Things to Consider in a Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen Remodel Richmond VA is a serious project that involves professional contractors, designers and sometimes plumbers. It’s not something that a homeowner should try on their own.
Start by reviewing your goals and vision for the kitchen. This includes determining the layout, cabinetry and design style you like. Avoid styles that will be outdated in a few years.
Cabinets are the backbone of any kitchen and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit both storage and aesthetic needs. They can also wrap around appliances like a refrigerator to provide a continuous, unified look. Custom cabinets are often crafted from high-quality wood and are more durable than stock cabinetry produced on assembly lines.
The body of a cabinet can be either face-frame or frameless construction, each with different advantages and drawbacks. The face-frame cabinet has a supporting frame attached to the front of the box and the cabinet door overlays this frame, whereas frameless cabinets have no such support and the cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the box.
Traditionally, cabinet boxes were constructed of solid hardwoods or plywood. Plywood is generally preferred because of its strength and rigidity, which are important for keeping the cabinet structure from bowing or sagging over time, especially under heavy loads. However, some homeowners prefer medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is less expensive and more readily available. MDF has a few downsides, however: it can have a pressed-wood smell and is more susceptible to moisture damage.
In many modern kitchens, cabinetry is shifting away from doors and toward drawers. The advantage of drawers is that they make it easier to access contents without bending over or digging through layers of cabinetry. Special hardware accessories can further enhance this convenience by making it easy to store a wide range of items, including plates, pots and pans, and plastic-ware. Other accessories make browsing lower cabinetry more ergonomic, in the form of rolling trays that roll on special tracks and lazy susans that rotate on a central axis to allow users to grab items from the rear of the cabinet without having to reach into corners or beneath shelves.
Countertops
Countertops elevate the look of a kitchen and provide work surfaces. They also can add to a home’s value when it comes time to sell. There are many materials to choose from, so it’s important to find the right one for your taste and budget.
Tile is an option that is both durable and affordable. It is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be laid out in patterns to create unique designs. Stainless steel countertops are another popular choice that adds an industrial feel to the room while complementing dark cabinets. They require regular maintenance to keep them looking new, however.
Marble is another popular countertop material that has been trendy for centuries. The latest trend in marble is dramatic veining, which adds drama to the space. Other options include quartzite, which combines natural stone with resin to create an engineered surface that’s more cost effective than marble and easier to maintain. Quartzite is available in a range of colors, and you can even customize the look by choosing varying levels of veining.
Another option is Corian, which is a solid surface that offers a number of different styles and features. Its high-tech surface can be customized to incorporate integrated sinks, drainboards, and lights. It’s also possible to integrate things like wireless charging pads into the countertops.
Wood countertops can add a warm and rustic feeling to the kitchen, and they also serve as chopping boards. They’re easy to care for and can be made more stylish with laser engravings or integrated bowls. Another natural countertop option is soapstone, which is made of magnesium-rich steatite and is soft enough for carving.
Flooring
Flooring can make or break a kitchen and should be considered carefully during any kitchen remodel. Whether you prefer hardwood, carpet or tile, there are plenty of options for enhancing your space while staying within your budget.
Wood floors are a natural and timeless choice that add texture to the room and coordinate well with many different wall and cabinet colors. Hardwoods such as oak and maple are extremely durable and will stand up to heavy foot traffic, but softer woods like pine and bamboo may dent more easily from dropped items.
If you’re not ready for the commitment of wood floors, opt for cork tiles or planks. This eco-friendly material is comfortable underfoot and also helps reduce the impact of your food prep on the environment. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of patterns and color options that are sure to complement your design aesthetics.
Another durable option is concrete. This sleek and contemporary material looks great in industrial, rustic or farmhouse designs, but can also complement a modern kitchen. It’s easy to clean and can withstand the abuse of busy households, but it can crack over time in colder climates.
Another flooring option is terrazzo, which features marble chips in cement to create a speckled visual that’s both stylish and practical. This material is incredibly durable and resists scratches and dents, but it can be slippery, so it’s best for homes without young children. Consider radiant floor heating to keep your feet warm in the winter and help cut down on your energy bill.
Lighting
Lighting can elevate your kitchen into a space that is both functional and inviting. It is important to consider how you use your kitchen in order to choose the best type of fixtures. From recessed and track to monorail systems, you can add lighting in a wide range of styles to create an ideal cooking space.
Kitchens are multi-functional spaces that often serve as places for socializing, homework, and work from home. It is important to identify all of the ways your family uses their kitchen in order to design a functional lighting scheme. Having the right lighting will make tasks easier and reduce eye strain.
There are four key layers of lighting that are necessary for a well-lit kitchen. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, task lighting illuminates work areas, like countertops or islands, and accent lighting highlights decorative elements and architectural features. The combinations of these lights work together to create a bright, visually appealing space that is comfortable for all activities.
Ambient lighting is typically provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures such as chandeliers, recessed, and track lights. This layer of lighting illuminates the entire room, reducing shadowing and glare. For optimal illumination, consider LED bulbs with a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) that provide true color representation and are safe for food prep.
Task lighting illuminates specific workspaces, like countertops or islands, and is typically provided by pendants, desk lamps, and recessed fixtures. This layer of lighting is designed to help prevent accidents by allowing you to clearly see your work area. It is important to use a fixture that is close to the workspace so you can avoid accidental contact with hot surfaces or sharp knives.
Appliances
While cabinets and countertops get a lot of attention in kitchen remodels, don’t overlook your appliances. Changing out your old models with more energy-efficient options will reduce your utility bills and contribute to the environment. New appliances also typically have sleeker designs that elevate the ambiance of your kitchen.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances that are also smart-enabled can simplify your at-home routine and help you achieve a “no net energy” (NZE) home. Appliances represent a significant share of energy consumption and emissions.
Energy efficient appliances use less energy to perform their functions, which conserves resources like water and electricity. They also produce fewer GHG emissions, reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, many modern appliances use easy-to-clean materials and self-cleaning mechanisms to cut down on maintenance time.
A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to add more storage space. Replacing cabinetry or rejiggering the layout can create dedicated areas for coffee and tea, cooking utensils and pots, and dishware. This allows you to create an efficient workflow and keep your essentials within reach.
If you need more storage, consider building in an “appliance garage” where the dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave can be hidden away behind doors. This frees up wall space and gives you more floor space for entertaining and interacting with your family.
A kitchen remodel is a major investment. To minimize financial risk, you should research and budget carefully before starting the project. If necessary, you can obtain a home equity line of credit to finance your project. This option is secure and flexible, allowing you to borrow only what you need for your remodel. However, a home equity loan is a debt, so it’s important to make sure you have enough home equity to cover your closing expenses.