Your lovely home deserves a makeover from time to time. You could upgrade the existing area or overhaul the entire living or dining space to your liking. However, consider that remodels are not as straightforward as hiring a contractor and reshuffling cabinets. In particular, a kitchen remodel requires a lot of pre-planning, design considerations, and budget allocations to achieve the desired results. Here are some popular design ideas and useful tips to take note of.
Wall remodel for small spaces
If you own a studio apartment, managing space is a major problem. You won’t be able to distribute essential appliances in the kitchen unless there is a proper layout. A single wall kitchen remodel is the best way to utilize a studio or loft apartment space. The one-wall installation makes room for cabinets with ample storage and must-have appliances. The oven, microwave, stove, and exhaust units can be built into the wall. The vertical space design is a major plus point as you can also customize and organize everything at your convenience. It is also possible to expand the design without a major remodel.
Galley kitchen
Corridor spaces can be used to build a galley kitchen for smaller homes. It offers a functional design that distributes necessary appliances within hands reach and leaves plenty of room for storage spaces. This layout makes economical use of the space with cabinets that face each other and creates a passageway in the middle. The horizontal layout is also more cost-effective as it eliminates the need for special cabinets to house common household appliances. Normally the work area where you would do most of the cutting, chopping, and food preparation is installed facing the wall with the cabinet counter facing the opposite direction. A galley kitchen counter can also double up as a dining area.
Open space kitchen
You can consider an L-shaped kitchen remodel if you prefer a more communal dining area. One of the major highlights of this design is the distribution of workspace with the cabinets. The installation is flexible and can be done horizontally and vertically with all storage units built flat against the wall. Secondly, the layout creates an open floor plan to put a dining table that can easily seat six or more people. Even the appliances don’t have to be built into the area. You can have walk-in pantry cupboards built into the L-design to make most of the corner spaces. And just like most countertops, the space can double up as a temporary dining area to accommodate more guests comfortably.
U-shaped layouts
If you want to maximize your kitchen and dining area space, this layout features both vertical and horizontal builds. All three walls are utilized to stack up the cabinets to create a horseshoe pattern. The workflow is organized with plenty of room in the center to save time and effort. Moreover, all appliances can be built into the unit as this kitchen remodel offers a lot of customization scope. Ideal for smaller and mid-sized kitchens, you can have a dedicated staging and prep area by the cooktops with a service area near the dining room. With a separate dining area, more people can sit comfortably and still be within reach of the appliances. This is an ideal situation to quickly warm up food before serving.
Smart tips for choosing the right kitchen remodel
Choose a floor plan that eliminates wastage
Ensure that after the remodel, you never have to spend extra time looking for a soup bowl or a salad spinner or even the simplest items like salt and pepper shakers. Remodel and organize the cabinets in such a way that you waste no time searching for utensils or ingredients while making a meal.
Design the space to optimize workflow
Ensure there is plenty of moving and walking space, especially with L-shaped and U-shaped kitchen remodels. You reduce the risk of spilling or getting injured while cooking around the stove and increase efficiency by eliminating clutter. Ensure the design is comfortable for your height and that cooktops are installed out of children’s reach.
Additional installations
Check how many power points are needed based on the number of appliances. Most designs accommodate internal wiring and ensure that these points are within the reach of the housing unit. For the sink and cleaning areas, water pipes need to be installed or reconfigured for the new design. Ensure these areas have easy access to allow for emergency repairs. Choose a design that provides a flexible template to modify further or upgrade installations.
Hire experienced contractors
Kitchen remodels are expensive. Period! So don’t hesitate to compare multiple services and ask for quotes from each one. Compare their experiences, check their licenses, see if they have insurance, check for references, and even discuss budgets before drawing up a floor plan.
