Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA can drastically improve the look of your home. Thoughtful upgrades can also increase functionality and make cooking safer and more fun.
Don’t over-customize. Ornate moldings, pilasters, and other embellishments can add up quickly. Stick with a style that appeals to a broad audience of potential homebuyers. Also, avoid adding expensive, non-permanent features that may limit your resale options.
Cabinets are built-in pieces of furniture that store items. They are usually anchored to the wall or a piece of furniture like a counter and can be constructed in multiple ways. Cabinets often have shelves and drawers and can be made of wood or other materials. Some cabinets have special compartments to hold items like utensils, pots, and pans.
There are many types of cabinets, including base cabinetry, wall cabinets, corner cabinets, and more. When remodeling a kitchen, new cabinets are one of the most important elements to consider. Cabinets can help create a clean and organized look, and they are an excellent place to incorporate trendy colors and finishes.
Base cabinetry includes units that rest on the floor and extend out from a wall. They are generally 24 inches deep, with a toe-kick that is slightly deeper. Base cabinets are available in multiple widths and depths, making it possible to fit a variety of different kitchen layouts. They can also be designed with a wide range of additional storage features.
Corner cabinetry includes large units that fit into corners of the room. They are typically angled so they fit against additional base cabinets that extend out on each side. These cabinets can be designed with a wide range of extra storage options, including lazy Susan shelves and pull-out pantry shelves.
Wall cabinetry refers to kitchen cabinets that remain above the counter space. These units are generally 30 inches tall, and they can be mounted on a soffit or on the wall above a sink or stove. Wall cabinets can be designed with a wide variety of features, but they are most often constructed with a paneled cabinet door and vertical sides called stiles.
Cabinets can be constructed from a wide range of materials, with wood and wood veneers being some of the most common choices. Solid wood is often a more expensive option, but it provides exceptional strength and durability. Other cabinet construction materials include medium-density fiberboard (MDF), substrate, and hardboard. These materials are composed of layers of varying thicknesses, with each layer glued together at high temperatures. They provide a lower cost than solid wood and are easier to work with.
Countertops
Countertops are the workhorses of the kitchen, so they have to be both functional and attractive. The best way to do this is by pairing them with cabinet styles that complement them. For example, frameless cabinets are more suited to modern designs and should be paired with similarly streamlined countertops, while framed cabinetry looks better in traditional kitchens and should be matched with complementary countertops of the same style.
One of the most popular choices for countertop material is natural stone. Granite and other types of stone can provide an elegant look that will last a lifetime with little maintenance required. They are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match any home aesthetic. They also hold up well to heat and are highly resistant to scratching and staining.
Quartz is another durable option for kitchen countertops. It is available in a vast array of colors and patterns and can be designed to mimic the look of natural materials like granite or marble at about half the cost. It is heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant and is easy to clean. It can even be made to mimic the look of wood, which adds a rustic touch.
Solid surface counters are another option that provides the durability of quartz without the price tag. They’re nonporous and do not absorb stains, making them an excellent choice for hardworking kitchens. They’re also very hygienic and are easy to clean. Many come with an optional backsplash to protect them from stains and scratches.
Backsplashes are also a great way to add color and personality to your kitchen. Whether you choose a simple subway tile or something more adventurous like a colorful glass tile, they can add interest to any kitchen and be a focal point that will draw the eye away from less-pleasant aspects of your cabinetry.
If you’re doing a complete kitchen remodel, consider matching your countertop and backsplash colors to create a cohesive and appealing design. Or if you have a more open layout, you can make each piece a focal point of its own by using different colors and materials for the two components.
Flooring
The right kitchen flooring can add a touch of warmth and personality to any space. Whether you’re going for a bold statement or keeping it simple, the options are endless. The best part is, kitchen floors are easy to replace and don’t require a lot of prep.
During your kitchen remodel, consider installing safety features like nonslip floor surfaces and accessible locations for a fire extinguisher. It’s also a great opportunity to add extra storage solutions that can help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized.
Kitchen remodeling is a big investment, but it can boost your home’s value and increase its functionality. If you’re thinking about taking on a kitchen remodel project, take the time to research your options and consult with professionals to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
The first step is to assess the existing layout of your kitchen and decide what needs to be changed. You might want to move the sink or refrigerator, for example, or create a new work triangle. Once you’ve determined your goals, you can start planning out the renovations.
Before you hire a contractor, ask for their license number and insurance information. Then, call your state’s licensing board to confirm that their license is in good standing. In addition, look for contractors who belong to professional associations, as this is often a good sign of their expertise.
If your kitchen is in need of a minor refresh, a simple paint job or cabinet re-facing may be enough to transform the room. However, it’s important to note that a major remodel is more expensive and can result in a longer downtime.
A full-on kitchen remodel includes replacing or refinishing all of the cabinets, counters and flooring. It can also involve opening or closing walls, borrowing space from other rooms, adding an island or building an addition. In general, major kitchen remodels can recoup 72 percent of their cost at resale. However, it’s important to remember that over-customizing your kitchen can limit its appeal to a broad range of future homeowners.
Lighting
When planning your kitchen remodel, the focus is often on the big stuff – cabinets, appliances and that gorgeous stone countertop you’ve had your eye on. But don’t underestimate the power of lighting to transform your space from functional to showroom worthy. A thoughtful mix of ambient, task and accent lighting will illuminate the key elements of your kitchen design in a way that’s both effective and beautiful.
Ambient lighting is the foundation of any kitchen design, and the most important aspect in creating a well-lit environment. It comes from the ceiling, think recessed lighting, flush mount fixtures or track and rail systems, and provides soft illumination for your entire kitchen. The right light fixtures and dimmers can allow you to control the mood of your kitchen, adjusting for the different ways you use it.
Task lighting is a crucial component in any kitchen design, illuminating the areas where you’ll be performing tasks like cooking and cleaning. Having the proper amount of task lighting in your kitchen will reduce eye strain and make it easier for you to complete these functions safely and efficiently. You can achieve this with a combination of LED light strips under your cabinets, recessed lights over the kitchen island and walk-in pantry lights to help you navigate the contents of shelves.
Accent lighting adds a finishing touch to your kitchen design by highlighting details, architectural features and decorative accessories. This type of lighting can also be used to highlight a unique backsplash material, such as a glass mosaic or a natural stone tile pattern. Using adjustable fixtures will give you the most flexibility when it comes to spotlighting your favorite parts of your kitchen.
