Looking to upgrade your kitchen? You’re probably wondering how much you should spend, and whether it will add value to your house. A kitchen remodel is always a good idea, especially if you’ve lived in your home for ten years or more! Brand new modular cabinets will amp up the aesthetics, and there are so many lovely new products and accessories available today that can eke out every inch of functionality from your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Use these strategies to get the most value out of your kitchen remodel!
Step 1. Chart out a plan
Any successful project starts with a plan!
Start by looking at your kitchen layout. Is it as functional as you would like? Is there any space that’s being underutilized, and are there any corners that you are not able to reach?
How about the light in the room? Is the room too dark, or does it have a window that’s too small? Would you like to consider making it an open kitchen?
How convenient are the appliances that you’re using? Is the storage space adequate for your needs?
What are the challenges that you hope to address through the renovation?
The answers to all these questions, and more, will help you to plan your kitchen remodel.
Pro tip:
Whenever possible, try to keep the same footprint. Changing the plumbing lines and electrical outlets will drive your costs higher, and you might not realise this till the very end. What’s more, any amount of civil work is always going to result in a house that’s full of dust and debris, which can be hard to live with.
Step 2. Set up a budget
It’s all too easy to go overboard when you’re redoing your kitchen! The dazzling array of shiny new appliances and smart space-saving accessories can make you lose your mind, and you’ll be just one step away from losing your money too! Establish a budget at the very beginning. Keep an upper limit for your spending, so that you don’t find yourself out of pocket.
Pro tip:
Prioritize the must-haves, and then leave some room for last-minute value-adds.
Step 3. Choose your fixtures, materials and appliances
Your cooking style will determine the kind of appliances you should be using. If you do a lot of baking, then a premium OTG should be a priority. If you have guests over for meals often, you might want to consider a large, six-burner hob or a top-of-the-line cooking range. Microwave ovens are not just for reheating; they can be used to quickly whip up delicious dishes as well! And if you have a large family, then a side-by-side refrigerator with plenty of storage space is a must. Not to forget the dishwasher; which no family can ever do without these days!
Pro tip:
When you’re picking out the appliances, do keep in mind their cost and durability as well. Unless you’re someone who cooks a lot on a regular basis, you can opt for more expensive cabinets and countertops instead of appliances that you might end up not using at all.
Step 4. Rethink the lighting
A good lighting plan adds immense value to your kitchen. It can make your space look bright and spacious, and help you work more efficiently and safely. Your kitchen should have ambient lighting in the form of ceiling fixtures that are the main source of illumination in the room, as well as task lighting under the counters or above the breakfast counter, cooktop or island that eliminate shadows when you’re working.
Pro tip:
Wherever possible, opt for power-saving LED light fixtures that will minimise your power bills.
Step 5. Plan the storage spaces
Have you run out of storage in the kitchen? While decluttering is one way to go, chances are that over the years you’ve built up a collection of lovely tableware and utensils that you just cannot do without! Doubling up on storage by adding a loft to the ceiling is a great idea, and all the extra space can be used to put away items that are not used on an everyday basis.
You can also add a corner pantry or a tall unit with pull-out storage shelves that can be used to store dry groceries and non-perishables. Deep drawers can be used to tuck away heavy appliances when not in use, and you can plan to hang up skillets, pots and pans on unused wall areas or below the cabinets. Open shelves are another lovely way to put your pretty kitchenware on display and make it a part of your décor.
Step 6. Add a breakfast table
If space permits, an island counter or a breakfast table in the kitchen is a lovely value-add. It invites family togetherness, as it’s the best place to get homework done, attend work-from-home calls when you’re cooking, and hold heart to heart discussions over a quick cup of coffee!
We love this minimalistic breakfast table in white Corian with pinewood shelves below, that extends the functionality of this modern open kitchen.
Step 7. Revisit the wall tiles, countertop and flooring
If you would like to completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen, then upgrading the tiles and countertop should be the next line of order! Pick lovely quartz, marble or granite for the countertop, in a shade that complements your décor theme.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of gutting the existing tiles, which would be too messy to contemplate, your backsplash can be upgraded by fixing a half-inch ply board on top of the existing tiles and then pasting the new tiles on top. In the same way, a new floor can be laid on top of the existing one. Vitrified tiles or wooden laminate floors can be very easily redone this way.
This kitchen upgrade below uses a lovely patterned Moroccan tile that adds style and definition to the décor.
There’s no doubt about it; a kitchen remodel does indeed add immense value to your home. For more pro tips and creative ideas, do subscribe to the HomeLane blog!
