Start with referrals if you’re looking for a contractor to help bring your kitchen remodeling ideas to life. Ask neighbors, friends, and coworkers for recommendations.
Once your budget is set, choose materials that will stand the test of time. Ornate crown moldings and pilasters are costly, but simple woodwork looks just as great. Contact Kitchen Remodeling Richmond VA now!
Cabinets are the most prominent feature in a kitchen and can greatly impact its overall style. Whether the cabinets are new or old, they can be updated with fresh paint, stain, and finish. This can be a relatively inexpensive project, especially if the existing cabinets are in good condition and the homeowner wants to change the color.
Cabinetry can be crafted of wood, which is the traditional choice, or from a variety of durable and functional materials. Woods like oak, maple and hickory are hard, strong and work well in kitchens. They’re also naturally water-resistant, which helps preserve them against drips and splashes from cooking. Wood cabinets can be glazed or painted to match other kitchen elements.
Alternatively, some homeowners choose to use a combination of materials for their cabinets, such as solid wood joined with engineered wood, like plywood. Plywood is made from layers of medium to softer woods bonded together with a strong adhesive. This material offers the look and durability of wood but at a lower cost.
Some cabinets can be fitted with built-in storage solutions, such as roll-out trays for pots and pans, cutlery drawers, or spice racks. This functionality can help reduce clutter and create more space for food prep. Other built-in options include electrical outlets on the back of upper cabinet doors so appliances can be easily plugged in.
Cabinetry can be used in many areas of the home, including laundry rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and garages. Installing semi-custom cabinetry in these spaces unifies the home and adds storage and organization to the room.
Choosing the best counters for your kitchen remodel isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. Kitchen countertops must also be durable, heat-proof and stain-resistant, as well as meet a host of other practical requirements. That’s why it’s important to work with a contractor who understands both the range of options and how each will perform in your home.
Quartz counters are a popular choice for their durability and range of looks, from sleek and modern to warm and traditional. Solid-surface counters are another durable, low-maintenance option that’s available in a variety of colors and textures. Granite and marble counters offer a natural, high-end look, while tile offers an old-world European feel. For a one-of-a-kind countertop, consider poured concrete, which can be tinted and textured to create a unique look.
Many homeowners opt for a backsplash to match their new counters, and this is a great way to add character and charm to your kitchen. The backsplash’s main function is to protect the wall behind your counter from water, food spills and other debris.
While it’s tempting to get caught up in the many beautiful materials and styles available, it’s important to keep in mind that the countertops you choose will be used every day for decades. Choosing a material that is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and can stand up to the test of time will ensure your investment is a long-term one. It’s also a good idea to consult with a kitchen design expert before making any final decisions. They can help you find the perfect style for your space and ensure that all of the elements work together to generate harmony and balance.
The appliances you choose play an important role in the look and function of your kitchen, and it’s best to shop for new appliances early on in your renovation. This is because the appliances you select will impact almost every other aspect of your remodel — layout, plumbing, electrical, countertop cutouts, cabinets, backsplash and more. Additionally, the type of appliance you buy will have a direct impact on your cost. Appliances are available in a wide range of styles, finishes and capacities to meet your needs and budget.
Some appliances offer additional features that will improve your cooking and eating experience — like WiFi-enabled ovens, condensation drying and a variety of other smart functions. For example, the addition of a built-in refrigerator with a filtered water dispenser, or a professional-level cooktop, microwave or dishwasher will make meal prep and clean up more efficient.
The sink is another important kitchen remodeling element to consider, as it sets the tone for your overall design. Options include traditional marble, sought-after granite and mid-range engineered stone. Popular sink materials also vary in color and texture. Once you have settled on a style, be sure to match the sink to the faucets and countertop for a cohesive look.
If you’re replacing your appliances, be sure to factor in a new style and color that compliments your custom cabinetry. A wide range of finishes is available, including panel-ready models that allow you to customize the front to match your cabinets. Also, be sure to think about the number and location of your appliances. For example, you don’t want your fridge or stove to stick out past a wall because it will interfere with workflow and create congestion.
Flooring is one of the first decisions to be made in a kitchen remodeling project. It sets the tone for wall color, area rugs and cabinet designs. Its durability, ease of maintenance, and budget are also important considerations.
The most durable choice is tile, which stands up well to spills and scraping chair legs. It’s available in a wide variety of widths and styles, including wood and stone looks. It’s easy to install and can be replaced more quickly than other types of floors. However, it can get cold on bare feet and can be slippery when wet. Experts recommend laying an underlayment to increase traction.
If the remodel involves changing a floor plan, the GC may have to tear up the old flooring and subfloor to evaluate what needs replacement or repair. Then he or she will frame and install new walls, adding structural elements such as structured enclosers, pass-through windows and room for cabinets. The GC will usually put in new plumbing and electrical lines at this point as well.
Once the walls are up, the carpenters will finish installing cabinetry and countertops. They may also install a backsplash and paint the ceiling and walls. If the kitchen remodel is a full renovation, an architect or designer may be brought in to assist with structural changes and to help make the new layout more functional.
Many GCs offer design services, although their assistance will depend on the size of the remodel and the scope of work. Alternatively, you can find and hire your own subcontractors, such as plumbers, electricians and flooring pros, to save money on a professional GC. If you take this route, it’s essential to clearly specify your choices and plans in detail so you can compare apples to apples when soliciting bids.
Getting the lighting in your kitchen right can be one of the most impactful changes you can make to this highly-used area. A successful lighting redesign can transform your home and make it feel fresh, modern, and inviting.
A well-designed lighting scheme should include at least three elements – ambient, task, and accent. The amount of light you need depends on how you use your kitchen and the overall style of your kitchen. For example, a more formal kitchen may benefit from softer ambient lighting to set the tone for dinners with guests, while a functional kitchen will need brighter task lighting for cooking and cleaning areas.
To calculate how much light you need, use a calculator or work out the total floor space of your kitchen in square feet and multiply it by the number of foot-candles you want to achieve. Then, consider the brightness of your current lighting and choose bulbs that deliver a high enough amount of lumens to meet your needs.
Pendant lights are a popular choice for the kitchen and can provide a beautiful focal point to any room. However, it’s important to avoid hanging them directly over sinks, standalone chopping stations, and dining areas. This will cast a shadow and cause glare on work surfaces and can be uncomfortable to work in.
Another way to create a unique, eye-catching look in your kitchen is by installing recessed, dimmable lighting. Adding dimmer switches is a relatively easy DIY project that can greatly enhance the ambiance of your kitchen. LED strip lights can also be installed under cabinets or around the base of a kitchen island for an instant upgrade.
