Kitchen Remodeling Needn’t Be Scary

Very few opportunities arise to make a difference in a home’s environment as much as a kitchen remodel does, and it’s the wise homeowner who embraces this opportunity. During the planning phase, many homeowners are excited – if a bit apprehensive – about such a major undertaking. However, it needn’t be a scary experience when they partner with a respected and established contractor. While planning for a beautiful and functional new kitchen space, the key is to enjoy the process from the very beginning to the big reveal. Choosing an Overall Kitchen Design The key to successful interior design is to carry a unified theme throughout the home. With the exception of a man cave or a themed children’s room, it’s important to have a continuous flow. Some of today’s popular design styles that may be incorporated into a kitchen remodel include farmhouse chic, modern/contemporary, transitional, coastal, French country, and industrial. Farmhouse chic. Rustic, or farmhouse, design is drawn from natural inspiration, using unfinished elements, including stone and wood. Many farmhouse chic kitchens feature open shelving, reclaimed wood floors, and raw-edge islands. Modern/contemporary. Modern and contemporary design typically refers to a home with clean, crisp lines, a simple unified color palette, and the use of materials that include metal, glass, and stainless steel. These minimalist kitchens are typically clutter-free and don’t have small appliances sitting out on the countertops. Transitional. Transitional is one of the most popular styles because it combines traditional and modern design to create a space that’s not too extreme in terms of one style or another. Transitional design uses relatively neutral color palettes to create a warm, relaxed space that feels stylish and sleek, as well as soothing and inviting. Coastal. Coastal style continues in popularity across the U.S. Common features include cool, neutral shades mixed with greens and blues. Cabinetry is often white, beige, or even navy blue. Touches of natural wood are also common features of this style. French country. Warm, earthy colors are indicative of a French country design style, as are distressed and ornamental wood furniture. This kitchen style draws inspiration from farmhouse style and usually include warm tones of red, yellow, or gold and natural materials like stone and brick. French country kitchens often include displays of ornate porcelain dishes or Tuscan pottery. Industrial. Industrial style is inspired from an unfinished warehouse or urban loft. It’s not uncommon to see exposed ductwork or brick walls. Industrial kitchens showcase metal appliances and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse functional furniture. The Biggest Decision in Kitchen RemodelingDespite the myriad decisions involved when it comes to overall design style, layout, appliance choices, flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and more, the biggest decision in kitchen remodeling remains the color of the cabinets. As every top designer will attest, the choice is highly personal and one that sets the entire tone for the kitchen. All-white cabinets are a classic look and still the most popular, followed by a mixture of white with a dark island for contrast. Gray is also gaining in popularity in some regions, and matte black or navy are being used in many designer showhouses. One realtor swears she can tell the year a house was built simply based on the kitchen cabinets. Open Shelving Requires DisciplineKitchen designers tell clients to think twice if they love open shelving. The trend toward open shelving requires the homeowner to either be very neat or to be comfortable with a chaotic display. Open shelving also doesn’t protect dishes from dust and grease splatters. Likewise, glass doors on cabinetry can be beautiful if the contents are neatly displayed and not stacked inside indiscriminately. What looks fabulous in a showroom or magazine may not hold up in a household with rowdy teenagers. Choosing a Kitchen FaucetGreat strides have been made in the design and functionality of kitchen faucets. Top brands include Kohler, American Standard, Delta, Grohe, and Mountain. While shopping at big box stores, consumers may see some of these brands; however, they should be aware that the quality varies widely by distribution channel. Most manufacturers have product lines designed for individual consumers, the industry (such as contractors and plumbers), and commercial applications. Many consumer-grade faucets will not offer replacement parts and are designed from the beginning to have a short lifespan. Don’t Forget the LightingKitchen lighting should be integrated into the overall design plan. One lighting brand has all the experts talking—Sensio. Based in England, they are worth looking into for any kitchen remodel. Their innovative products include shelf lighting, in-drawer lighting, above-cabinet lighting, plinth lighting, and even a “Sensiopod” pull-up electrical outlet with a high-quality Bluetooth speaker built in. Lighting is a big contributor to the overall atmosphere, so make sure it’s on the list. New Appliances Add ExcitementChances are if a kitchen is in need of a remodel, the appliances are well past their replacement date. Homeowners should shop products from top-rated manufacturers such as KitchenAid, Amana, Maytag, and Whirlpool to ensure they’re getting quality products that are also energy-efficient. And from a design standpoint, stainless steel is still number one, with black matte and white ice (yes, white!) reflecting emerging trends. BuilderTrend--The New Way to RemodelCommunication is key to every successful project, and some of the very best remodeling companies in the United States are now using a new program called BuilderTrend. This industry-leading software allows homeowners 24/7 access to their project at every stage—from the initial bid to project documentation including contracts, design decisions, scheduling, change orders, job status, messaging, and before and after photos documenting the job. A feedback feature allows clients to send questions and messages throughout the process, not just at the end. Experts and homeowners alike are giving BuilderTrend rave reviews for ensuring transparency and positive results. Kitchen Remodeling in Royal Finding a qualified, trusted remodeler is the first step toward changing a kitchen into a truly stylish and functional space. The transformation will no doubt provide a more customized cooking experience, updated look, and expanded storage. The finished space will encourage friends and family to gather to create memories. That’s the icing on the cake.