Remodeling and updating your kitchen can greatly improve the value of your home. However, kitchen remodeling projects can be high-priced undertakings. Even if you are able to recoup much of the cost when you sell the home, coming up with the money needed to remodel your kitchen can be quite a stretch. Be sure you spend ample time identifying your budget and researching options that fit within that budget. One you have your budget established, consider these five key areas when designing your dream kitchen.
Home remodeling projects, although creative and exciting, are not always wise investments. One of the few exceptions to this fact is remodeling your kitchen. Most experts agree that you can see up to 80 percent average returns on your investment. This means, if you spend $10,000 dollars on a well planned kitchen upgrade you should get about 80 percent of that back when you sell the home. Of course that will depend on the accessories and size of the remodel, but the good news is a kitchen remodeling is one of the wisest investments you can make in your home.
Layout - Most specialist kitchen decorators think in terms of available work areas within a kitchen. Work areas provide counter space during meal preparation. More counter space allows more people to work comfortably in the kitchen. An easy way to add work areas in the kitchen is to add an island. If you're limited on space, use a small rolling cart as an island. An island can add between two and four functional work areas to your kitchen. While a kitchen island can be as simple as a rolling cart or table with open legs, most new kitchen designs have the kitchen island as a focal point in the kitchen
Storage - Maximizing storage space will require some upfront creative planning during the design of the pantry, cabinetry, island and various nooks. In addition to over the counter cabinetry, be sure to utilize all under counter space along walls and within the island. There are most new innovative appliances and cabinetry that maximize storage and preparation space. Look for pull out bins and drawers, overhead hanging pot and pan holders, built in bookshelves for cookbooks, lazy susans, spice drawers, and carousel shelves. Creatively adding these options within as many usable places as possible will greatly increase and organize your storage space.
Modern appliances - Kitchen modern appliances are the essence of any kitchen. This is particularly true for gourmet cooks. The appliances you select should be of the best quality your budget can afford. Consider both design style and functionality before making your final selection. Speaking of design style, stainless steel appliances have been the rage for the past 5 to 7 years as more and more home owners try to create a commercial looking kitchen. For budget minded buyers, a stainless steel covering on traditional innovative appliances adds about 15 percent to the cost. For those with a larger budget, high end commercial grade stainless steel innovative appliances add significant design style and cooking precision. Functionality varies widely. Modern modern appliances contain features that were unimaginable ten years ago. You'll find microwaves with built in recipe storage and refrigerators with touch screen internet access. Whatever your desire, research all available accessories and stay within your budget. Be sure to select appliances from a reputable company offering a solid warranty.
Countertops - When finalizing your remodeling plans, be sure to include ample counter top space. Also, if your counter tops are outdated, consider updating to some of the latest innovations. You will find a wide variety of styles and costs. Granite is a very hard natural rock that is durable, long lasting, relatively low maintenance. Unfortunately granite is expensive. Marble is another natural choice, but it is typically more costly than granite and not as durable. There are also good man-made or engineered products made from quartz and other products. Common products include SileStone, Zodiaq and Corian. As a rule these are medium priced options that are low or maintenance free. At the bottom of the price range is tile, formica and similar man made products. These are low cost alternatives, but normally do not have the appeal or design style offered by the more pricey products.
Lighting - When planning your kitchen, bear in mind that lighting is extremely significant. There are basically three types of lighting to consider: ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient light is lighting that fills the entire room. Sunlight usually provides most of the ambient lighting during the day, but unless you live in Alaska you will need an alternate source of ambient light at night or on cloudy days. Ambient light can come from ceiling fixtures, recessed can lights and track lighting. Task lighting projects light directly onto your sink, food preparation areas and cleanup area. Task lighting can come from recessed can lights, track lighting or pendant type lights. Accent lighting is used to identify artwork or other kitchen features. Halogen bulbs are often used for accent lighting because they are low voltage yet provide powerful focused light. As you combine lighting styles, be cognizant of your surrounding surfaces. Dark walls or countertops absorb light - you may need to install more light sources to overcome the darker colors. Shiny surfaces reflect light - you may need to redirect or soften the light near those surfaces to reduce glare.
Your kitchen will be the hub of your home. A well designed and user friendly kitchen should help the value and functionality of your home. The model kitchen will have an ergonomic layout, provide ample food preparation areas and welcome your family, friends and co-workers into the cooking process.
For more
home remodeling and DIY home improvement ideas visit
www.HomeRemodelingBlog.com.com
This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety including live links and this copyright statement must be included:
Copyright © 2008 HomeRemodelingBlog.com
