For significant changes like removing walls, expanding floor space or rerouting plumbing or electrical work, permits are required. Taking this step prevents costly fines and delays, and ensures your remodel meets safety and building codes.
Before hiring a contractor, review their credentials and ask for a detailed contract. This should include project scope, timeline and payment schedule. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Boston for professional help.
The layout of your kitchen determines how efficiently and attractively you can use this central hub. Small and large spaces alike can benefit from a thoughtful design, and professional kitchen remodeling specialists know how to create a functional floor plan with accurate dimensions.
A common principle in kitchen design is the working triangle, which places your sink, stove, and refrigerator within a few steps of each other to form an effective workflow. However, don’t let this rule stifle your creativity, especially if additional features would make daily tasks easier for your household.
For example, a coffee bar tucked into a corner or pantry-style alcove offers a dedicated space for mugs and machines and promotes a cafe-at-home vibe. It also adds a stylish focal point to your kitchen. Incorporate a mix of cabinet tones, such as dark lower cabinets and light uppers, for visual interest.
Open-concept designs are increasingly popular and create a flow between living areas that’s ideal for entertaining or family gatherings. However, this style can create a challenge for kitchens, as walls can interfere with traffic flow.
Removing a wall isn’t always possible, but opening up the ceiling can help make your kitchen feel more spacious and encourage a smooth flow between cooking and dining areas. Adding a curved peninsula can add extra counter space for food prep and casual dining, while a large island provides room for prepping and socializing.
Changing the layout of your kitchen during a remodel can be expensive, and it may require moving plumbing pipes or knocking down walls. To keep costs down, try to preserve as much of your existing layout as possible. This will save on installation costs and minimize the amount of debris your project generates.
A kitchen renovation is an investment in your home, so it’s important to consider how you and your family will use the space. A well-functioning, beautifully designed kitchen not only adds value to your property but can also transform the way you live in your home. With a little planning, you can create the perfect layout for this central hub where everyday life and family memories unfold.
Lighting
Adding new lighting is often one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your kitchen. But it’s also important to consider how different types of light serve the kitchen in different ways. This includes ambient, task and accent lighting.
Ambient lighting brightens the overall room. This is often accomplished by recessed lights or ceiling fans that are installed around the perimeter of the kitchen. Pendants are another option for ambient lighting, especially in open layouts that can accommodate them. They can be simple in design or make a statement. They can even work double-duty as task lighting if they are hung at the right height over an island or other workspace.
Task lighting is used for specific work areas, such as food prep and cleanup. It’s important to install enough task lights to properly illuminate these work zones without overshadowing the overall room. To determine how much task lighting you need, measure the kitchen floor area in square feet and multiply it by the recommended foot-candle rate. A qualified remodeler can help you determine the proper number and type of task lights for your space.
Accent lighting highlights artwork, architectural details and other decorative features in the kitchen. It also adds visual interest and can help create a warm, cozy feeling in the kitchen. This can be accomplished with under-cabinet or toe kick lighting, decorative chandeliers or pendants or even the use of uplighting on walls.
When choosing light fixtures for the kitchen, look for finishes that coordinate with your other kitchen elements. Then, choose a fixture that will provide the most amount of brightness and efficiency for your budget. Finally, don’t be afraid to go big with your centerpiece fixture – this is the one element that can really pull your entire kitchen design together.
Using the advice of knowledgeable experts can help you stay within your kitchen remodeling budget while ensuring that your kitchen is designed to be functional and beautiful for years to come. Whether you’re just upgrading your fixtures or completely changing the kitchen’s layout, be sure to allocate a portion of the budget for unexpected expenses.
Flooring
Flooring is a big part of your kitchen’s visual appeal, but it also plays an important role in protecting your home’s investment and enhancing safety. For instance, scuffed or worn floors are not only unsightly but can also lead to tripping or falls. A kitchen remodel that includes new floors can help reduce the risk of these injuries and ensure your family’s comfort.
When it comes to the kitchen, tile is a popular choice for its durability and versatility. It is available in an array of colors and designs, including those that mimic wood and stone. It is easy to clean and withstands heavy foot traffic. This type of floor is also resistant to moisture, making it a good option for the busy kitchen.
Depending on your budget, you can choose from several options for the kitchen backsplash, which is installed behind the sink and countertops. This is an area where you can let your creativity shine by choosing a pattern or material that reflects your personal style. Some popular choices include natural stone, glass, and ceramic tiles.
Lighting in the kitchen is essential for functionality, but it can also add to the aesthetics and create a warm and welcoming space. Task lighting is critical under cabinets and over work spaces, while recessed fixtures or track lights are effective for islands and other counters without lower cabinets. Ambient lighting can be created using flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, sconces, or track lights with dimmer switches.
A comprehensive kitchen remodel involves crucial structural alterations, such as relocating walls, adding or expanding storage, and changing the layout. This type of renovation is often more expensive, but it also can enhance the value of your home and increase its overall utility.
Appliances
Kitchens require a range of essential appliances, but many homeowners are also requesting specialty tools to enhance cooking and entertaining experiences. Adding double ovens, a beverage refrigerator or even a built-in coffee bar can make the room feel more accommodating for busy households.
As part of your remodel, you can take the opportunity to upgrade your appliances to greener models that are energy-efficient. You can also choose more sustainable countertops, backsplashes and flooring options. If you’re not already working on those tasks, now is the time to start.
When remodeling a kitchen, you need to do it in a way that prioritizes the most important functions. A good rule of thumb is to work on projects that don’t depend on each other first (counters, backsplash, cabinets) before tackling more complicated tasks like changing up the layout or installing new walls and windows.
You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, so make it a place you want to be. With a few small tweaks, you can give it a fresh new look and feel right at home. To find out more about how to create a kitchen that suits your tastes, talk with a Kowalske designer. We’ll show you our most popular products, colors and designs for a finished space that fits your lifestyle. And one that will be a hit with future buyers, too.