To accommodate the demands of this multi-use space, owners of older homes often look for ways to make their kitchens more functional, efficient, and inviting by carefully curating the space to fit their individual needs. A well-planned, thoughtfully designed kitchen can make the heart of the home really beat.

Remodel or Refresh?

Kitchen remodels can require a great deal of time, energy and money, so before you start it is important to establish long term goals and determine how you will actually use your kitchen. A full remodel is worth it if your current kitchen isn’t functional for your needs or meeting your storage demands.

On the other hand, if your layout is working but the kitchen is no longer bringing you joy, you might consider simple aesthetic updates like painting the cabinets, replacing hardware or adding a tile backsplash. Simple changes can make a huge difference and are a cost effective way to get a good return on your investment.

How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel

If you are doing a full remodel, the kitchen is one area of the home that you can’t leave half-finished. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’ve covered all the bases with your budget. The large ticket items like appliances and cabinets are easy to include, but smaller things like hardware are often forgotten about and these are the things that add up.

Start by determining exactly the style of kitchen you want from cabinets and tile to flooring and lighting. With a clear vision in mind, it’s easier to get comparable quotes from different vendors.

If you are hiring a design pro, look for someone whose portfolio matches your desired aesthetic. This will prevent miscommunication and ensure that your finished remodel accomplishes your goals.

In some cases, a kitchen remodel requires reconfiguring your home’s layout. This is why kitchen remodel scan range from $25,000 to $200,000. If walls come down or new windows need to be installed, construction costs will add to your budget. Any planning ahead you do now, will save you headaches and surprises in the long run.

Kitchen Remodel Design Tips

A beautiful kitchen is at the top of most homeowners’ lists, but afunctional kitchen should supersede looks. Create a design based on how you use your kitchen, what works with your lifestyle and what storage needs you have. You might also think about accessibility if you plan to stay in the same house for years to come. Here are a few functional design tips to consider for a kitchen remodel:

• Place dishes and glasses storage near the dishwasher.
• Countertops come in a variety of materials, so make sure you choose the type that best suits your lifestyle. If your kitchen takes on a lot of wear and tear, durable surfaces are a must.
• Place the trash and dishwasher near the sink.
• Include enough prep space between the range and the refrigerator.
• Place pantry storage next to the refrigerator.
• Include enough workspace on both sides of the range.
• Include pullout storage behind base cabinet doors.
• Include tall, narrow storage for cookie sheets and cooling racks.
• Explore options for specialty cabinets that might keep you more organized like pullout spice racks and drawer dividers for pots and pans.
• When incorporating an island, make sure you have enough space for multiple people to move around the kitchen at once.
• Strategically place lighting so that it lights up your work surfaces first. Then add layered lighting for beauty and ambience.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right team is crucial to a kitchen remodel. The many options available can often feel overwhelming, but good team members will guide you in the right direction and help you stay within budget. Also make sure you order your appliances months ahead of time. Once you have a firm delivery date, you can create a work schedule based on that. And finally, if you are living through a remodel, it’s a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen area somewhere else in the house to cover basic needs. This will help prevent chaos and frustration.