Because it’s a place where families come together and entertain, the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the home. Renovating your kitchen can add charm to your lifestyle and value to your dwelling. The following are the six top renovation tips for updating your kitchen.
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1. Quality Materials
Kitchen renovations can be costly if you’re not financially prepared for the updates. However, using quality materials and merchandise can save you significantly in the long run. High quality counter tops, drawers, hinges and hardware ensure that kitchen cabinets close properly, drawers won’t be difficult to open and counters won’t fade, warp or chip. Dependent on the amount of traffic your floors have to contend with, you’ll also want to choose carefully when looking at the various flooring materials.
2. Go Green
Many of today’s homeowners are making a concerted effort to go green. Your kitchen remodel can be cost-efficient and kind to Mother Nature when you choose your appliances wisely. Energy Star refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers run more efficiently without the added energy. In addition to being environmentally-friendly, they can also save you money on your utility bills.
3. Lighting
Illuminating your kitchen space with the best lighting can add to its ambience. Pendant lighting fixtures are great hanging over kitchen tables, sinks and islands. While chandeliers were once delegated to the entryway of a home, they can now bring glamour and elegance to your kitchen setting. If your kitchen is dark and short on space, under cabinet lighting can add brightness. Lamps are also ideal for kitchen spaces with corner desk units. You can also customize the fabric of your lamp shades to mesh with the colors of your walls and linen table cloths.
4. Window Treatments
Kitchen window treatments can tie your remodel together. If your kitchen renovation includes a breakfast nook, curtain panels that reach the floor can add a boost of color and depth to your big windows. You can make a smaller statement for single panes with a simple floral swag of chintz draped over a decorative rod. If you have privacy issues, and your windows are directly in line with your neighbor, quick-draw shutters, curtains or blinds can be closed with the touch of a wand. If you’re fearful of your floors and cabinets fading, you can also find window treatments that are UV protected and block out a percentage of the sun’s rays.
5. Storage
If you love to spend hours cooking and entertaining, you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen remodel will meet all of your baking and cooking storage needs. Since the lack of storage is one of the most common complaints of a kitchen, you can get additional cabinet spacing underneath the island countertop. Oven warming drawers and shelving units situated above the counter are additional pieces that should be considered when planning your kitchen remodel.
6. Layout
In addition to materials, hardware, lighting and window treatments, your kitchen renovation should provide the right layout. A kitchen island with storage space and a place to eat at the counter can be ideal for individuals who like to cook and stay connected to the family. It should also have the right lighting above and be in close proximity to the sink, wastebasket, stove, oven and refrigerator. Additional space for food preparation and an under-the-counter microwave can also come in handy.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a gourmet chef, a kitchen renovation can liven up your living space. By integrating the above helpful tips into your kitchen renovation project, you’ll be able to create an environment that is both functional and enjoyable to work in.
