Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY requires a lot of planning and coordination. Ordering materials ahead of time is crucial, especially since lead times can take weeks.
Large kitchen renovations often involve moving walls, which requires structural work and potentially rerouting plumbing and venting. Ornate crown moldings and pilasters add visual interest but are optional; a simpler woodwork style can cost less.
The most common kitchen remodels involve adding new cabinets, appliances, and flooring to upgrade a room’s look. These projects can also address kitchen layout problems like a cramped galley design or a need for counter space. Remodeling services may also include installing new lighting and countertops for a fresher appearance.
Before you start any kitchen remodeling work, you must determine your goals and budget. Do you want a minor refresh, or are you looking to upgrade and add value to your home? Are you ready to commit to a high-end transformation, or would a mid-range renovation be more realistic for your needs and available funds?
A kitchen renovation is less costly than a remodel because the contractor can reconfigure the space without reconfiguring it. It’s a good choice for those who are happy with their current layout and need to repaint or replace their countertops. A kitchen remodel is more extensive and could transform a cramped galley into an open-concept kitchen with an island or add a window for more light.
Cabinets and appliances are the biggest expenses for any remodel project. Be sure to consider each when you are carefully determining your budget. For example, you can save money by choosing standard-grade cabinets over custom options and avoiding ornate crown moldings and pilasters. Opting for simple woodwork will look more elegant and last longer than outdated details. Regarding appliances, opt for energy-efficient models to minimize upfront costs and long-term savings on utility bills. Finally, consider additional storage options like pull-out pantry shelves and sliding drawers in lower-base cabinets. These upgrades can help your new kitchen feel more spacious and efficient for everyday use.
A kitchen remodel involves structural changes and not just a cosmetic facelift. Depending on the scope of the remodel, this could include adding or removing walls, expanding the floor space, or installing new cabinets. Kitchen remodel contractors should thoroughly understand construction and building codes to ensure all the work is done safely and correctly.
Light fixtures are an important part of the overall lighting design in a kitchen. They can help set the mood and create a beautiful aesthetic for the room. While choosing light fixtures, consider how much natural lighting your kitchen gets and what light color you want. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and can provide a bright, crisp light for cooking or working in the kitchen. Incandescent bulbs give a warmer, more traditional look. Halogen lights are a good option for areas needing brighter light, like under cabinets or recessed lighting.
Another consideration is the size of the light fixture and whether it will be a focal point in your kitchen. For example, a massive chandelier might overwhelm a small kitchen. Ensure the light is proportional to the space and is at a height that will prevent people from bumping into it or knocking it over.
Lastly, including lighting dimmers during your kitchen remodel is a good idea. This will allow you to change the ambiance in the room as your lifestyle and use of the space evolve.
As the kitchen becomes more of a gathering space for the family, many homeowners are adding art to the walls. Randall Whitehead recommends recessed, adjustable fixtures, highlighting this artwork with a simple bulb change.
Leaving kitchen countertops clear of clutter is a key part of any smart kitchen design. Not only is this easier to clean, but it also makes home cooking safer and more convenient. Ask your contractor to incorporate kitchen storage solutions into your remodel design so that you can have a fully functional, neat, and organized cooking area.
One easy way to add more storage space is by installing new cabinets. Whether you need to add more cabinets or replace existing ones, this will give you plenty of space for pots, pans, dishes, glasses, and more. Installing drawers in place of standard shelves is also a good option. Drawers are more functional than basic shelves because they allow you to see and easily reach items in lower base cabinets.
Consider incorporating other unique storage elements like pull-out pantry units, baskets, and trash containers. These are easy to install in between or between existing cabinetry and will give you more storage options without making major structural changes.
Remember the small areas often overlooked for storage, such as nooks and corners. Add small shelves of lightweight material to store pots and pans, cookbooks, or pottery artwork. This will give your kitchen an extra level of organization and fill up empty spaces that sometimes need to be completed.
Working with a professional remodeling company is a great idea if you are considering doing a kitchen remodel. An experienced designer will walk you through the process and help you develop a plan for your kitchen remodel within your budget. They can also help you find affordable new appliances, lighting, and other remodel accessories options.
When remodeling a kitchen, your appliances are one of the biggest budget items. You can choose new models with energy- or space-saving features to save money or add high-end options for a more luxurious look. Whatever you choose, make sure it works with your overall layout plan. For example, your floor plan needs to account for built-in cooking appliances like steam ovens and wine refrigerators.
Other kitchen remodel elements to consider include lighting, countertops, and flooring. The materials you select have a large impact on your kitchen’s design. Natural stone products, for example, offer timeless beauty and high-end quality but come with a price tag to match. Engineered woods are a less expensive option, providing the same visual appeal.
You can also use decorative lighting to highlight wall art or architectural features. Pendant lights over a dining table or island, for instance, can create focal points that highlight the beauty of your kitchen.
Depending on your goals, you may only need to update fixtures or upgrade materials to refresh your kitchen’s overall look and feel. Or, consider expanding the kitchen’s footprint and re-arrange plumbing gas lines or ductwork. If you decide to re-arrange your pipes or gas piping, working with licensed and professional plumbing and electrical contractors is important.
Many homeowners choose to knock out walls to change the flow of a room, but make sure you or your contractor know whether the walls are load-bearing. Knocking out a non-load-bearing wall can significantly increase your kitchen remodel costs. You also want to be mindful of other structural issues that can be affected by a kitchen remodel, including moving a stove vent or rerouting heating and air-conditioning ductwork.
A kitchen remodel is only complete with a few finishing touches. From cabinet hardware to a stylish range hood, these details can help make your kitchen look and feel uniquely yours. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, or similar, hardware that fits your taste will surely be available.
In this kitchen, the old layout was a major hindrance to workflow, and the dated finishes needed to align with the homeowner’s style preferences. To address these issues, this kitchen remodel knocked down a wall to open the kitchen to a family room, lightened the ceiling with painted white beams, and swapped the island’s granite countertop for lighter-colored marble. The result is an airy kitchen that feels more spacious thanks to the open floor plan and the lighter color palette.
A minor refresh is the cheapest option but still offers a bang for your buck. This kitchen remodel can include repainting or refinishing the cabinets, adding new hardware, and upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models. It also typically includes removing or moving plumbing, gas lines, and electrical fixtures. The ROI for a minor remodel is much higher than that for a major kitchen remodel. According to the Remodeling Cost vs Value Report, you can recoup about 72 percent of your investment in a minor refresh. A major kitchen remodel’s ROI is almost half that, at 52 percent. If you are considering a major kitchen remodel, talking with a professional about the project’s scope and the best ROI on your investment is important. An interior designer can guide you through the possibilities and ensure your kitchen upgrade is as functional as beautiful.
