Your kitchen is a central gathering place for friends and family. It should be a comfortable and inviting space that reflects your personal style.

Kitchen remodeling projects range from a cosmetic refresh to a complete gut, which requires tearing down walls and reconfiguring the layout. The planning stage is the best time to establish what Lovato calls your scope, or extent of the remodel. Contact J&R Construction now!

Cabinets are one of the most expensive elements of a kitchen remodeling project. But they’re also a big part of the room’s aesthetic. A new set of cabinets can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen.

It’s important to plan carefully and consider your options for the type of cabinets you want. Start by looking for inspiration online and in magazines. You can then print out photos and create a kitchen mood board to show to contractors and cabinet designers.

If you’re considering a major cabinet revamp, start by making sure you have enough money in your budget to cover the cost. Renovation projects rarely go exactly as planned, and unexpected expenses can quickly add up. Putting aside 20% of your total remodel cost for unplanned expenses will help prevent you from going over your budget.

While a full kitchen remodel requires professional help from a licensed home remodeling contractor or kitchen designer, there are some tasks that you can do on your own to save money. For example, you can paint walls, put in a backsplash and replace cabinet handles and pulls. However, you should leave the more complex remodeling work to a professional.

Kitchen cabinet designers can help you select the best materials, colors and styles for your cabinets. They can also provide a design and layout that will fit your space. They can even show you how to use cabinet organization systems like lazy susans to make the most of your space.

A few extra inches in cabinet depth can make a huge difference in how much storage you have. There are a few ways to make your cabinets deeper, such as extending the front of the cabinet or asking builders to sink it into the wall.

Adding under-cabinet lighting is an easy way to give your kitchen a high-end upgrade. It can create a sultry, modern or cozy distant impression depending on the color of the light. Cini recommends using LED lights, as they consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.

You can also incorporate green kitchen features into your remodeling plans. For example, you can dedicate a cabinet to storing reusable plastic containers, bags and paper. You can also buy a compost bin and invest in energy-efficient appliances.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most visible components in a kitchen. They also provide a blank canvas for homeowners to create an aesthetic that is uniquely their own. Luckily, there are a wide variety of countertop materials, colors and textures to suit every style and budget.

Granite is a top choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability and timeless beauty. Its color options range from light to dark and can be matched with almost any cabinet finish. Another popular choice is quartz, which is available in an array of looks and can be customized to mimic the look of marble or granite with a durable, low-maintenance surface. Wood is another option that brings warmth and character to the kitchen. It can be stained to achieve a specific color or left natural for a more rustic appearance. If you are looking for a durable, eco-friendly option, recycled aluminum countertops can be custom-designed to fit the sink and backsplash for a seamless, modern design.

For a more budget-friendly option, laminate countertops offer the flexibility to choose from an endless amount of designs, making them an easy match for almost any home. Unlike other countertop materials, laminate countertops don’t require as much maintenance and can be replaced if they become damaged. For a quick DIY kitchen upgrade, epoxy resin is an affordable and versatile material that can be applied to existing countertops to improve their appearance. This option can be mixed in a variety of colors and styles to create a unique look, from faux marble to rustic oak.

In the case of more extensive countertop replacement, homeowners can opt for a countertop cover or resurfacing technique like painting or refinishing. Both of these options can revitalize the appearance of outdated countertops without the need for expensive demolition and installation. Peel-and-stick makeovers and contact paper transformations allow individuals to easily overlay their existing countertops with a fresh new surface that matches their preferred aesthetic.

When choosing a countertop, it is important to take into account the type of lighting in the room. For example, recessed ceiling fixtures can be installed to bring in more ambient lighting while pendant lights can be added over an island to highlight the countertop and backsplash. It’s also crucial to consider the lighting in your entire space when designing a kitchen remodel. For example, soft white bulbs can bring a warm, golden glow to the kitchen while daylight bulbs will reflect off of cabinets and countertops and appear brighter.

Flooring

The kitchen is the hub of a home and often hosts family gatherings. Remodeling your kitchen can give it a fresh new look that can boost aesthetics and functionality. Kitchen remodeling projects can also increase the resale value of your house.

A full-scale kitchen renovation involves replacing all major surfaces, like flooring, countertops and cabinets, along with installing new fixtures and appliances. This typically includes upgrading to energy-efficient or space-saving models, which can save you money in the long run. It can also add features that can appeal to a broader buyer base, like an island or breakfast nook.

These major kitchen remodels usually require professional design and construction services, which can add to the cost. If you are trying to stay within a certain budget, it’s a good idea to set aside 20% of the total project costs for unplanned expenses. Renovations rarely go exactly according to plan, so you may end up needing extra materials or hiring additional help for unforeseen circumstances.

Choosing the right materials and finishes for your kitchen can make or break its overall look. For example, a trendy gray backsplash can instantly update your kitchen with minimal financial investment, while a new faucet can have a significant impact on the overall kitchen aesthetic. Incorporating eco-friendly or sustainable materials in your kitchen can also improve your home’s value, while reducing energy and water consumption.

One of the biggest challenges with kitchen remodeling is working around existing plumbing. If you’re changing your floorplan, you may need to move or relocate the sink, dishwasher and stove, which can be costly and complicated. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to draw up plans for your kitchen remodeling before beginning work. This will allow you to determine if the changes you want to make are practical and cost-effective before starting any renovations.

Despite the potential costs, remodeling your kitchen is still an excellent way to upgrade your home’s appearance and function. With benefits that range from improved energy efficiency to a higher return on investment, this is one of the most popular home improvement projects.

Lighting

A kitchen that’s properly layered with ambient, task and accent lighting makes the space feel bright and inviting, even after dark. And while changing light fixtures may seem like a minor update, it can have big implications for the overall look and feel of the room.

Depending on the color of your fixture, its finish and other features, it can impact how light is dispersed throughout the room. Choosing a fixture that’s energy-efficient can generate ongoing cost savings, as well.

Surface-mounted fixtures, such as ceiling-mounted sconces and pendants, can provide the right amount of ambient light to keep the room feeling open and airy. Recessed lights, which are a popular trend in modern kitchens, also add a subtle yet effective ambient light layer. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, adding LED strip lights to the under-cabinet areas can create a similar effect for a more affordable price point.

Lighting plays an important role in the kitchen because it illuminates critical work spaces, making it easier to read recipes and safely prepare food. It’s also an opportunity to add style to the room, with fixtures ranging from decorative chandeliers to sleek, contemporary flush-mounted wall-mounted lights.

The type of lighting needed for a kitchen will vary based on the size of the room, its layout and other factors. For example, the amount of natural daylight that enters through windows, doors and skylights should be factored in to the total lighting plan. Electric lighting can complement or replace natural sunlight, but it’s important to ensure that there’s enough light for essential work tasks at all times of day.

Accent lighting, also known as feature lighting, adds visual interest to the space by highlighting design elements. This can include everything from a decorative hood fan or wine rack to architectural details, such as a vaulted ceiling or stone fireplace. Adjustable fittings are preferred for this type of lighting, allowing you to focus the light exactly where you need it.

Whether you want to make your kitchen more functional or improve its aesthetics, the team at MyHome Design + Remodeling can help. We have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life, including recommending the right lighting solutions for your home’s unique needs. Schedule your free virtual design consult today!