Friday, March 29

7 Features to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation

Did you know that there are over 500,000 remodeling businesses in the US?

As a customer, that means you’ve got a lot of choice! But before you hire contractors, it’s a good idea to think about your kitchen renovation design. Now’s the time to think about cool features that you want to incorporate and how you want to decorate it.

We’ve put together a guide to 7 features that you need to consider for your kitchen remodel. From the functional to the luxurious, all of them will make your kitchen the place to be in your home.

Let’s explore these 7 features together.

  1. Kitchen Island

When planning your kitchen design, try to include an island if possible. They are not only beautiful but provide lots of practical space for food preparation. Not to mention that you can store a huge amount of kitchen equipment in the island where it’s close at hand.

If you really want to kick it up a notch, see if you can integrate some appliances into the island. The most obvious one is the cooktop. Having it on the island might allow you to create the ‘working triangle’ between the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator.

You can also integrate a second sink for veg prep, a coffee machine, or even a dishwasher. Add a few high stools and you’ve got a great place to give the kids breakfast.

  1. Great Flooring

Your kitchen floor should bring your cabinetry and kitchen decor together. But it’s just as important that it’s functional. The fact is that although hardwoods look great, they aren’t usually the best choice for kitchens.

They’re not very waterproof, although some engineered examples are better. They can also get dented and scratched if you drop heavy pans on them, for example.

Porcelain tile is a great choice. They are almost completely waterproof and come in a huge range of styles. They’re also extremely hard-wearing once they are down on the floor.

Another option is luxury vinyl plank flooring. Again, it comes in a huge range of styles and can give you the appearance of a hardwood floor. But it’s 100% waterproof and is very easy to clean.

  1. Luxury Countertops

You can sometimes save a few bucks by recycling your old kitchen cabinets and just investing in new doors. But where you’ll want to splash out is on a new countertop. Not only are they super practical but they’re kitchen features that will catch your eye every day.

You need to choose your starting point. Is your countertop going to dictate your choice of cabinetry or the other way around?

Once you’re clear on that, start exploring materials. Quartz continues to be a great choice for many families. They’re highly durable and often come with great warranties.

They also come in a huge variety of colors, so you’re bound to find one to match your kitchen decor. They’re also waterproof and stain-resistant.

If you want to go seriously high-end, it’s marble all the way. But be warned – it’s porous and will need a lot of maintenance to keep its looks.

  1. Saloon Doors

Saloon doors, also known as cafe doors, are a great traditional feature that are back with a bang.

Lots of people love open-plan layouts but others appreciate having a little separation and privacy between rooms. They’re the ideal solution if you want a little privacy in the kitchen. At the same time, they still allow you to move between the two rooms carrying plates of steaming food with ease!

They come in a range of sizes and styles. If you go for full-length designs they can also help keep pets out of areas you don’t want them to go.

They’re also a chance to add a distinctive touch. Not that many homes have them still, so you can set yours apart from the crowd.

  1. Storage Galore

It’s impossible for a kitchen to have too much storage. Usually, the problem is making the best use of tight spaces. That’s where innovative kitchen storage ideas come in.

Let’s start with a pull-out pantry. They come in full cupboard and under-counter options and are a great way to ensure you’re making use of all the space in your cupboards.

It’s easy to settle for standard-sized cupboards that don’t make the best use of all the available space. But taller cabinets can reach almost to the ceiling. Use the top shelves to store gadgets that you don’t use every day.

Got a large window in your kitchen? Why not add a full-length shelf above it? Not only is it a dramatic feature, but it’s a great use of otherwise redundant space.

  1. Stainless Steel Range

If you’re a serious home cook, now’s the time to consider a chef-style range.

The styling can be bold, chunky, and industrial yet somehow they make even the most traditional kitchen pop. Serious cooks should look out for stainless steel ranges with 6 burners, or possibly a central wok burner or grill.

Not only are stainless steel appliances hot right now across the board, but they can also add value when you come to sell.

  1. Wine Cooler

For ultimate sophistication in your new kitchen, a wine cooler is a must. They can fit into very slender spaces, meaning most kitchen designs can accommodate one with some careful planning!

They’re also a strong feature if you decide to sell your home. People love to have a place, not just to keep wine cool, but to cool other beverages as well.

Are You Ready for Your Kitchen Renovation?

A kitchen renovation starts with a wishlist! We think you should put quartz countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, and a stainless steel range on yours. And don’t forget to sneak in plenty of extra storage and a wine cooler if you can!

If you’d like more inspiration and ideas for your next project, check out our Interior Design section today!