Whether you live alone or with a family, the kitchen is typically the busiest space in the home. From the tea you brew every morning to the final glass of water that is sipped every night, the kitchen is definitely the heart of every home. It is quite understandable why, similar to life, kitchen design needs a fresh coat of paint and simply, a breath of fresh air.
As it relates to kitchen makeovers, Sleek Kitchen Renovations recommends starting off with the basics. According to these experts, when a kitchen is designed, the needs of the homeowner should be prioritized. In addition, function is necessary, and this will set the stage to create a fascinating design around this important working space.
From ensuring there is plenty of storage and seating to exploring the right lighting combination, it is important to identify the must-have ideas for the kitchen design before moving on to the details. Additionally, budget is also a significant consideration and doing research on what suits your price range will assist you in selecting the right styles and materials for your own kitchen. Below are some fascinating ideas that can be incorporated into your kitchen renovation projects:
Consider the Flow
If you are changing the kitchen to make way for an open floor plan, consider how you would like the new space to function. If it will be a space where the family will congregate and eat, you can consider a large kitchen island with adequate seating. However, if you would like your dining space to be used regularly, you could save time and money by eliminating the eat-in kitchen.
Prioritize Storage
Added storage is always a great idea. There are many clever and innovative ideas that can be used to optimize kitchen storage. From coffee bars hidden behind doors to storing plates at a lower level in large drawers, there are several techniques that can maximize space.
Let There Be Light
Lighting is an essential aspect of kitchen renovation, and a mix of styles will bring functionality and visual appeal to the space. The island could be lit with multi-light chandeliers or pendants. The lighting can be enhanced by flush or semi-flush surface-mounted lights to assist with lighting the ceiling and the area below. Recessed lights, particularly on a dimmer, can also be used if the kitchen is used for entertaining and dining. Under-cabinet lighting is vital as well.
Make Form and Function a Priority
Especially as it relates to the more utilitarian elements of the kitchen, including the stove hood, form and function should be prioritized. For example, a sleek white stove hood will look great with a subway tile backsplash but will not contend with the more interesting features of the kitchen, like an exposed brick beam or a dark island.
Improve Your Hardware
Emphasis should also be placed on the details. Faucets and hardware can take a kitchen to a whole new level. Brass and other warm-toned metals have become more popular and there is also a remarkable selection of brushed finishes and shapes. From champagne bronze to matte black, you should check out the collection at your local hardware and plumbing vendor to see what is available.
Consider All Types of Cabinetries
If cabinetry is included in your kitchen renovation project, consider all your options. You can choose to use all-opaque iterations or include a few glass-front options. Think about the pros, like aesthetics and accessibility, and the cons, like constant curation and finger smudges. Note that the glass-front cabinets could greatly update your existing space.
Use a Backsplash to Add Personality
Backsplashes provide a remarkable way to inject a pop of personality into the kitchen, whether you desire an adventurous look like a colorful glass tile, or the clean, crisp look made of quartz. A marble mosaic backsplash can add sophistication and interest to a simpler kitchen.
Inject Some Color into the Space
The prevalent white kitchen never goes out of style; however, many designers and homeowners have been integrating more and more color into kitchen designs. Attention-grabbing wallpaper can be used on the cabinetry, or they can be painted in your preferred hue. Additionally, you can go for a smaller color commitment by using a complementary wood finish on the island. Grained wood finishes are being more frequently used on cabinets compared to in the past. Many updated wood finishes with contrasting grain are there that look sophisticated and earthy.
Go for Panel-Ready Appliances
Panel-ready appliances are another kitchen game changer that most appliance companies supply these days. The kitchen will look and feel more like a cohesive space with the cabinets and appliances integrated together. In addition, ranges are available in many finishes, including bright colors, which can serve as a focal point.
Consider Quartz Countertops
White marble is a well sought-after stone used in the kitchen but maintaining it is quite difficult. Thankfully, there is a similar alternative. There is no denying that a natural stone countertop incorporates a living original element into the kitchen; however, there are attractive and durable engineered stone alternatives called quartz. This stone does not easily scratch, or stain and it can withstand high heat, which makes it a tremendously practical countertop option. For the best of both worlds, you can consider using a natural stone for the island and quartz on the perimeter countertops in a contrasting or coordinating color.
Choose the Right Flooring
The era of closed-off kitchens is long gone. To keep the kitchen feeling and looking like it is a part of the rest of the house, use the same flooring as the adjacent living areas to produce a unified look. However, there are some homeowners who prefer a different flooring option in the kitchen. If a tile floor is preferred, consider adding underfloor heat, if the climate calls for it. With in-floor heating, ceramic or stone tiles will not feel uninviting and cold underfoot. This also provides an opportunity to add pattern or texture to the floors to tie together other elements of the design scheme.
