A kitchen remodel can be an extremely exciting process and an opportunity for a fresh start in your home’s busiest room. With proper planning, this process can be accomplished seamlessly and done so on time, and on budget.
Here are three things to think about before beginning your kitchen remodel.
Setting the Budget
As with any renovation, the budget is the first thing to determine before embarking on your kitchen remodel. Having a realistic budget helps us plan the project, stick with the concept, prioritize, and avoid overspending. Evaluating your everyday routines and knowing where to improve will help set up the perfect kitchen for your family. Doing so will create better flow and day-to-day function in your home. If you are on a tight budget, it is vital to decide the most important things that are negotiable in your daily life.
Choosing a Professional Professional kitchen designers invest a lot of their time and expertise in getting to know you, your style, preferences to bring your visions to life. At Benchmark Kitchen and Bath, we offer complete kitchen renovations, and we specialize in custom projects that suit your lifestyle, budget, and timeline.
Prioritizing These 3 Key Features
Doing a kitchen remodel is an undertaking that will challenge your decision-making skills. For this reason, the Benchmark team is here to make your journey as easy as possible. Before starting with your remodel, having a good understanding of your priorities and which elements will best suit your lifestyle is an excellent place to start.
Decisions such as layout, flooring, and countertop material will significantly impact the kitchen's functionality and overall feel.
1. Kitchen Layout
The kitchen layout will be determined based on your budget, plumbing locations, and the kitchen triangle rule. Deciding on a kitchen layout is a momentous decision that will set the tone for your family's day-to-day life.
Galley kitchen usually refers to a smaller and compact working area placed on two parallel walls. These kitchens increase storage space by utilizing vertical space, so cabinets are usually built up to the ceiling. Galley kitchen layout offers highly efficient functionality with a minimum of movement between the units, while high cabinetry and lined up arrangements make the overall impression neat and uncluttered. Galley kitchen ending with the peninsula on one side increases counter and cabinet. For optimal functionality, the sink, the stove, and the dishwasher should be placed along one wall.
L-shaped kitchens have a user-friendly design that works best in interiors with a small- to medium-sized layout. They often come with a kitchen island or a peninsula which are great for entertaining. L-shaped kitchens usually make a letter "L" featuring an open space that continues to the dining and living area.
U-shaped kitchen layouts work with triangle elements located on the wall, creating separate working areas. A U-shaped design is a perfect solution for a family that does a lot of cooking and works great in an open space.
The G-shaped kitchen is an expanded version of the U-shaped layout - with the same amount of counter space and storage cabinetry but with an attached peninsula at the end. Peninsula doubles as additional storage and a countertop.
2. Flooring Flooring is a highly important element when it comes to your kitchen remodel. As a base of the entire setting, flooring has a pivotal role, not only aesthetically but also operatively. The kitchen is a busy area, and the flooring you choose needs to be able to endure its wear and tear. Whether you decide on tiles, timber, laminate, or engineered flooring, make sure you pick the one that will serve you best in the long run.
3. Kitchen Countertops
Choosing the kitchen countertop is one of the most critical decisions when remodeling your kitchen, as this element carries the look and feel of the kitchen. The countertop is one of those features that can make or break the whole look of the kitchen. Furthermore, all the food prep is happening, so good quality and durability are essential. When choosing the material of your countertop, always select the highest quality within your budget.
Granite is widely used in kitchens thanks to its hard surface and durability. It comes in endless varieties of colors, patterns, and shades that make each piece one of a kind. Granite countertops are resistant to heat, scratches, and mold. Also, granite does not soak liquids; therefore, it does not stain.
Marble countertops' distinct beauty is in their classic yet fresh and elegant look that can refine any interior. However, marble is a soft and naturally cold stone; it does not handle the heat very well. To avoid staining and scratches, placing hot items directly on its surface should be avoided, and ceramic or metal objects should always be put-on placemats. Unless meticulously cleaned and maintained, marble will stain and chip, creating a characteristic antique look or patina.
Quartz is an engineered stone, it is one of the hardest available, and as such, it makes an excellent material for kitchen countertops. It is scratch and heat resistant, and a non-porous surface makes it resistant to mold and bacteria.
The wood countertop is a timeless feature, and nothing beats its warmth. Wood fits well with all types of interiors; from classic to utterly minimalistic, wood can soften and warm up any style. The downsides of wood are that it is not the most resistant material. The area around the sink needs to be kept dry; it should not be used as a cutting board and placing hot dishes directly on it is not recommended.
Stainless steel surfaces were mainly the choice of professionals in the past, but that trend changed over time because of practicality. One of the significant characteristics of stainless steel is that it can be made in one piece, which results in a clean, seamless look. It is a timeless material that fits any style, and it's especially popular in industrial settings. Stainless steel has excellent antibacterial properties that are the reason this material is so prevalent in professional kitchens.
Remodeling your kitchen might seem like a process filled with complications and intricacies. However, with the right team by your side, this process can be filled with creativity and excitement. Before starting your remodeling process, take the time to assess your kitchen goals and your desired outcomes.