Kitchen Remodel Tacoma is a big investment that can improve your daily experience and add value to your home. With the right planning, you can ensure your new kitchen reflects both your functional needs and shared style.
A clear project scope and budget will help avoid costly mistakes or unexpected setbacks during construction. This includes avoiding unnecessary ornamentation like ornate crown moldings and pilasters that will quickly eat into your budget.
When remodeling your kitchen, the layout is an important consideration. There are many different types of layouts to choose from, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision you make will depend on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. For example, if you’re hosting dinner parties and want your kitchen to double as a social gathering place, an open layout is ideal.
Regardless of your desired layout, always optimize the space to maximize functionality and make the best use of the square footage. It’s also important to consider the flow of traffic in and out of the kitchen, which can be impacted by your layout choice. For instance, you should try to position your refrigerator, stove, and sink within reach of one another for easy access to ingredients, but you shouldn’t place them all directly next to each other as this can create a traffic jam that is both inefficient and unsafe.
For tight spaces, an L-shaped or galley kitchen is the go-to setup. Named after compact, efficient kitchens on boats, these layouts have the essentials positioned along two adjacent walls. This is a great option for small commercial kitchens and ghost kitchens, as it makes the most of limited space. For a large kitchen, consider an island layout that allows for plenty of seating and an open floor plan. Or, consider a G-shaped layout that offers ample workspace for food prep and cooking and includes a peninsula as an added bonus.
Storage
A kitchen with ample storage can be the difference between a 20-minute dinner and chaos that has you throwing up your hands and calling for takeout. Organizing your space helps eliminate clutter and gives everything its own place so it’s easy to find when you need it. From expandable drawer dividers to labeled chip clips, these clever kitchen storage ideas will help you create an organized and efficient space that makes cooking and entertaining easier.
Consider adding in some unique storage elements during your remodel. Whether you’re working with new or existing cabinets, adding in drawers is more functional than standard shelves and allows for better organization of smaller items. Pull-out pan racks are another great way to make the most of available space in upper and lower cabinets.
Having some open shelving is also a good idea for displaying pretty dishes and adding a modern, clean look to your kitchen. You can even turn an old file holder into a handy upright cabinet for storing foil, parchment paper, plastic bags and more.
Lighting
The right kitchen lighting can take your space from functional to inviting. By layering ambient, task, and accent lights and using dimmers to set the mood, you can create a warm and welcoming kitchen for cooking and entertaining.
Incorporating light-colored finishes on cabinets and countertops will reflect more sunlight and brighten your kitchen. This will help the room feel larger and more open. Additionally, recessed lighting and track lighting offer versatility for your kitchen, providing ample light for countertop tasks or highlighting artwork, decor, or other focal points in the room.
For a dramatic lighting option, consider installing pendant lights over islands or dining areas. These can be coordinated with sconces or wall-mounted fixtures to create a unique look. For a modern style, choose sleek fixtures in geometric shapes and clean lines. Or, for a more traditional kitchen, use ornate chandeliers and pendants with classic design elements.
Under-cabinet and toe kick lighting illuminates countertops and cabinetry and adds a warm glow to the room. Installing a dimmable LED strip can also provide flexibility for varying lighting levels depending on the activity or mood. Light bulb color temperature is also important to consider, with cooler colors ideal for task lighting and warmer options promoting a cozy atmosphere. The right light bulbs can also add a pop of personality to your kitchen, with exposed Edison-style lamps offering an industrial flair or vintage chandeliers adding elegance to the space.
Appliances
Whether you’re creating a modern galley kitchen or Scandinavian-inspired eat-in, you can use a wide array of appliances to suit your style and design needs. Appliances can also add value to your home, as they’re among the most commonly searched for features by home-buyers.
If your current appliances don’t match the rest of your kitchen, consider upgrading to a set with similar finishes and designs. This creates a consistent look and feel throughout the space. Many appliances offer panel-ready options that allow you to install a custom cover on the face or front of the unit for a clean, linear appearance.
When evaluating new appliances, make sure you take into account any modifications you may need to your kitchen layout to accommodate the units. For example, moving a dishwasher or refrigerator can be expensive and require the help of a professional.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a kitchen remodel, be sure to consider your long-term goals and budget before making any big changes. Over-customizing your kitchen can limit its future appeal to a wider variety of home-buyers, so be careful not to exceed your budget. Adding simple changes like paint, backsplashes or lighting fixtures can still provide visual ROI without breaking the bank. And don’t forget to take advantage of the benefits offered by a home equity line of credit. It’s a great way to finance your kitchen remodel while keeping your cash available for other home improvement projects.
Countertops
Countertops are a kitchen’s main visual feature, and incorporating new styles and materials can transform the look of your space. However, the material you select for your countertops should also reflect the kitchen’s usage and maintenance needs.
For example, reclaimed wood is a natural choice for rustic kitchens. It’s eco-friendly, durable and adds a sense of history to your kitchen. However, you should be aware that this material will need regular applications of food-safe mineral oil and polyurethane to prevent water damage and bacteria buildup.
Quartz countertops are another popular option that are available in many color options and can coordinate with nearly any style of kitchen design. Their nonporous surface is easy to clean and is unfazed by coffee spoons left on the counter or dripping bowls of soup.
Marble countertops are a sophisticated, timeless option that can add a luxurious touch to your kitchen. However, this material can be vulnerable to stains and is more susceptible to chipping and scratching than other countertop surfaces.
Solid-surface countertops are a versatile option that can mimic the appearance of almost any natural stone at a more affordable price. They’re durable and stain-resistant, and their seamless surface eliminates unsightly seams. They’re also customizable, allowing you to create your ideal shape and texture. These countertops are a great choice for those who are looking to update their kitchen on a budget.
Cabinetry
The cabinetry in your kitchen is likely the most expensive component of a full remodel. If your cabinets are in good shape, you may be able to save money by simply repainting or re-staining them. If you’re not happy with the color or style of your existing cabinetry, however, you can consider a variety of options for updating them.
If your cabinetry is dated, you can opt to paint them in a new color for an updated look. For a one-of-a-kind design, you can even add a unique finish like distressed or ombre. If you’re aiming for a farmhouse design, you can also remove the doors from some upper cabinets to create open shelving.
A more extensive modification to cabinetry is to build in custom storage solutions into the cabinetry itself. This can include drawers for organizing small appliances or a special nook to hide away your coffee maker and accessories. It’s a great way to keep your most-used items within reach and still have them easily accessible.
If you’re short on space in your kitchen, you can also build in a step-stool into the lower cabinets to help you access higher shelves without having to stretch. You can also redesign the lower cabinetry to better suit your needs. For example, you might re-do the bottom shelf to hold a recycling bin or a trash can. You can also install feet on your cabinets to give them a freestanding look, which can change the overall design of your kitchen.