It isn’t surprising why the kitchen remains to be so many people’s favorite spot at home. After all, we spend a great deal of time whipping up meals and conversing with friends and family over hot coffee in the very comfort of our dining areas. So it makes perfect sense why a lot of people go through all the trouble of remodeling this particular space to make sure it’s both attractive and functional.
But a kitchen makeover is never easy and the demands it takes to get it done can be extensive, if not exhaustive. Depending on what you want to be done, the money you’ll need for a thorough renovation can fall anywhere between a few hundred bucks to a staggering four-digit dollars. That being said, overall preparations should be made to get only the best results. If you’re on the fence about whether or not refurbishing your kitchen is a wise idea, this write-up is for you!
Here are solid tips to go over when beautifying your kitchen space
Know your goals
Over time, your kitchen takes on the identity you give it. So it’s safe to say no kitchens are ever entirely alike. That being the case, know what particularly you want to happen in your kitchen. Many times, especially for older homes, the challenge isn’t always that it’s outdated. It’s possible that the lack of storage always seemingly got to you or that the pantry nook is deprived of space. Or perhaps it’s the lack of natural light? Is it a space problem, a design issue, or a concern about the kind of appliances you have? These are all different problems that call for different solutions, so being nit-picky and particular about what precisely you want to be achieved is crucial in maximizing your budget.
Be very clear with the objectives you set out for yourself and make sure that your current kitchen items are all accounted for even after the remodeling is done. Come up with a checklist to guarantee that nothing is left behind. The last thing you’d want is a beautifully renovated kitchen that has minimal space for things that matter the most. To start, draft a list of everything you dislike about your current kitchen and see what the possible solutions are.
Set a budget
We all have different versions of what a dream kitchen is, but let’s face it, we don’t all share the same budget. This is why being particular with how much you can afford for this project is elemental. This not only sets the direction of your kitchen undertaking but more so the kind of aesthetic and usability it delivers. Layout as many moods and styles you’re willing to take and go from there. Set aside a contingency allotment, as well, in case a few plans don’t turn out accordingly. Decide what aspects of the kitchen renovation you’re going to prioritize and determine which parts may be optional.
Once you settle for a budget, look for professionals whose services complement how much you’re willing to shell out. If an entire overhaul isn’t possible, re-strategize. Sometimes, even the smallest alterations can result in the biggest changes. For instance, changing your light fixtures and moving them elsewhere can create a brighter mood for your space. Consequently, getting rid of an island counterpart and switching it up to a neater table on the side can reap big advantages, too. You don’t always have to go big to gain great results. Take it one step at a time.
Look for inspiration
It’s easy to want many things all at once. So instead of creating a kitchen with various themes, stick to a feasible peg. Don’t just grab a magazine and point to a page. Assess if you can replicate your version of a kitchen set-up you like. Never rush designs. Go through as many as you can if you want and see if it’ll work with the space you have.
Don’t forget that your kitchen is part of your home, too. Many times, renters and home-owners alike have such ambitious goals for their kitchens that when you walk inside them, they look completely different from the rest of the home. Although there are no solid rules on how your interiors should look like, a cohesion in where you live makes for an ambient and light environment.
Visit Pinterest, watch Youtube videos, and go through home magazines. There are plenty of places you can draw inspiration from.
Go through your present kitchen appliances
Sure, your drawers are too little. And maybe your flooring needs a lot of work. But have you gone over the appliances you use? Many times, these are the first things you need to upgrade. Overall style and design can last for years on end, and if you’re talented enough, a little wallpaper and re-positioning of furniture can switch things up massively. But things like your oven, blender, and toaster, for example, can be easily outdated given the technology we’re fortunate to enjoy today.
If you don’t know where to start, check out online cooking appliance comparison websites like Air Grub. Detailed reviews from credible sources never fail.
Learn to upcycle
It’s both a blessing and a curse how easily replaceable so many things are today. But to our planet’s disadvantage, we’re producing too many items than we can handle. Rather than getting rid of a kitchen cabinet or a worn-out table, choose to upcycle them. Re-paint them or use these items as materials for your next project. Do whatever you can to avoid disposing of them altogether.
If your center aisle bothers you, consider making it an office table at home. If your pantry cabinets seem old, why don’t you transfer them elsewhere in your home?
Nowadays, it’s easy to think items become immediately useless just because they no longer serve us the way they used to. If this isn’t something you see yourself doing, you can sell them, too, and encourage other builders and DIY-ers to create whatever they can with it.
All in all, kitchen makeovers aren’t cheap, so before spontaneously arching out to a contractor or an interior designer, know exactly what your kitchen needs and do your research.
