The kitchen is the heart of the home and offers some of the highest returns on remodeling investment.
Create an idea book from design magazines, fabric swatches and paint samples. Bring it to your first meeting with your designer.
Simple yet stylish kitchen remodel ideas include adding cabinets with a shaker-style door, designing an appliances garage and installing a range hood that’s both beautiful and functional.
Cabinets
Cabinets can have a huge impact on a room’s design. They can make or break the appearance and can be a great place to express your personality. There are a variety of different materials, colors, and styles available, so you can find the perfect look for your kitchen or bathroom. There are also different types of hardware you can use to change the style of your cabinets. For example, you can replace the knobs on your cabinets to give them a new look. This is a simple and inexpensive way to make your cabinets look fresh.
Another great option for cabinets is refacing them. This option adds a layer of laminate or wood veneer over the existing surface for an updated outer appearance. This is a more cost-effective option than a full remodel but still adds value to your home. For a more natural look, consider alternative materials like birch, bamboo, mahogany or sapele with an oiled finish. This allows the grain to show through for a more rustic aesthetic.
For a modern design, flat cabinets, which have only a panel for doors, are popular. This look complements the clean lines of modern appliances and other minimalist features. Stainless steel cabinets are another option that works well with this design style and can be a great choice for a large kitchen that needs to feel open and airy.
The cabinet door is the most visible part of a cabinet and is an important factor when considering how your kitchen will look. Choosing a stylish door can make the entire space come together. If you are thinking about changing the look of your cabinets, consult a professional for ideas and guidance on how to best implement the changes. They can help you choose the right doors to complement the rest of your kitchen and bathroom, including color, style, and finish.
Countertops
Whether you are designing a contemporary modern kitchen with marble waterfall countertops or embracing rustic farmhouse charm with butcher block counters for your jungalow living space, the style and look of your countertop is an integral part of your overall design. This is why it is important to choose the right material for your home.
Appearance is understandably a huge part of selecting a kitchen worktop, but you should also consider how the countertop will perform. Does it have heat and scratch resistance? Does it need to be sealed regularly? How easy is it to clean and maintain?
Tile countertops are a versatile choice and come in many different colors, sizes and textures. They are ideal for those looking to create a unique look that is stylish, durable and cost-effective. Keep in mind that tile can be susceptible to stains and will require regular maintenance and cleaning.
Another popular option is quartz composite. This man-made stone is designed to mimic the look of natural stones like granite and is a strong contender for shoppers balancing budget with style. It is highly scratch, heat and stain resistant and requires less maintenance than other types of countertops.
Stainless steel kitchen countertops are becoming increasingly popular and add an industrial feel to the space. It is a non-porous surface that can be easily cleaned and sanitized but it shows water spots and fingerprints more readily than other surfaces, so it isn’t ideal for families with young children.
If you are unsure of what type of countertop you would like to install, start collecting images and samples from Pinterest, Instagram and home improvement magazines to compile an idea book. This will be helpful to bring to your first design consultation with your designer at Kowalske Kitchen & Bath.
Appliances
The appliances in your kitchen can take up a lot of visual space, so it’s important to choose stylish models that match the overall style of your room. You can even go for an appliance package to save money and ensure that your kitchen is unified in design.
A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to upgrade old appliances with new ones. The latest appliances are more energy efficient and also look nicer than older models. Plus, some are designed to help you cook healthier meals by reducing fat and calorie content.
You can even get creative with the way you use your appliances, like adding open shelving in between windows or in corners of your kitchen. This is a great place to display decorative items like cookbooks, pottery, or teacups. You can even customize your shelves with hooks to hang utensils or other small items.
Regardless of your budget, there are simple ways to give your kitchen and bathroom a fresh new look. For example, a touch of paint or updating hardware is an inexpensive way to breathe new life into a kitchen or bathroom. You can also try out different backsplash designs. A couple from Milton, Massachusetts, gave their kitchen a stylish yet frugal makeover using mostly surface updates.
Another thing to consider when choosing kitchen and bath remodel ideas is whether you have family members who need accessibility features. Adding a curbless shower or adjusting the kitchen layout can help elderly or disabled family members get around more easily in your home. This is a smart move, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. Your Long Island Kitchen and Bath Remodeling professional can advise you on how to make these changes without breaking the bank.
Flooring
Typically, cabinets and countertops get all the attention when it comes to remodels, but your floors are an important part of your kitchen design too. They endure a lot of wear and tear, and they can impact the overall room design. Whether you want to make a statement with your floors or create a more subtle look, there are many options available.
You might be tempted to start with flooring, as it’s the most noticeable change you can make. However, it’s wiser to consider your cabinetry and counters at the same time to ensure you choose a color or style that coordinates.
Another way to make a statement is with your backsplash. Traditionally, these tiles protect the walls above the main countertop and help set the kitchen’s aesthetic. They come in many colors, styles and materials, so it’s easy to find a look that matches your other kitchen elements.
When selecting flooring, keep in mind that it should match your style, reflect the amount of wear and tear you expect to experience and be easy for you to clean. Choose a tile that is heat and breakage resistant and can stand up to water, or opt for wood floors that are both warm and beautiful underfoot. Solid wood is an option, but it requires careful treatment and maintenance, while engineered wood offers a durable finish.
It’s also worth considering if you or a family member has mobility issues, as this can impact the way you use your home. Taking the opportunity to remodel for accessibility now can save you the expense of future renovations. For example, removing the tub and installing a walk-in shower is an easy way to improve your bathroom’s accessibility.
Lighting
Just like interior designers use layers of color and texture to create depth and interest, kitchen design also benefits from layered lighting. Creating the right mix of accent, task and general lighting helps to illuminate every aspect of your kitchen, giving it a new look while providing a safe and comfortable workspace.
Upgrading your light fixtures is another way to give your kitchen a quick, cost-effective makeover. Installing modern fixtures like pendant lights over the island, gooseneck sconces or a stylish chandelier over your sink will add both function and flair to the space.
Another great kitchen remodeling idea is to consider installing a backsplash. This simple addition can instantly transform your kitchen and showcase your personality at the same time. Whether you are going for a traditional white subway tile or a more unique material like shiplap, your backsplash will create a focal point that will draw the eye and compliment your new style.
Finally, adding recessed lighting can give your kitchen a whole new look. Installing puck or strip lighting underneath your upper cabinets eliminates shadows and provides focused task lighting for activities like chopping vegetables or reading recipes. Adding a dimming switch to your recessed lighting can enhance the ambiance and allow you to adjust to fit your needs.
It is important to keep in mind that any remodeling project will require some amount of disruption and inconvenience to your daily routine. Before beginning any remodel, consider how much of an impact you are willing to tolerate and which room of your home can easily serve as a temporary living space while the work is being done. Our team of kitchen and bath experts would be happy to discuss your options and help you determine which remodeling ideas will best suit your home.
