Most of the home improvement projects are not considered as wise economic investments as there is little or no return of the money spent on such projects. However, kitchen remodeling projects are an exception and so is bathroom remodeling. Generally most of the kitchens remodeling ideas pay back an average of 81 to 88 % of money spent. The money spent on kitchen remodeling can vary from as small a sum as $5,000 or as big a sum as $50,000. Cost of kitchen remodeling project depends on your kitchen remodeling ideas. Kitchen remodeling ideas can be of various natures like simple and cheap as adding stock cabinets, laminate counter tops and linoleum floors or as time consuming and expensive as adding hardwood floor, stone counter tops and custom cabinets. A wide range of materials and options are available that you can use to remodel your kitchen. Selection of material for kitchen remodeling can be a difficult decision if you have a set budget for your kitchen remodeling ideas. Usually a 16 % of the total budget is spent on labor and remaining amount on material.
Following are the most popular and effective kitchen remodeling ideas you can choose from when remodeling your kitchen:
Kitchen Cabinets
Remodeling of kitchen by upgrading kitchen cabinets can be a costly kitchen remodeling idea. Kitchen cabinets, however, surely give a specific character to the whole kitchen. The most important thing while selecting the cabinet design is that they must fit nicely in the room and give compatible look. Purchase them in keeping with your walls and floors. Selection of cabinets should be based on following points:
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The kind of change you want to make; whether you want to convert your kitchen from conventional to contemporary or you just want to add more manageable storage space.
- For dark areas select soft colors to balance the deficiency of natural light.
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You can also select cabinets of different kinds of wood according to your needs. For neutral look you can go for wood like ash, beech, birch, oak maple and chestnut. For medium look cherry wood with natural finish is the good option. For dark kitchens always try to use wood that does not need alot of color on it.
Kitchen cabinets are available in diverse configurations and styles. For example they are available in the form of ready to assemble sets that you can easily install on your own, stock cabinets (less expensive cabinets), semi-custom and custom made cabinets. You can also refinish your old cabinets by simply adding little facelift without replacing the whole cabinets. You can also add lights to your cabinetry to give it a modern look. This can be achieved by adding low voltage mini lights over, under or inside cabinets. These kitchen remodeling ideas are easy to implement yet will change the complete look of your kitchen.
Kitchen Countertops
Installation of suitable countertop according to your kitchen design can revolutionize your kitchen’s looks. Countertops are available in diverse materials, price ranges, weights, durability and maintenance aspects. Common materials available for countertops are laminate, wood, tile and stone. Laminate countertop is the least expensive option, whereas stone and stainless steel are the expensive options among different range of countertops available. The most important thing while selecting kitchen cabinets is its durability. Addition of appropriate countertop is the best and most popular kitchen remodeling idea. Countertops come in a number of patterns, colors and materials. Another kitchen remodeling idea is to use two different materials of countertops in the same kitchen. You can choose from the different materials available such as granite, marble, wood and stainless steel.
Granite Countertops These countertops are expensive and hard. It gives elegant look to your kitchen.
Marble Countertops Marble and limestone are commonly used natural materials for countertops. They are available in broad range of colors and designs.
Wood Countertops They are durable, easy to clean and repair. You can select countertops that match with your cabinets. One disadvantage of installing wood countertops is that it can not be used in areas exposed to water and household chemicals. This limits the use of wood countertops to front areas and isolated area away from water exposure.
Stainless Steel Countertops They look a bit different from other materials. Steel countertop is good in a sense that they do not absorb oil stains and odors but it can have scratches very easily.
Patterned Hardware
Patterned hardware includes fancy knobs for doors, drawers, cabinets and windows. Decorative hardware is available in a variety of different materials such as bronzed brass, stainless steel, treated glass. Knobs come in various designs and this kitchen remodeling idea will add beauty to your kitchen.
Faucets
Addition of high quality faucet is a simple kitchen remodeling idea. While implementing this kitchen remodeling idea, make sure you select water efficient faucet that helps with saving water. While selecting new faucet for your kitchen try to go for the brand that gives you many trouble free years. A high quality faucet must have unique designs and exceptional engineering design. Design of faucets must be flexible enough to be used conveniently for casual, modern and traditional kitchens. Number of different designs are available for faucets; choose the one in keeping with your kitchen design.
Sinks
Sink is the most important part of the kitchen. Through this kitchen remodeling idea, you can either remodel your kitchen by replacing your old sink with a new one or you can simply refinish your old sink and give a new look to it with a professionals’ help. There are two kinds of sinks according to its mounting style. One is surface mounted sinks in which rim is visible over the countertop whereas in under mounted sink rim is not visible on countertop. Sinks come in diverse materials such as granite, porcelain, marble, stainless steel and copper or brass. Sinks are available in a range of different designs that give different looks to your kitchen from domestic to professional. Stainless steel sinks are commonly used in all types of kitchens because they are easy to clean, durable and easy to maintain. Copper or brass sinks give antique and elegant touch to your kitchen. Sinks are available as single or double sinks in different shapes such as round, rectangular, square and oval shapes.
Floors and Flooring Material
Kitchen flooring is considered as the base for the kitchen. If you want to go for this expensive kitchen remodeling idea, go for a material which is not only beautiful but also durable. It should be durable enough to absorb everyday wear and tear such as spills and heavy traffic. Material for kitchen floor must be selected according to your budget and lifestyle. Different materials available for kitchen flooring include:
Vinyl It is inexpensive and durable material available in sheets and tiles. Large collection of colors, styles and patterns are available.
Laminate It is also a very common durable material used for kitchen flooring. It is produced by direct lamination of photograph of wood grain, stone or other surfaces on the flooring material. It is easily and quickly installed.
Ceramic Ceramic tiles are beautiful and made up of pressed clay smoothly covered with metallic oxides and ceramic stains. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean. Different kinds of tiles available are porcelain mosaic tiles and quarry tiles.
Stone It can create unique kitchen floors. Common stones used in kitchen flooring are granite, marble and slate. Stone floors are cold and uncomfortable. You can use rugs to feel comfortable. Marble floors are commonly slippery.
Hardwood It is also a durable flooring material but it needs refinishing from time to time for maintenance. Wide variety of colors is available. Hardwood floors can be installed in different patterns such as planks, strips or parquet squares.
Linoleum It is durable and environment friendly material for kitchen flooring. Linoleum is made up of natural materials. It is made by coating canvas with linseed oil, cork and resin. It is available in different patterns from plain to decorative designs and looks like marble.
You can also use electric floor heating systems to keep the floor warm to keep your stay in the kitchen comfortable. It is a moderately priced yet comfortable kitchen remodeling idea.
Lights
Kitchen cabinets and other décor of kitchen will not be completed unless you add proper lighting to your kitchen. Hire professionals for suitable lighting plan for your kitchen. This kitchen remodeling idea will give different dimensions to your kitchen. Commonly three different types of lighting can be used to give specific character to your kitchen. Further you can add dimmer switches for more dramatic looks.
Recessed Lighting These lights can be added on the front side of the cabinets and work areas. You can also use it to lighten the complete kitchen.
Track Lights Track lights can also be used for the same purpose that is to illuminate room or to give a unique look. It can be installed above counters and cabinets or can be used to illuminate dead areas of kitchen. Track lights are available in the form of small ceilings. Track lights are available in two configurations. One is straight bar and the other is curve light. LED bulbs and halogen bulbs are used in track lights.
Under Counter Lights You can add low voltage puck lights or string fixture with long tube light bulb under your counter and cabinets. Such lights light up the area under counter where other lights can not reach.
Pendant Lights Such lights are mostly used in odd numbers. Their major function is to give a fancy and decorative look to your kitchen. This kitchen remodeling idea is good for kitchen island and kitchen bar.
Paints
Selecting a right brand of paint and color to paint your kitchen is a budget friendly kitchen remodeling idea. Important things you must consider are that the paint should be resistant to stain and grease and easily washable. Durable paints that have low sheen or semi-gloss are good kitchen remodeling ideas. Painting a kitchen is a modern kitchen remodeling idea. You can also use trendy tiles of different colors to beautify your kitchen. Different color tones with different lighting system can add dramatic look to your kitchen.
Windows
Windows are used to get natural light in kitchen and also add structure to your kitchen. You can replace old windows with new designs to remodel your kitchen. Large window over sink is the best place for adding window. New windows are very easy to operate. You can also clean window from both sides. They also do not need too much maintenance.
Wall Coverings
By adding wall coverings you can make your color scheme more complex. Beautiful and delicate wall coverings are available for kitchen. You can even sponge them easily. Many companies do extensive research and modify traditional wall papers according to latest trend by making several alterations in texture and colors. Wall coverings are available in different colors, material and textures. Common materials used for wall coverings include stone, plaster, fabrics, paper, wood and stucco. Basic function of wall covering is to provide protection and decorate ceilings and walls.
Addition of Appliances
You can also add modern look to your kitchen by replacing old appliances from latest. It is considered as very expensive kitchen remodeling idea. You can replace your old refrigerator with drawer refrigerator under countertops. Drawer microwaves are also available you can install it and keep your countertop more clean and specious. You can also select a modern hood from wide range of hoods available. Old stoves and ovens can also replaced by latest models. |
