From a minor refresh to an entirely new layout, there’s a kitchen remodel to fit any style and budget. It starts with a thorough evaluation of your current kitchen and understanding what improvements will make the most sense for you and your lifestyle. Contact Kitchen Remodel Temecula now!
A well-planned kitchen remodel goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s also a chance to introduce timeless trends like:
Cabinets are a primary element of any kitchen and serve multiple purposes. Mounted wall cabinets provide storage for dishes, utensils and other cooking tools. Cabinets can also be recessed into the wall, making them unobtrusive. Cabinets come in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Cabinets can also be made of a range of materials, from wood to laminate to thermofoil, each with its pros and cons in terms of durability, cost and appearance.
When choosing cabinets, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and design style. Do you want a sleek, modern look, or something more ornate? Cabinets can be made in a range of colors and finishes to suit any style. Adding custom details, like moldings or intricate hardware, can take your cabinets to the next level.
Another consideration is whether you prefer drawers or cabinets. Drawers can make better use of vertical space and are more efficient for storing items that are often used. However, deep drawers can be difficult to see into without squatting down, which can be inconvenient and dangerous for young children or older adults.
Cabinets can be either face frame or frameless (also known as European or euro-style). Face frame cabinets have a frame attached to the front of the cabinet box, which provides additional strength and a more traditional appearance. Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame, instead attaching the door directly to the box’s side, bottom and top panels. The type of material used for the cabinet box, as well as how the boxes are joined together — dovetail joints or butt joins, for example — will impact a cabinet’s overall strength and durability.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the largest expenses in a kitchen remodel, especially if you choose premium materials. While it’s tempting to skimp on these big-ticket items to cut costs, sacrificing quality will likely cost you in the long run in terms of longevity and resale value.
For the best results, select a countertop material that complements your cabinetry and overall aesthetic. Natural stone adds timeless elegance and warmth to any kitchen design, while engineered quartz is a durable workhorse option that resists heat and stains.
Tile is an affordable and versatile countertop material that comes in a range of colors, shapes, and patterns. It can also be installed in large sheets that reduce grout lines and make upkeep easier. Some tile countertops also feature a granite, quartz, or marble look for added appeal.
Marble’s been a popular countertop choice for decades, and it looks as chic now as ever. It’s available in several variations, including white with dramatic veining for a sophisticated feel or Calacatta for a more contemporary style. More people are also choosing repurposed or recycled materials for their kitchen counters. Recycled glass, porcelain discards, and reclaimed wood are eco-conscious options that can be shaped into customized counters.
Stainless steel is another popular countertop material that pairs beautifully with modern appliances and sleek cabinets. It’s durable and stain-resistant, but it can scratch or dent if it’s not properly cared for. Some manufacturers use an anti-corrosion coating to help protect the surface, but this coating requires periodic reapplication.
Wooden countertops are another traditional countertop that can complement a variety of styles. They’re available in a range of designs, from butcher block to joined planks and single wide staves. Wood is an eco-friendly option, but it requires regular cleaning and disinfection because it can come into contact with raw meat or other potentially contaminated foods.
Appliances
Whether you want to turn your kitchen into a chef’s ideal workspace or simply upgrade its functionality, the appliances you select will have a significant impact on the room’s appearance and function. It’s important to take careful consideration before making any major purchases. Unlike furniture, which can be bought cheaply and discarded later, appliances are essential for daily use and can’t be easily replaced or upgraded.
During the planning process, homeowners should set aside an amount of their overall budget for appliance shopping, which can account for between 15 and 20 percent of a total remodel, according to nationwide appliance retailer Appliances Connection. To make the most of your budget, begin by deciding on your “must-haves” and then build out from there. It’s also helpful to consult a professional to help navigate the extensive selection available and recommend the most suitable products for your specific needs.
As you browse the different brands, pay attention to energy efficiency, quality, size and capacity, warranties, and style. Look for smart technology features, too, that can improve your kitchen’s function and simplify your everyday routine. For example, a refrigerator with LCD screens that display its contents and allows you to set reminders will save both time and space.
Other handy upgrades you can incorporate into your kitchen are utensil holders, jar racks, or under-cabinet hooks to keep countertops clean and organized. If you have the budget, consider a wine fridge or warming drawers to add luxury amenities that enhance your cooking experience. Finally, new lighting like recessed cans and pendant lights over island or counter areas brighten the entire space and improve visibility. This will also highlight your new appliances and bring out their best colors and textures.
Flooring
If you want to update your flooring while keeping the overall look of your kitchen, opt for a natural or light-hued wood-look material. This durable, stain-resistant option is available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. It can also be easily refinished when it gets scratched or worn. You can find a wide range of options at your local home improvement store or online.
Kitchen remodel costs vary greatly based on your budget and materials. To help you set a realistic renovation budget, we’ve created a pricing chart for different kitchen types and sizes. We’ve broken it down into low, medium and high price categories to give you a better idea of how much you can expect to spend on your project.
It’s important to keep in mind that while a kitchen remodel may boost your home’s resale value, you don’t necessarily have to spend money on every update to make your kitchen more functional for you and your family. Minor refreshes like painting cabinets or replacing hardware are cost-effective ways to breathe new life into a room without breaking the bank.
A major kitchen remodel often involves structural changes or a complete overhaul of the layout. This type of kitchen remodel can be more expensive and complicated, but it’s a great way to add value to your home while updating your personal space. This type of kitchen remodel can include everything from relocating walls to installing an island, reconfiguring appliances or expanding storage spaces. It’s ideal for homeowners who are looking to create a unique aesthetic or add luxury upgrades such as granite countertops or custom cabinetry. Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you’ll likely want to hire an experienced contractor who specializes in kitchen remodeling to ensure that your vision is brought to life.
Lighting
The kitchen is a common space where meals are shared, homework is done, socializing and working from home occur, so it needs to be well-lit. The right lighting is not only a design element that enhances the style of a room but can also be a key ingredient for functionality and efficiency.
A well-lit kitchen makes for a safer, more efficient workspace that allows you to perform tasks with clarity and precision. LED bulbs offer both ambient and task lighting options in various color temperatures, which are perfect for illuminating different areas of the kitchen. Cooler light is ideal for work zones like countertops, islands, and cooking surfaces while warmer light creates a more comfortable atmosphere for dining and relaxing.
Consider incorporating more natural light to your kitchen through interior windows or skylights to create a more open and airy space. Adding windows above your sink or along one wall is a great way to increase light while creating architectural interest. Choose windows that offer unobstructed views of your backyard greenery, other rooms, or interesting sightlines across the kitchen itself.
Repainting cabinets, replacing hardware and introducing new pendants or recessed lights are affordable ways to refresh the look of your kitchen without undertaking a major remodel. For example, new silver or brushed nickel hardware and paint can update dated cabinetry while adding a fresh, modern aesthetic to your kitchen. Similarly, eye-catching chandeliers and sconces make a statement in a kitchen while elevating the style of the space.