The socializing center of any home, the kitchen is where the family gathers. It’s where the best parties congregate.
It’s the place where comforting food, conversation, and memories are made.
If you are considering a kitchen renovation or remodel, here are 5 upgrades that ensure you’re getting the best kitchen makeover.
Let’s begin.
1. Lighting
The comfort of any kitchen’s working space is greatly affected by the right lighting. Renovation should include LED bulbs as they promise to use less energy.
The new challenge is finding the right level of brightness and color temperature, key to maintaining a warm and inviting space. Most overhead lighting falls between 2,000 and 6,000 lumens.
Smaller spaces need fewer lumens. Task lighting, such as small LEDs under your counters, may rank as low as 500 to 1,000 lumens.
Color temperature, also referred to as color or tone, is measured in Kelvins. For kitchen spaces, you want a warm rating between 3,000 and 5,000 Kelvin. Anything lower than 3,000 Kelvin creates a yellow tone; that’s appropriate for a living room or den, but not a working space like a kitchen.
What we recommend is a lot of natural light. The best kitchen makeover usually includes a lighting reconfiguration, but even so, nothing compares with the comfort natural light brings in a kitchen.
2. Cabinets
Bright white cabinets have had their day. While they will always be considered a safe, classic choice, modern kitchen designers are bringing in fresh finishes and pops of color.
Wood finishes in light tones help celebrate the natural wood grains.
Interested in paint options? Cool tones like ocean blues; earthy hues such as pewter green or a rich sage; and even brighter citrus colors (when paired with neutral accents) are today’s popular selections.
Cabinets do more than hold up your counters! Cool features of today’s kitchen cabinets can include:
- Pull-out pantry drawers
- Deep drawers
- Trash and recycle pullouts
- Baking sheet and platter storage
- Pet bowl pullout drawers
Lower cabinets and upper cabinets come in three main types: stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, and custom cabinets. For a fully functional space, custom cabinets are great, but more expensive.
Semi-custom cabinets have the highest ROI, while stock cabinets are ideal for a kitchen remodel on a budget. For materials, oak cabinets with plywood boxes are great and affordable.
Tip: For the best kitchen makeover consider cabinets for your kitchen island to have increased storage space.
3. Pantries
Inspired by bulk shopping during the pandemic, consumers need ready access to more items.
This includes better storage, for optimal use of products before realizing their expiration dates. A walk-in pantry can satisfy your organizational needs and add value to your home at resale time.
“Working pantries” may also include functional counter areas for small appliances. Many homeowners love incorporating a coffee center in their walk-in (perhaps satisfying their inner barista).
Besides cabinets, you can also add open shelving to your dining room. Open shelving creates an open space and makes the entire room airy.
4. Countertops
Granite remains a popular option; it is tough and long-lasting. But granite is inherently porous. If not sealed properly, or maintained correctly, a granite countertop can absorb a kitchen spill and develop bacteria and mildew.
Imagine the nightmare of creating a stain on your counter space which you cannot buff away.
For the best kitchen makeover though, we recommend quartz counters.
Quartz countertops do not require the same attention or maintenance. As with granite, quartz can exhibit natural swirls and veins that bring an eco-friendly feel to the kitchen.
Quartz is generally more expensive than its cousin, granite. However, shoppers are finding the pricing difference is less of a gap than you might think.
Other options are:
- butcher block countertops
- marble countertops
- laminate countertops
- natural stone counters
- or even concrete countertops
5. The Sink Area
Preferences here are wide-ranging and as individual as personal taste. Perhaps you like your kitchen’s double-bowl, for the advantages of maintaining two areas, i.e. soaking dishes while you wash vegetables.
Or you may be an advocate of the farmhouse sink: a large square or rectangular bowl integrated into your counter/cabinet selection; or jutting out in an apron style.
Kitchen sink materials come in a surprising range, including granite and quartz, porcelain, stainless steel, and even bamboo.
Don’t forget: The kitchen triangle. Many are familiar with the optimal work triangle, referring to the configuration of the sink, refrigerator, and range/stovetop. Savvy kitchen designers incorporate straight paths and minimal steps for the busy cook or chef.
A subway tile backsplash is a great option to protect your walls from spills or food residue.
Conclusion
Our staff at Lakeview Home Improvements will help you get the best kitchen makeover.
We specialize in kitchen renovations and understand the do’s and don’ts and the best practices to execute a remarkable kitchen design. We are a leader in Knoxville and East Tennessee.
For more information on your unique remodeling project, including potential pitfalls, contact us at (865) 801-4545 or request a free quote today!
