidden away until next time. Extra prep space makes a world of difference when cooking.
• Invisible drawers and cabinets that slide out can conceal the clutter – like that utensils jar on your countertop, trashcans, spices, pots/pans and even knives. Speaking of knives, don’t leave them to rattle around loosely in a drawer where they can become dull or be a threat to fingers. Store them in a drawer in a separated organizer.

Sinks & Surfaces:

• If you can, consider choosing a sink that’s slightly larger and can be covered for more prep space. For your faucet, give one of the newly popular soaker faucets a try. Their versatility, range of motion and blasting power gets dishes and your sink clean in no time.
• Choose easy-to-clean surfaces that don’t show fingerprints and smudges. Consider quartz versus marble. It can withstand high temperatures and doesn’t scratch or stain easily. Butcher blocks in place of standard countertops gives a warm feel and the natural wood is a great contrast to other materials.

If you do remodel your kitchen, remember to ensure you have the proper homeowners insurance coverage. A kitchen remodel can increase the replacement or repair cost, so it’s important to protect your investment.