If you live in an older home, you’ve probably dreamt of having your kitchen remodeled. Maybe your dreaming has led you to begin the process, or maybe you’re still just considering your options. Either way, it’s important to gather as much information as you can about kitchen remodels before you complete your dream redesign.
To help you in this process here is some advice from Better Homes and Gardens and MarthaStewart.com on what you should and should not do for your kitchen remodel.
The Dos
According to Better Homes and Gardens, these are some things you should do when remodeling your kitchen:
Eliminate Wasted Steps
Think about how and where you use kitchen items. Store breakfast foods and bowls near the breakfast table. Keep wraps and plastic containers in one handy spot near a work surface for wrapping leftovers. Locate dishware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading.
Design Wide Walkways
Paths through a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly.
Stay Clear of Corners
To make cabinet and appliance doors fully functional, plan space for the door’s clearance and swing direction in your kitchen design. Keep appliances away from corners, and make sure doors won’t bang into each other at the same time.
Counter Tops
Those who cook frequently require more counter space than those who never cook or who make simple meals. Incorporating two countertops heights makes baking easy and helps kids who are involved in meal preparation.
Pot Filler
Tired of lugging water-filled pots from the sink to the countertop? A swing-out tap called a pot filler could be the answer to your prayers.
Outlets
Install multiple outlets along the backsplash and on the island so you’ll have electricity wherever you need it.
Use Light Colors in a Small Kitchen
Dark color schemes shrink an already small space and make it less inviting. Use soft shades on kitchen cabinets and natural light to visually expand a small room.
The Don’ts
According to MarthaStewart.com, here are some things you should avoid when remodeling your kitchen:
Doing It Alone
Even if you’re the DIY type, make sure to consult a kitchen design expert before starting your project. A professional will be able to help fine-tune your remodel plan, offer tips and advice, and maybe even recommend some ideas you had not thought of.
Forgetting Your Workflow
When planning you’re remodeling, remember your kitchen’s busiest areas: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Make sure these areas and appliances are in an efficient location that is relevant to one another. Many designers refer to this as the kitchen “work triangle.”
Give Up Counter Space
Counterspace is one of the most important elements of your kitchen, so don’t settle for less! Extend your counter workspace by using decorative corbels, or shelving supports, to create added room for your countertop.
Forgetting Your Budget
Creating a budget is an essential part of your remodel. Decide what features of your kitchen are the most important, and allocate your finances accordingly. Keep in mind that kitchen cabinets usually take up about one-third of the typical remodel budget.
Choosing Appliances Last
if you’re giving your kitchen a total makeover, avoid choosing your appliances last. It’ll be much easier to choose cabinets and countertops to fit appliances, like your refrigerator and dishwasher, rather than the other way around.
Neglecting Your Backsplash
It’s one of the main focal points of your kitchen, so why not make a statement? Play with color by using different shades of the same tone, which can add a very sophisticated and put-together look to your kitchen.
Leaving Space Underutilized
Take advantage of unused areas in your kitchen. Toe-kick storage located beneath cabinet doors, for example, is a creative place to store items that aren’t used on a daily basis, like serveware, linens, or spare step ladder. Maximizing your kitchen’s floor plan to find additional storage opportunities will also help keep your countertops free of clutter.