When it comes to home renovations, the kitchen tends to be at the top of our list. As the heart of the home, the kitchen has evolved from simply a place to cook to a spot to gather with friends and family.
Kids finish their homework at the kitchen bar, impromptu dance parties are had while cooking dinner, and somehow the kitchen is the perfect place to have those deep, late-night conversations.
We want our kitchen to feel beautiful and we want to enjoy the time we spend in it, rather than just making do with what we have.
Kitchen renovations are often one of the more complex renovations to complete. From the size to the amount of electrical and plumbing elements, there are various factors that need to be considered when planning your renovation.
Fortunately, there are many reputable renovation companies, such as Solid Solutions Renovations, that are able to assist you during the process and point out both possibilities and restrictions.
But before you reach the construction phase, don’t hesitate to take your time with planning your kitchen renovation, as there are several things to consider.
Kitchen Islands
If your kitchen doesn’t already have an island, this can be an incredibly tempting element to include in your renovation.
However, it’s important to confirm that you have enough space in your kitchen for one.
You need a minimum of 36 inches of clearance between the island and the surrounding cabinetry, though 42 inches tends to be the standard and 46 inches is even better.
Not only does this ensure that your kitchen doesn’t feel cramped, but that you can properly open drawers, doors, appliances such as your fridge and dishwasher.
Flooring
In a kitchen, it’s important that your flooring is more than just visually pleasing. Water and other liquids are constantly splashing onto the floor and it’s likely you’ll drop a plate or two at some point.
If your flooring isn’t relatively resistant to moisture, scratches, and dents, you’ll find that your floor will begin to look aged and worn far more quickly.
Additionally, if you intend to switch up your flooring, ensure that the leveling remains flush.
Each type of tile and hardwood have their own thickness, so you may find that the hallway and kitchen flooring transition has a small edge if you don’t take steps to correct the difference.
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Lighting
There’s nothing better than a well-lit kitchen. Older homes tend to rely on a couple of lights to brighten the entire space, creating shadows and darker spaces, particularly under the upper cabinets.
Therefore, don’t be afraid to go all out on your lighting options during your renovation, including recessed lighting, hanging pendant lights over the island, and under-cabinet lighting.
Plus, by wiring different lights to various switches, you can set the mood and only use the lights you want at a given time.
Layouts
Be thoughtful about your kitchen layout when planning your renovation. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what you’ve seen in other kitchens, therefore causing you to forget what makes the most sense for you and how you utilize your space.
Open floor plans are very trendy right now but ensure you’re aware of which walls are load-bearing.
It’s not always possible or practical to remove a wall, and that may impact your design.
Additionally, consider the positioning of your appliances, such as your sink, fridge, oven, and dishwasher.
Moving plumbing can be expensive, so if you’re able to leave them where they are, that may free up some room in the budget.
However, if the current layout is hindering your experience in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to move things around.
When it comes to kitchen renovations, practicality is just as important, if not more so, as appearance.
Taking the time to plan your renovation thoroughly ensures that the end result will be both beautiful and useful.
