With proper care and upkeep, kitchens are more resilient than you might think. But when it’s time for a renovation, you want to get it right the first time. Any changes that require dropping walls, moving gas lines, and rerouting electrical can drive up costs. Be sure to work with a design and build firm that keeps cost in mind. For more details, visit Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA.
Cabinetry is the primary element that defines a kitchen’s style. While they are typically crafted of wood, cabinets are available in many styles that complement traditional, transitional, and contemporary designs. The door style is especially important, as it can add significant contrast to the overall look and provide texture, while the hardware can unify or clash with the design.
Most kitchens are designed with 25 to 30 feet of cabinet space. They’re most often found above the stove, sink, and refrigerator. Base cabinets are floor-standing cabinets that support countertops, while wall cabinets hang on the walls.
The front of a cabinet is called the face frame, which covers the plywood edges of the box and can be painted or stained to match the doors and drawers. Face frame cabinets are sturdier than frameless cabinetry, since the frame helps hold the box square. However, the frame takes up room in the cabinet openings, which can limit how much storage you have.
A face frame can be topped with a crown molding, which is an ornamental wood detail that runs along the top of the cabinet. It’s an easy way to add a finishing touch and create visual continuity in the room.
Upper cabinets are a popular choice for storing light weight kitchen implements, such as pots and pans and glassware. They can also be stacked to make more efficient use of space. Many homeowners choose to add a pantry cabinet, which is a 12-inch deep cabinet that can be used for storing canned goods. Other options include a bridge wall cabinet, which is two double-door cabinets that span the gap between two wall cabinets.
While wood offers natural, timeless beauty, it scratches, dents, and wears over time in the kitchen. More durable options for cabinet surfaces include quartz and solid surface materials, which offer a wide variety of looks and are easy to maintain.
While it might seem like a small detail, changing the lighting in your kitchen can have a dramatic impact on the atmosphere and overall look of the room. Pendants, wall-mounted sconces, and recessed ceiling fixtures can all bring new energy to the space.
Countertops are the foundation of any kitchen and can greatly affect your overall style. You’ll want to think about their durability, maintenance needs and price when selecting the right surface for your space. Different materials may be prone to scratches, heat distortion or scalding, staining or absorption of fluids and require varying degrees of care.
Laminate is one of the most popular choices because it’s inexpensive and fairly easy to install. It’s made from particleboard, resins, plastics and pattern paper that are seared together under high pressure to form a durable countertop surface. It comes in a range of colors and textures, from wood-looking to granite-like. Alternatively, you can tile your countertops. This is a labor-intensive project that can take up to a full day to complete. It’s recommended that you find a professional for the job to save time and ensure a quality finish.
A variety of natural stones are also available as kitchen countertop options, from quartzite and slate to marble and travertine. These premium surfaces are beautiful and can add a sense of luxury to your space. They’re typically divas when it comes to maintenance, however, as they need regular sealing and often must be treated with acidic cleaners to prevent stains.
Other countertop surfaces are more low-maintenance, such as soapstone and slate (in tile form). These softer materials are bacteria-resistant and have a neutral color palette that pairs well with any kitchen design. The less they’re handled, the better – so don’t allow them to become second desks. Organize your surfaces with a few key decluttering tips and stylish storage ideas to keep them clean and attractive.
If a complete overhaul isn’t in your budget, you can make some simple changes to your countertops by painting or covering them. Depending on your skill level and how long you’d like the change to last, you can paint them or use peel-and-stick contact paper. Both methods will require some prep work, but they’re far less costly than replacing your countertops altogether.
You can even consider lowering the height of your countertops to accommodate accessibility. This simple remodeling project will help people of all abilities feel welcome in your home and enjoy it to the fullest. This is especially important if you’re thinking about selling your home in the future.
A kitchen renovation is a great opportunity to add flooring that complements the rest of your house. Depending on the size of your kitchen and your budget, you can choose from a variety of flooring materials, including tile, hardwood, vinyl and cork. Choosing a material that is durable, waterproof and easy to clean is a good idea, especially in a kitchen where water and food spills are common.
The cost of flooring will vary widely. You will also need to decide whether you want to lay down a new subfloor or install over existing flooring. Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is inexpensive and can be laid over most existing subfloors. Hardwood flooring is more expensive and can give your kitchen a warm, classic look. It can also be refinished for long-lasting beauty and durability.
Another cost factor is the installation of new plumbing pipes. This is usually the case if you are rerouting or replacing a sink, dishwasher or refrigerator. Knocking down a wall can uncover hidden problems like old, leaky or undersized plumbing pipes or electrical wiring that needs to be upgraded. Unexpected costs can quickly eat into your renovation budget.
During a kitchen renovation, it is also an excellent time to upgrade your lighting. A new lighting fixture can brighten up the room and make it look more spacious. Changing the knobs and handles on cabinets and drawers can also make a big difference. You can even try adding rugs to your kitchen for some added flair.
During a kitchen renovation, you can also increase the storage space of your kitchen by adding more cupboards and closets. This will help you keep your kitchen organized and will save you a lot of time when you are looking for a particular item. Moreover, it will help you improve the overall functionality of your kitchen. Furthermore, a well-organized kitchen can also boost the value of your home. If you are planning to sell your property in the near future, then a renovated kitchen can greatly increase its value. This is because a renovated kitchen attracts buyers.
As kitchens expand to serve as living and dining spaces, more homeowners are focusing on upgrading this multifaceted room. Lighting, in particular, is one of the best ways to bring a fresh aesthetic to an outdated kitchen. Whether you’re installing a new pair of pendants over an island or adding a decorative chandelier to brighten the space, it’s important to choose styles that complement your room’s color scheme and design theme. For example, bronze lighting fixtures are a great choice for kitchens with mid-century-inspired designs. Similarly, glass or metallic pendants are a good fit for contemporary rooms with sleek finishes and metal-accented hardware.
A well-lit kitchen should feature both ambient and task lighting. Ambient lights set the mood with a soft, overhead glow that illuminates an entire space. On the other hand, task lights focus more light on specific surfaces, such as countertops, islands, and sinks. Ambient lighting options include recessed ceiling fixtures, track lighting, and hanging sconces or pendants. Recessed fixtures are popular choices because they provide a clean, unobtrusive look and can be controlled with a smart home system to turn on or dim at your convenience. Other types of ambient lighting include under-cabinet fixtures, which are easy to install and provide a warm, under-counter glow for working at night.
To light up the tasks and work zones in your kitchen, choose a task-focused fixture that’s compatible with your smart home system for ease of control. Under-cabinet lights are a great option for this purpose, since they’re easy to install and can be controlled with a smartphone app or manually from the fixture itself. Pendants and sconces can also make a statement over counters, islands, or sinks.
Kitchen lighting should be an integral part of your overall design plan, and it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality. Rather than just illuminating a workspace, your lighting should create a focal point and set the tone for this busy, entertaining space. A single designer light poised above an island can unite a design scheme and highlight a key focal point in an open floor plan. To further personalize your lighting scheme, consider matching the style of the fixture to your cabinet hardware or incorporating other natural materials into your design theme. For instance, wood offers warmth and natural beauty that can match many different design themes.
