Whether you have a large family or live alone, your kitchen is a very busy part of the house. That is where we make our meals and share fun memories with friends and family members. This is why the kitchen design needs some fresh air and a fresh paint coat periodically.
However, a renovation is more than repainting. It seeks to revive the space and ensures that the kitchen design stays updated. If you are wondering about the cost of a kitchen renovation, you can check out this website to know the cost and how to save money, too.
Now that you want to renovate your kitchen, or make little changes, there are various kitchen renovation ideas that you can consider. Even the minutest makeovers will change the appearance of your kitchen. So, let’s get started!
1. Update the Backsplash
Updating the backsplash is a cost-effective way of giving your kitchen a fresh look. As a matter of fact, the renovation is incomplete without changing the backsplash since it receives more abuse. From splashes of hot oil to spilled food, the backsplash bears it all without complaining.
You can consider incorporating some changes to its material or change the entire design. But if you’re short on money and time, consider a fresh paint coat to do the job. This will enable you to incorporate various styles based on the existing material.
Additionally, you can get a stencil, and then create some designs in secondary accent colors, if you are inclined to art. There are various backsplash ideas to check out if you cannot afford a full renovation.
Also, if you want to add one color, you can choose between various textures such as high-gloss, matte, and satin styles. But if the backsplash requires more colors, ensure you select the materials for the renovation before painting the backsplash. Your budget, personal needs, and preferences will determine the materials you use.
Furthermore, if you think you can do the renovation yourself, you can watch some videos online. While this will help you save costs, you need previous experience in removing existing designs and replacing them. Otherwise, click on pages like gregorybuiltbathroomrenovations.com.au/kitchen-renovations/ to find professionals that can help you do the job.
DIY is perfect for those who already know the ins and outs of construction work. But it can consume your time. What’s more? If you do not do it properly, you will be left with half-baked work.
2. Open up Space by Adding an Island
Despite the size of the kitchen, an island occupies the focal point. This is why it is usually a focused item in kitchen renovation. You can use materials like marble, granite, or engineered quartz without compromising durability.
However, do not forget that a big island may look absurd. Consider leaving an estimated space of 36 to 49 inches on each side for people to move around. The nature and size of the island usually dictate its purpose.
For instance, if you will use the space to serve wine or snacks, there should be enough legroom and top space for everyone. A width of 24 inches may be okay for each guest. You can leave a clearance of 9 to 14 inches between the counter’s base and the knees for the needed legroom.
Additionally, when designing the island, ensure that the height of the counter matches the seat you plan to use. You can customize the island to make it diverse and user-friendly without extra costs. For instance, adding an electrical outlet for charging phones or plugging speakers makes the island function as your workspace, too.
3. Choose New Cabinets
If you want the renovation to focus more on the feel and appearance of new items, then choose new cabinets. Like backsplashes, cabinets also take much abuse daily and often have loose hinges that give them an ignored and dated look.
When you want to choose cabinets, you will be spoilt with choice, even if you’re on a low budget and possess basic tool expertise. There are RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets that come in flat packages with the hardware for assembly. The advantage of getting this type is that you will save more on labor costs.
There are also MDF (medium density fiberboard) cabinets. They are also called hardboard, substrate, or engineered wood. They are made by using glue to compress wood particles at extremely high temperatures. They are affordable, but their durability may be compromised.
Furthermore, there are cabinets made from solid wood. The dovetail joinery looks good and is durable. It is important to note that cabinets, panel doors, and drawers that have white melamine coatings signify poor quality. Whereas, veneered plywood, doors made with solid wood, and hardwood frames are durable and expensive.
4. Choose a New Flooring
When you want to relay the floor, it will cost both money and time. But things such as new flooring give the kitchen a different look. There are different flooring ideas but the use of hardwood is popular.
There are lots of differences and variations in hardwood, but the commonest form is thick planks from solid timber. They are good at handling changes in humidity and temperature.
You can also choose between walnut and oak; they are quite common for good reasons. Oak lasts long and gives a beautiful, natural grain. Hickory, cherry, ash, and maple are also great, so spend some time to decide which is best for you.
If you want a hardwood floor with a light color, you can choose ash. But if your kitchen gets heavy foot traffic, you can choose hickory. Many companies now offer engineered floors. The design does not allow the floor to move out of alignment during contraction and expansion cycles.
Conclusion
When embarking on a kitchen renovation project, it is important to work with an experienced designer. However, it is not a guarantee that they have the best renovation ideas. The smart thing to do is to get your own ideas from the inspiration we shared in this article. This will help to lessen the costs of the project.
