Kitchens are the heart of the home, and like a real heart, it needs to be free of any obstacles or hindrances that inhibit its functionality.
If your kitchen feels cramped, closed off, and/or no longer conducive to preparing meals, perhaps it can use a bit of remodeling. Use these 10 tips as you plot out your kitchen remodel for a truly functional workspace.
-
Have a vision
You need to set clear goals for your kitchen remodeling project to avoid disappointments later. Help everyone involved in the project understand what you want to achieve. Sift through images online and make a list of the features you want your new kitchen to have.
-
Get the pros involved early on
A kitchen renovation can be an expensive project to take on depending on the scope, and the costs will only spiral if you don’t have a clear direction. Involving a certified kitchen remodeler during the planning stages means you’ll have the perspective of a professional to help you move forward.
-
Ceiling-to-floor cabinets offer the best storage solutions
Wall-mounted floor-to-ceiling cabinets maximize storage space while minimizing actions needed to accomplish tasks. You can hang pots and install dish racks to these cabinets for added convenience.
-
Replace small windows
Larger, better windows allow more light in and give the space an airier feel. Consult professional contractors to find out the best window options for your kitchen.
-
Paint it light
Sometimes, all that’s needed to make a kitchen look and feel more spacious is to paint it in a lighter shade. Dark colors only serve to make an already small space look tinier. Meanwhile, painting the room in traditional white or something neutral or muted helps the wall reflect light, which can liven up the space.
-
Open up the kitchen to your backyard
If your kitchen lies adjacent to your backyard, having a glass sliding door separate the two spaces helps bring the outside in. Glass doors let in more natural light and open up the kitchen space.
-
Buy new appliances
How old are your kitchen appliances? Kitchen technology has improved by leaps and bounds so that you can prepare meals more enjoyably and with ease. Shop around and do a bit of research on, say, a smart fridge that keeps track of the expiry dates of your food, or ovens connected to apps that allow you to adjust settings remotely.
-
Use a galley kitchen layout
A galley kitchen design is characterized by two countertops separated by a walkway, with cabinets and appliances facing each other in a straight line. This layout ensures whatever you need is practically within arms’ reach.
-
Use open shelving
Though not a look that works for everyone, open shelving can help save valuable floor space and make your kitchen look roomier. It also saves you time, since you can directly see what you need and reach for it, as opposed to searching for them in closed cabinets. Use open shelving in your new galley style kitchen and take your efficiency to new heights.
-
Find a good focal point and exploit it
Too many eye-catching features can make a kitchen look cluttered. Select a single focal point in your kitchen design and complement it with harmonizing details.
Cici Riley represents some of the best residential properties in Greater Cleveland, Ohio. Browse the website. For more information, contact Cici Riley at 216-831-9310 or send an email to ciciriley(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.