Kitchens are one of the most commonly renovated spaces in the home. It is also one of the most expensive. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your options before tackling a renovation of any size. Before taking the plunge, think about what your dream kitchen looks like to you. An excellent place to start when approaching a kitchen renovation is to ask yourself what you want out of the room and what would have to change to achieve it. Do you have an outdated kitchen that requires a total overhaul? Or would you just like to refresh the look of your space and you are simply looking for easy fixes that will bring new life into your kitchen. 

Whatever your needs may be, you will want to determine a budget. Then, decide if you can tackle the project yourself or hire a contractor. Keep in mind, even if you choose to hire a contractor, you will want to be able to articulate your design ideas. Everything from the ceiling to the floor can be updated, and our tips will help you create the kitchen of your dreams!

Choose a Color Scheme

Choosing a color or shade can sometimes be overwhelming. Generally speaking, white and off-white are the most popular kitchen colors. However, if you want to make a bold statement with a bright color, paint is a great way to do that. Paint is less expensive and much easier to swap out, for instance, than tile. Warmer colors like red can stimulate appetite while light grays can offer a clean, fresh appeal. 

Cabinets

Brand new kitchen cabinets can be expensive. While replacing all your cabinetry can deliver a large return on investment, it can put a dent in your budget. However, there are other ways to revamp cabinets. You can achieve a refreshed look, by adding lighting, new hardware, repainting, or even replacing the doors to create an updated look.

Bear in mind, painting your cabinets is not always as simple as it may sound. There is significant prep work behind painting cabinets. Plus, if your current cabinets are not wood, you will need to find a paint that will adhere to the surface. 

 If you choose to replace your kitchen cabinetry, don’t skimp on space to save money. Storage is of the utmost value in the kitchen. Choose deep base cabinets with drawers and consider wall cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling to maximize your storage space.

Flooring

There are several different things to consider when choosing the right material for your kitchen floor. It will need to hold up to a significant amount of foot traffic, be comfortable underfoot, and fit within your budget.

• Tile is one of the most common kitchen flooring options with its wide variety of pricing, colors, and styles. It does not absorb odors or bacteria, and it can hold up to heavy foot traffic. However, tile can also be hard and unyielding.
• Hardwood floors can be beautiful if carefully maintained. You can find them in many shades and price ranges. Just keep in mind, hardwood can incur damage by pet claws, high heels, and get ruined by standing water.
• Bamboo has a distinctive look and overall good durability. Take care, however, as it is subject to the same types of damage as hardwood. 
•  Laminate is relatively inexpensive and very easy to install. It is stain-resistant and cleans in no time. However, it is vulnerable to water damage in the kitchen because moisture can cause the edges to swell, which is difficult to repair. 
•  Cork flooring helps with standing fatigue and is quiet because of its sponginess. It is relatively easy to install and to keep clean. Like laminate and hardwood, standing water will cause damage if it gets between the planks or tiles.
• Linoleum is a traditional cost-effective, resilient flooring that predates vinyl, made from natural materials. Linoleum is durable, antibacterial, and available in a variety of colors and patterns. 
•  Vinyl is the go-anywhere flooring material that is easy to install and maintain. It comes in a vast range of styles and can even emulate the look of ceramic tiles or hardwood planks. Basic vinyl tile is one of the cheapest kitchen flooring materials, while high-quality “luxury” vinyl falls in the mid-range for kitchen flooring.

Countertops

Choosing kitchen countertops, like flooring, is based on several factors. From look and feel to cost and maintenance. You have many materials to choose from, such as granite, marble, glass, stainless steel, and engineered quartz.

• The most common engineered stone material is quartz, which has succeeded granite as the “it” countertop material. Similar in price to granite, quartz countertops are made with rock fragments bound with resin and offer overall better consistency and lower maintenance than natural stone. One significant consideration is quartz is more stain-resistant and does not have to be sealed, as stone does.
•  Granite remains a popular choice for countertops, mostly because of its natural beauty. Granite has a hard surface that’s exceptionally durable, however, sealing periodically to help prevent staining is imperative. Other gorgeous natural stone countertop options include marble, soapstone, and limestone. Simply keep in mind, they are softer materials that require more care.
•  Butcher block countertops are easy to clean and maintain with wood oil, but water can cause damage. Wood usually makes more sense for specific work areas rather than the primary countertop material.
•  Concrete offers an industrial look to a kitchen, scratch and heat-resistant, but like natural stone will need to be sealed up to four times a year. 
• Laminate the most cost-effective option, and comes in a wide range of colors and designs. Heat damage can occur from hot pots and pans.

Accents

Don’t forget the little things. Kitchen design basics mean more than flooring, cabinets, and countertops. Lighting can make a big difference in the kitchen, whether it’s bright lighting for a long day of cooking or soft, dim mood lighting for a romantic night at home. For the best effect, install lighting on multiple levels, such as under-cabinet lights, pendants, and recessed lights in the ceiling. Additionally, a kitchen needs plenty of electrical outlets, particularly along the backsplash. And don’t forget about the fixtures, a new pull- down kitchen faucet in a matte black like the one featured below would make quite a statement.  

If a full renovation is not in your budget, redecorating is a great way to breathe new life into a space without spending a small fortune. A light, bright room feels bigger so painting the walls or replacing lighting elements is an inexpensive way to make a high-impact change. If you can’t afford to swap out something major like cabinets, paint or re-stain them to match your new design. And if changing other elements like countertops or floors is not an option then consider getting rid of old appliances and replacing them with shiny stainless steel or modern white ones. You may also want to display personal decorative items like cookbooks and photos to liven up the space. Another cheap way to make a noticeable difference is to switch out the hardware on drawers and cabinets, like changing out old tarnished pulls and knocks with modern fixtures. 

Featuring clean lines and superb craftsmanship, the Motegi Collection is a minimalist’s dream designed with sleek, luxurious lines and quality craftsmanship to inspire architectural masterpieces. The simple flowing design makes cleaning these faucets effortless, and the dramatic geometry of the Motegi Collection brings sophistication and sculptural art to any room.

• Metal Lever Handle
• Pull-Down Head with 2 Spray Patterns Swivel 360°
• 9″ Reach, 7″ from Deck to Aerator, 22-3/4″ Overall Height
• Ceramic Disc Cartridge
• 1-Hole Installation
• Quick Connect Spray Head Hose and Weight, Easy-install mounting nut
• Easy-Install 30″ Flex Supply Lines With 3/8″ Connections
• With 1.5 GPM Flow Rate