The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home and with good reason. It is a place where delicious meals are prepared. Just about everyone loves going into the kitchen to find something to snack on.
They may also love going into the kitchen to prepare their favourite foods. This makes the kitchen one of those areas that is well-used in the whole home. When an area is well used it is only natural that it will eventually have a lot of wear and tear.
This makes it necessary for the kitchen to be the recipient of some kind of repair. If you’re feeling that a makeover should definitely be in the works, here is a comprehensive guide that will help you transform your kitchen.
This is a collaborative post.
Assessing Your Current Kitchen
Before diving into a kitchen makeover you should take a moment to evaluate your current space. Here are some of the essential considerations that you should bear in mind.
Identify the Issues
Before you start to do any makeover it’s a good idea to see where you are at in terms of the issues that your kitchen may be having at this time. Look at functionality to see what is working and what is not working.
For example, you should check to see if there is inadequate storage, seating or counter space. You should then take notes of what you wish would be different in your kitchen.
The aesthetic appeal of your kitchen is also something that you should look at very closely. Look at the colours and styles to see if they are outdated.
If your kitchen cabinets are looking a bit worn on, or your countertop is showing signs of wear and tear you should make a note of this as well. The bottom line is that you need to assess the overall look and feel of your kitchen to know how to move forward.
Set Your Goals
The next thing you’re going to do is to determine what you want to achieve with your kitchen makeover. There are many common goals that you can strive for, some of them are to increase organization, storage and the workspace.
Other goals you can aim for are the colours, fixtures and materials in the kitchen to bring them into a more contemporary style. Another thing you can have is for your kitchen renovations to increase your home’s value. This is especially good if you plan to sell your home in the near future.
Budgeting
There’s no escaping spending money when you are doing this type of project but to what extent you spend your money is variable. If you’re looking to stay on a budget and control your spending then you will need to be strategic in deciding what you need.
Create a budget that outlines the amount you’re willing to spend on appliances such as a dishwasher, coffee machine or a new stove if needed. Consider how much you can spend on materials and the renovation itself. This will help you to compartmentalize different parts of the project so that you don’t get overwhelmed with the continued cost.
Design Inspiration
You should establish your budget. You want to narrow down exactly how the money will be spent on various areas of your design. However, there is one step you need to take before you can do that.
You need to find the right design for your kitchen makeover. There are so many styles out there to choose from it can make your head spin a little when you have to make the final choice.
Modern
There is the modern approach to a kitchen makeover that will see you having sleek designs, minimalistic decor and clean lines. For a more traditional look, you should probably go with rich wood tones, classic fixtures and intricate mouldings.
Farmhouse
There is also the farmhouse effect to consider as well as it combines rustic charm with functionality. To get this look you can have open shelving, vintage accents and farmhouse skills.
You can create a mood board to visualize your ideas. Try platforms such as Pinterest or even physical boards. You can combine images of the kitchens you love along with textures, materials and colours that inspire your jaw to drop.
Layout and Functionality
Layout and functionality are an important part of any kitchen makeover. It doesn’t make any sense for you to have the most beautiful kitchen possible if you cannot have a smooth workflow.
One layout that you may want to try is the L shape layout which is perfect for small to medium-sized kitchens. This type of layout offers you an open space so that you get a natural flow.
There is also the U-shaped layout and this provides you with a lot of counter space as well as storage. It’s ideal if you love to cook and to be in the kitchen regularly.
Another layout is the galley which is narrow but efficient. These kitchens are great for smaller spaces and often have everything that you need within each of your arms.
Island layouts are very popular. It has a large workplace and provides you with additional seating in the kitchen. It’s the type of kitchen that is perfect for a family gathering.
Traffic Flow
Since the kitchen is the most used room in the house. You should ensure that all the layouts allow for easy movements.
The classic kitchen work triangle which connects the refrigerator, sink and stove should be efficient and unobstructed. Avoid placing large islands or tables in the way of this natural workflow.
Selecting Materials
Choosing the right materials for your kitchen makeover is critical. Cabinets may be made of wood, laminate or metal and each of them has its own special characteristics, although wood is the most popular.
The best countertops for your kitchen are made from granite, quartz or butcher blocks. Each of these has their own particular characteristics.
Granite is among the most popular choices because it is durable and heat-resistant and comes in many different colours and patterns. This makes it easier to find something that fits into your existing decor.
Quartz is also another great choice as it is low maintenance and available in a number of designs. Finally, there is a butcher block which can be used for food preparation and requires regular maintenance. This adds a bit of character and warmth to your kitchen.
Flooring
The flooring adds a lot to the overall look of your kitchen. Make sure that you choose something that is durable and easy to clean.
Tile
Tile is a great option as it is available in several different patterns and colors. You’re going to find that this is a welcome addition to your kitchen as you can choose something that fits into your decor.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are another popular choice that you can make for your flooring. It offers warmth and beauty, but you should be aware that it can soak up moisture, this means you have to be careful how you spill things if you decide to go with these options.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is one that you shouldn’t overlook. It is cost-effective and available in many styles.
Backsplash
The backsplash of your kitchen is a great way to add some colour and texture. These can be as dazzling or as subdued as you want. That “wow” factor is easy to achieve in your kitchen when you decide to go this route.
There are so many different backsplashes to choose from it can be a difficult decision. Make sure that anything you choose is going to look good against what you already have.
You can try out subway tiles which will give you a timeless and vertical look and they can be arranged in various patterns. There are also mosaic tiles available which will give you a very unique and textual design.
These tend to be great for creating a focal point in the kitchen. Natural stone is a good option as well as it can complement your decor very beautifully and add a touch of elegance.
Paint Well
Painting is one of those things that can provide the finishing touches for your kitchen makeover in a big way. However, you have to know how to do it.
When you’re choosing paint colors you need to decide the effect that you want because each color will do something different. Neutral colours such as greys and whites are timeless and allow your kitchen to stand out in the best way possible.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can go for bold colors in your kitchen. The best ones are greens, deep blue and even black because they can create a dramatic effect.
You can add accent walls to your kitchen too; this is also going to create a unique look that makes a bold statement for this important space.
If you grab hold of any of these renovation tips your kitchen will never look the same and you’ll be glad you did.