Top Trends for Kitchen Design in Royal Oak

Tiring of their outdated appliances, lack of storage space and limited functionality, most homeowners planning to remodel their kitchens are looking for the latest in design. And while they should be focused on classic, timeless looks, they also want an updated, fresh look that reflects their personalities and lifestyle. By partnering with a top kitchen design and remodeling firm in Royal Oak, they will not be disappointed in the result!Take Time to Review and Learn from the Current Space and How It FunctionsTake the time to really study how the current workspace and storage spaces work in the kitchen before remodeling. Do cabinets need to be replaced, but are in the right spot already? The same goes for appliances; consider it now because moving them later can be costly when it comes to plumbing, electrical or gas hookups. New counter-depth appliances can make a remodeled kitchen look sleek and modern, but larger ones that protrude past the edge of the counter can appear ungainly.Chances are, when the original kitchen was built, the layout was designed with the “magic triangle” - equidistance between the sink, stove and refrigerator. This is still a basic tenant of kitchen design that has lasted throughout the years, even with the addition of kitchen islands. The principle is a smart one, and is meant to minimize the number of steps between tasks. Keeping the basic layout allows homeowners to save on costly door and window movements.If there are children in the home, also consider how they use the space, and what areas they access most often. Teenagers have always been frequent kitchen raiders, and with their height and agility, they can access almost every area (making it hard to hide goodies). Today’s kids, and even toddlers, are making use of their own special cabinet with snacks they can easily reach.Backsplashes Can Provide a Pop Of “Wow!”One kitchen designer recommends browsing through online photo galleries and visiting new open houses in the area for backsplash ideas. By seeing what the client loves in a backsplash design, she gets a feel for their overall style and helps determine what could be an inspiration piece for the remodel. While the backsplash is not the most expensive component a homeowner will select, it is a fun and unique way to begin the process and helps to determine which cabinet colors will coordinate with it.Kitchen Island Size — Is Bigger Really Better?The simple answer is no. A massive kitchen island may make a design statement and provide the “wow” factor clients want, but in reality, if they can’t reach the center of it without a stepladder, it’s too big. And if they have to use a grabber to access the salt and pepper, it’s too big. In addition, if an island is permanently placed in the wrong position, it can seriously impede traffic flow to much needed appliances.However, even smaller kitchens can usually accommodate a modest kitchen island, adding extra storage, food prep space, and bar-height snacking. It’s considered best practice to have at least forty inches of space around the perimeter of the kitchen island to allow for family members of all sizes to easily navigate. Wheels can also be attached under the island to make it movable for parties.Planning Cabinet & Appliance Positioning and Openings Are KeyOne woman whose husband installed a new cabinet in the corner of their bathroom and did not plan the opening direction properly reported that it ended up blocking the door to their toilet. Basic planning of cabinet and drawer opening orientations are an easy and painless way to prevent this from happening in the first place.In the kitchen, it’s important to consider appliance openings also. For example, when the dishwasher is open for emptying, is there easy access to the silverware drawer next to it? If the refrigerator door is open, does it restrict traffic flow to the pantry?Core Values — More Than Just A SloganWhen it comes to choosing a kitchen remodeling company in Royal Oak, it pays to consider their core values and make sure they align with the client’s. For example, when it comes to installers, experience is a must. In addition, punctual, meticulous and courteous are qualities to look for. No one wants to come home to a disorganized and dirty worksite every day.A company that offers a wide array of product choices is key — and it’s imperative that each and every product is high quality, durable, and customizable to the client’s needs and desires. Everyone will agree that products that are easy to maintain and will last for years are well worth the investment. From appliance choices to cabinetry and countertops, top-rated remodelers will offer a range of pricing for each component. Homeowners may want to splurge on high-end custom cabinetry that will last for decades, and select mid-range appliances that may be replaced during that time.It goes without saying that customer service should be reliable and prompt from the very beginning. “It’s kind of like dating before you get married,” said one homeowner. “The other party should be putting their best foot forward from the first introduction!” If a client is finding themselves frustrated in any way before the project is even started, it may be time to rethink their choice of company.Trust the Pros for Kitchen Remodeling in Royal OakThe journey to a new, beautiful and updated kitchen begins in Royal Oak with a trusted kitchen remodeling company. It pays to call several companies and get their feedback on design, function and the types of materials they recommend for the new kitchen remodel. It's recommended that the homeowner keep detailed notes and ask for all bids in writing, so final decisions can be made by comparing apples to apples. The payback for increased functionality, storage, and lower utility bills with energy-saving appliances will be seen immediately and last well into the future. Homeowners can enjoy all the updates now, and when it comes time to sell, there are no better words to market the home than “updated kitchen!”