Have you been getting the impression that your kitchen has a run-down or outdated feel to it? If the answer to that is “Yes,” then it’s probably time for you to look into major kitchen renovation plans. Keeping in mind that renovating a kitchen can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you don’t have any kitchen renovation ideas of your own, Decor Aid designers have created a simple guide for how to renovate a kitchen (this also includes complete kitchen remodel ideas for a tight budget and all kinds of needs).If renovating a kitchen was a recipe, it’d be Difficult, but totally worth it. Thankfully, our designers have crafted a guide on how to make a space worthy of a top chef. Started From the Bottom. Once you get your layout set, move on to your flooring.
Take Note of Your Kitchen Renovation Requirements
Before you end up burdened by endless kitchen remodel ideas and possibilities presented by search engines, take a critical look at your current space. While keeping your lifestyle in mind, think of the features you like and what needs to go. More importantly, analyze the size of your kitchen space and your budget. Do you need to consider a small kitchen remodel, look for ideas for a kitchen renovation on a budget or are you ready to invest in a full scale complete kitchen remodel?
Do be realistic with your scope and budget as even a smaller kitchen renovation project can run between $10,000 and $15,000. Though it sounds like a steep investment, that estimate includes painting walls, refacing cabinets, upgrading your sink, and installing a tile backsplash. And if you double that quote, $30,000 and up for a kitchen renovation includes installing custom cabinets, hardwood floors, stone counters, and high-end appliances.
What Does Your Dream Kitchen Look Like?
Now that you have an idea of how your present space could benefit from a few kitchen remodel ideas, you can move on to what your ideal kitchen would look like. Do you prefer a modern look over rustic or traditional? Would you rather utilize a classic white or a bold shade? Try visiting renovated kitchens of friends and family and make a note of what functionalities, appliances and storage space you would like to see and you when considering how to renovate a kitchen. Add any fresh kitchen remodel ideas that you come across to your list.
Do You Need Professional Help for a Kitchen Renovation?
A D.I.Y home décor project may seem fun but if you aren’t confident about taking on an entire kitchen renovation assignment, consider factors such as how quickly you need it done and what the size of your budget will be. Unless your skills match those of a professional, we recommend getting in touch with DecorAid and our End to End renovation services.
Define Your Layout and Space Plan
One of the most commonly used kitchen remodel ideas suggests a “working triangle.” According to the working triangle rule, every kitchen’s floor plan has food storage, a food preparation area, and cooking space in close proximity. Creating an efficient design at this stage would help to make the overall process of your kitchen renovation much simpler. This arrangement is especially helpful if you are looking for ideas for a small kitchen remodel because it makes effective use of a smaller space.
Fixture and Finish Requirements
By now you have done your research and have thought out all your kitchen renovation ideas and costs. You are now ready to take the plunge forward into an exciting phase of your kitchen renovation project. This stage of the renovation process is where you will source the fixtures and finishes that will define the style of your newly renovated kitchen.
Cabinetry Construction Type, Door Style, Finish, and Color
When it’s time to choose between open shelving and conventionally closed cabinetry, the one thing to keep in mind is your lifestyle. For functionality purposes, a combination of both can be created. The open shelves can display pretty vases and dinnerware which highlight the overall color scheme of your kitchen. The closed cabinets in your renovated kitchen can be for items you use every day. We recommend selecting classic shaker-style cabinet doors with neutral tones if you are renovating your kitchen on a tight budget. If small kitchen remodel ideas are what you need, choosing lighter tones will help make the place look larger.
Countertop Material
Although more difficult to maintain, a wooden butcher block is an increasingly popular choice. Tiles and marble may be chic but are prone to getting stains compared to materials like Caesarstone. However, while renovating a kitchen, we suggest making a decision based on both appeal and usage. Weigh your options; review the pros and cons of the practicality of materials versus stylistic options. When it comes to picking the right countertop material, keep in mind what would look best in your space if small kitchen remodel ideas are what you are seeking.
Refrigerators and other appliances
Before you start bringing your kitchen renovation ideas to life, decide what kind of appliances you are looking to integrate into your kitchen space. If you are looking for mainstream kitchen remodel ideas, consider fitting your appliances with surfaces that mirror your cabinetry for a custom built-in look. However, you might want to draw more attention to the appliances which were more of an investment.
Kitchen Sink and Faucet
Keeping your needs and budget in mind, you should opt for the right size sink for your needs when renovating a kitchen. A double basin is often a common choice even for small kitchen renovations. For a deliberate and bold statement, select a sink and faucet combination that highlights your overall kitchen style.
Light Fixtures
Experts suggest using a combination of accent, ambient and task lighting. Ambient or overhead lights provide the maximum light. Task lights are great for an ambient glow. Add a single-piece accent light to complete the perfect look to add depth to your renovated kitchen which looks great, especially for small kitchen renovations.
Flooring
Unquestionably, a kitchen is one of the central and busiest places in any home. It’s where everyday cooking takes place and where kids gather for homework. Therefore, while renovating a kitchen, remember to choose the best material for flooring, even if you are planning to do a complete kitchen remodel on a budget. Opt for ceramic tiles, natural stone, wood, vinyl or other varieties to create your dream kitchen.
Backsplash
Create a cool space with character by adding a backsplash to your kitchen renovation project. It will draw attention while helping balance out the different materials. You’re certain to appreciate the variety of materials at affordable prices available. Choose what accentuates your style and flows with the theme of your kitchen. For small kitchen renovations, opt for a backsplash which gives your kitchen a more expansive look.
Decorative hardware
Whether you prefer a contemporary kitchen or a traditional one, expertly crafted pulls and latches will enhance the beauty of your space. With the vast array of options available you’ll be able to pick from a variety of decorative elements to achieve an industrial contrast or luxe feel.
Finishing Touches
Before you declare the project complete, step back and assess all you’ve done. Critically analyze the details and look out for any decor or finishing touches you might have missed. It’s never too late to update your renovation designs. After all, redesigning your kitchen is not something you do every day.
As you can see, a lot goes into every aspect of a kitchen remodel as it can be a major project with a lot of key variables to consider.
Now that we’ve gone through the inspirational elements of a smart kitchen remodel, it’s time we look at everything to avoid so you get the most back from your investment in the long run. Steer clear of these common kitchen renovation mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to cooking up a storm in the kitchen of your dreams – all it takes is a little patience and know-how.
Every Step Of A Kitchen Remodel:
Determine What You Need
The first step for any kitchen remodel is homing in on what you really need and want. This initial step will help you narrow down your direction and will also work to help you solidify a budget.
Yes, it can feel like kitchen renovation options are endless, but unless you are blessed with a deep budget, you’ll need to decide what’s really vital to you. Are you short on storage? Would you like more space for entertaining guests? Do you need a better flow throughout your kitchen?
Questions you can ask yourself to narrow down your requirements:
- What bugs you about your current kitchen?
- What do you need less of?
- What do you need more of?
- Do you need a new layout?
- What needs to be updated?
- Are you looking to sell soon? What will add value to your homes resale value?
Kitchen Renovation On A Budget
Now that you know what your essentials are and what you are aspiring towards, it’s time to cement your budget.
A typical kitchen renovation costs around $22,000 in the U.S. And a small kitchen renovation averages around $4,000, with a more drastic kitchen remodel reaching more than $50,000.
How do you know what a kitchen renovation on a budget realistically should cost? A general practice is to spend 5% – 15% of the total value of your home on your kitchen remodel. For instance, if your house is worth $300,000, an investment-worthy kitchen renovation budget would be 10% of that – around $30,000. Here are some measures you can take to get more concise budget ideas to help decide how much to spend on what.
Manage Your Kitchen Renovation Costs By Area
Say your kitchen renovation ideas might cost around the $20,000 you budgeted to renovate your kitchen. But how do you know how to spend that money best? According to our renovation experts, a typical kitchen renovation budget breakdown should read like this:
- Design fees: 4%
- Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
- Appliances and ventilation: 14%
- Installation: 17%
- Countertops: 10%
- Walls and ceilings: 5%
- Flooring: 7%
- Lighting: 5%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Faucets and plumbing: 4%
- Other: 1%
Keep in mind that everyone’s kitchen renovation goals differ, so these guesstimates are just that – estimates. Things like countertops may be more worthy than spending a small fortune on a new range, so allocate your funds accordingly.
The key here is in ensuring that you won’t go over the budget. So, if you need to spend more on one element, make sure to balance out your budget by cutting back on another feature.
Peruse Stores and Showrooms
Visiting hardware stores and kitchen showrooms will give you inspiration and a better idea of what materials and options are available at what price range. To stay within your kitchen renovation budget, you should also take note of where you can save by sourcing similar but less expensive alternatives.
13 Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid:
Now that you know what it takes to master a successful kitchen remodel, here are common missteps to avoid for good reason.
Don’t Skimp On Details
In a short amount of time you’ll quickly be able to see how costly it can be to look over even the smallest of details as kitchens are full of enhancements and innovations to make the cooking and storage process all the easier. Take note as adding extra’s after a major kitchen remodel is completed will only end up costing more than it would have at the time.
Forgetting Busy Areas
Our renovation contractors say they see this absolute mistake from novice home owners all too often: they simply overlook the important of workflow areas when considering kitchen renovation ideas.
When planning a kitchen remodel, keep your kitchen’s busiest areas in mind including the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Make sure these areas and appliances are in an efficient location that makes them easier to work with one another. This is what interior designers often refer to as the kitchen “work triangle,” as the location of each of these to one another resembles, you guess it – a triangle.
Give Up Counter Space?
Who would suggest such a thing? As counter space is one of if not the most important parts of your kitchen, don’t overlook the obvious. The ore counter space, the better. Make the most of your counter work space by extending it with interesting corbels, or shelving supports, to create extra counter space.
You Can’t Do Everything Alone
Even if you’re a master at all things DIY, it’s to your benefit to consult a trusted kitchen remodel expert before you begin charting the course for your project. A professional renovation expert will help to tweak your remodel process, offer money and time-saving tips and advice, and are certain to recommend clever ideas you probably wouldn’t have considered.
Protection
When going through the kitchen remodel process, it’s imperative to protect other areas of your home from the hustle and bustle of construction traffic, paint, and dust.
Sticking To You Budget
We’ve seen it over and over with novice kitchen remodel jobs – people forget and do not keep in mind how varied and dramatic kitchen renovation costs can be. When considering a kitchen renovation on a budget, it’s essential to figure in what features of a kitchen are the most important to you, and allocate your budget accordingly. And do keep in mind that kitchen cabinetry can usually take up about at least a quarter of kitchen renovation costs.
Forgetting It Is An Upgrade
Since a kitchen remodel can be a costly experience, but one that will benefit you for years to come while increasing the value of your home, do consider your lifestyle while planning kitchen renovation ideas to get the most out of it. Do you like to cook often, do you like to entertain? How much time to you spend socializing in your kitchen? Are you short on cabinet storage and frequently flustered? These are all factors to work into your kitchen renovation ideas and the overall design of your kitchen.
Missing The Picture
Whether you’re planning a small kitchen renovation or a major overhaul, remember to calculate every feature and consider every design element including wall paint color, backsplash treatment, flooring, cabinetry and hardware — and how everything works with one another.
Selecting Appliances After
If you’re aiming for a total kitchen renovation, it only makes sense to source appliances first. Why? Because it’s much easier to select cabinets and countertops to fit with appliances like a fridge and dishwasher, rather than the other way around.
Forgetting Storage Solutions
With tons of innovative new storage solutions available, we can’t believe how many people overlook their importance when considering a kitchen remodel. Maximize your kitchen with storage solutions like shelf lined pantries and cabinets that boast storage features to help you make the most of your space while helping you organize everything.
Skipping Out On The Joy Of A Kitchen Remodel
You might not realize it but a backsplash is one of the main focal points of any kitchen. Go for the unexpected yet refined with materials like a marble countertop to elevate your kitchen. And do play with colors and patterns to bring in a sense of life and personality in an otherwise straightforward room. Pay attention to the small details like where you can display art, how you can show off your fine China. Keep everything coordinated and every question answered.
Missing Out On Space
Go beyond traditional cabinet placement and take advantage of every unused space throughout your kitchen. To maximize your available space, install clever toe-kick storage underneath cabinets for a creative solution to store items that you don’t use regularly, like formal serving dishes and various pots and pans. By maximizing your kitchen storage plan you’re certain to find more storage space to keep your countertops free of clutter and the ilk.
Thinking Traditional
When configuring an updated kitchen, whip up creative solutions to transform cabinets into a hybridized functional and unique feature. For instance, a multi-tasking smart kitchen island can house items for entertaining in one easy to access and manage location. The look of an island can blend in seamlessly with your kitchen plans and can be used as an accent piece if it boasts contrasting cabinetry or hues.
