Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms for remodeling. But a successful remodel requires careful planning and thoughtful design to get the most out of your investment.
Think about storage, traffic patterns and room relationships. Then, select the materials, colors and functionality that best fit your family’s needs.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen. They provide storage for everything from food and dishes to cookware and appliances.
Look for cabinetry made of sustainable wood, including sorghum boards, bamboo and recycled content. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, an excellent indication of their confidence in the quality of their product.
Closed storage options are great for tucking away functional must-haves, while open shelves and see-through cabinets are a fun way to show off prettiest crockery and glassware. Some cabinet manufacturers also make specialty units that minimize space wastage and keep your kitchen well organized, such as corner cabinets, counter extensions and suspended worktops.
Some designers are also incorporating universal design principles in their cabinets, making them easier to use for people of all abilities, a philosophy that is becoming more accepted. These features include easy-to-manipulate handles and low switches.
Countertops
Countertops are the central hub of the kitchen and should be easy to clean, durable and visually appealing. There are many countertop options that fit well with the design aesthetic of homes in Bergen County, Westchester and New York City.
Granite is still the most popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and beauty. Its color variations create a unique look that works well with traditional, Old World and contemporary kitchen designs.
Porcelain is gaining popularity as it is nonporous and will not absorb leftover food or germs. It comes in a range of creamy, glazed colors that are perfect for modern kitchens.
Glass countertops add a sophisticated touch to any kitchen. They are available in frosted and clear styles that complement concrete, wood and stone.
Appliances
Your kitchen appliances are a critical part of your design. They cook your meals, reheat and cool food, clean the dishes and do much more. With the many different styles and special features available, it is important to determine your needs and narrow your appliance selection to the products that will fit your kitchen design.
Consider how large your household is and if you entertain frequently. Also, remember that bigger is not always better and avoid appliances that stick out past cabinetry as this looks bad, interrupts traffic flow and creates accidents.
You should also consider Energy Star-rated appliances to help reduce your home’s energy usage. These are designed to consume less energy without sacrificing quality and performance. They are very efficient and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Flooring
The kitchen floor is subject to the greatest amount of wear and tear, so choose a material that’s durable and easy to clean.
Wood floors come in a wide range of styles and finishes from unfinished utility oak that can be sanded and finished for a rustic look to more expensive, pre-finished options. Reclaimed wood floors add a sense of history and are in keeping with today’s recycling trend.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are also very popular because they’re less expensive than traditional hardwood, and they can easily be installed over existing tiles or concrete. They are also extremely durable and resistant to stains, chips and scratches. If you want a more luxurious look, consider stone or marble vinyl effects that can be combined to create a tile-look.
Lighting
Lighting is a key component to any kitchen remodel. It should be considered early on in the planning process, as it affects the whole space and requires a multi-layered design.
Start with ambient lighting from ceiling lights and natural light through windows during the day, then add designated task lighting for the counters and cooktop. This can be done with LED strips or puck lights that are a great way to minimize cords (or eliminate them entirely).
Then add softer, decorative lighting from chandeliers, lanterns, wall sconces and table lamps. They’re available in a huge range of styles, shapes and materials, so you can find the right ones to perfectly complement your design aesthetic. Installing lights with a dimmer switch is another simple way to control the brightness in your kitchen.