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The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home. Lots of activities, including mini hangouts and family gatherings, happen in the kitchen. In light of this, it is a welcome idea to remodel or improve the layout or look of your kitchen to accommodate these activities while keeping in mind the kitchen’s primary function — a place for making meals.

Making decisions about what to invest in can be a bit tasking, especially when you’re sitting on a budget. But having a clear picture of what you want helps to ease the decision-making process. Clear goals guide homeowners in making decisions that best suit their objectives.

Also, it would help if you considered working with a kitchen designer, as they help in making better and informed choices. Below are some trade-offs to consider when doing a kitchen remodel.

1. Daily use and special events – Remodeling your kitchen

This mostly depends on how many people your kitchen will serve. Your design choices will differ depending on if your kitchen is for daily use or mainly special events. Before you choose the style and layout of your kitchen, you should consider the primary function. When planning, take note of the family members living in the house; if it’s going to be your forever home, how many people will be living there in 10 years from now? Also, consider the number of guests you’ll be entertaining from time to time.

If you are designing for daily use, your choices will depend on your family functions in the kitchen daily, your lifestyle, and your eating habits. On the other hand, if you are designing for special events, you will have to allocate more space for seating, lots of counter/prep space and a larger refrigerator, etc.

2. Cost and Value – Remodeling your kitchen

All kitchen items, from appliances to utensils, are priced differently. The decision of where you should spend extra money and where you should save depends solely on what is important to you, and the long-term value of the item should also determine it. If an investment is going to improve your everyday life, then it is worth the investment. If you want to resell the house in the near future, then you should consider if that investment will increase its purchase value.

For instance, if you find hand washing dishes to be an extreme sport, getting a high-quality dishwasher would bring you immense value and save your time and energy.

3. Function and Aesthetics – Remodeling your kitchen

Typically, a kitchen redesign caters to function and aesthetics, but for most budget kitchen remodeling, user-friendliness and functionality take precedence over aesthetics. It can be quite frustrating having to work in a space that was not designed for function but aesthetics. This trade-off is quite personal because it has a lot to do with your lifestyle and priorities.

Aesthetics, on the other hand, include expensive but appealing detailed finishes that give the kitchen a sophisticated look. But being on a budget means you have to cut costs and focus on functionality over looks. However, this does not mean that you will have an ugly kitchen. Instead, you should invest in less expensive materials and items.

How the kitchen area is used plays a huge role in this trade-off because an attractive kitchen that lacks proper appliances and facilities will pose operational issues in the future. If you enjoy cooking, then investing in a design that prioritizes workflow is a great idea. On the other hand, if you don’t cook often, but want to improve the look of your kitchen, then you should focus on making your space more visually attractive.

4. Speed and patience – Remodeling your kitchen

Living in the house while construction is ongoing in the kitchen can be inconvenient, and so you may be tempted to speed things up and complete the process. Typical remodeling does take time.

However, it is worthy to note that you cannot do everything simultaneously; you can do some at a later date. If you plan to live in your house for many years, it’s worth slowing down and investing in the quality of the kitchen.

5. The ideal me vs. the real me – Remodeling your kitchen

This is more of a reality check. Rather than design and plan a kitchen for the fictional you, you can design to suit the real you. A new kitchen won’t automatically make you a tidy cook when in reality, you are an untidy cook. Keeping this in mind helps you create the perfect kitchen.

Need further help or guidance? Our team of experts can help you achieve your dream bathroom within a reasonable budget. Contact us at Cabinetera and become one of our happy clients. Call us today at (708) 78257777 or (410) 8344808 to schedule a consultation.

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Are you planning on starting a kitchen project soon? Have you thought about enlisting the services of a professional? Getting a professional to handle your interior kitchen work can make all the difference.

Whether it is updating your tired finishes, re-imagining the look and layout of your space, or a complete overhaul of the kitchen, working with a professional kitchen designer is highly recommended.

But how do you know you`ve selected the right contractor? Or how do you even talk to a kitchen designer about what you want in your kitchen? Read on to learn everything you need for your kitchen and what to expect from a designer.

When and Why Can I Hire a Kitchen Designer?

Re-designing or remodeling your kitchen is an expensive undertaking. If you intend to remodel your kitchen, it is advisable to hire the best hand on the job, just to ensure that the job is done well, both in form and function.

It is a good idea to hire a professional when you need guidance through the kitchen design process. The kitchen designer will help you with ideas from consultation to installation. Although, not all kitchen upgrades require a kitchen designer. For instance, an interior designer can help with small changes, including replacing the countertop or backsplash. However, for installing new cabinets and other major kitchen projects, a kitchen designer is a better choice..

Kitchen designers know the latest products and trends on the market. They can also recommend good subcontractors and suppliers to the homeowner. Additionally, they can look at your kitchen with fresh eyes and suggest new layouts and appliance configurations.

Narrowing Down Your Options

Sometimes, it is not the design you want that matters most to you, but the choice of the designer to create that design. Before you decide to talk to a kitchen designer, you must already have an idea of the kind of feel and design you want to achieve in your kitchen. To help you narrow down your options to the right designer, you may need to look for similar projects that carry the same feeling you’d like to achieve.

For instance, you can browse through the repertoire of kitchen designs we have at Cabineteria for more options. You also want to look out for a kitchen designer that is a pro in what you intend to achieve. For instance, while looking at the profile of the designer, note the styles and quality projects you see, as that can also give you an idea of the experience level of that designer.

The result you`ll get may also depend on the professional affiliations of the contractor. Independent designers, for instance, may have contractors they work with regularly, but they don’t have any official affiliations with any products or brands.

On the other hand, designers affiliated with a specific product line or kitchen design shop do know the cabinetry, lighting, and flooring of the brands they represent and may play a dual role as both designer and dealer.

The Interview Process

Now that you’ve worked out all the major details you want for the kitchen as well as the kind of designer you`d like to work with, it is time to reach out to the designer. You should schedule at least 3 physical meetings where you get to talk to the kitchen designer and get a glimpse into their style, perspectives, and approach to work. This should also include a visit to the kitchen design shop of that designer.

At this point, ensure you ask all the relevant questions you need to ask, including the price of items, service charge, the designer’s past projects, how long it would take to complete your project, etc.

Plan the Project

Having selected the kitchen designer you`d like to work with, the next thing is to plan the execution of the project. Avoid rushing the process, as much as you can. Talk to the kitchen designer about the size of your kitchen, how you would like to use it, the preferred position for your heavy appliances, how long the project will take, and so on.

It is at this point that the designer begins to structure your kitchen in line with your expectations. You`ll know the kind of cabinets you want to install, and the countertop, flooring, and lighting that is ideal for you. Bear in mind that the planning phase can take up to two months, depending on the designer you are working with and the type of project you want to execute.

Final Thoughts

It is not uncommon for homeowners to want to incorporate an idea that was not initially in the plan after the project gets underway. Yes, you may want to take out or replace something in the interior kitchen work or design, but be sure to talk to the kitchen designer about it before it is too late.

Talk to us today about your kitchen remodel plans at Cabineteria, and we’d be delighted to assist. To explore our rich designs, you can reach us at (708) 78257777 and (410) 8344808 or visit any of our showrooms in Arlington, Baltimore, and Waldorf.

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One of the most common kitchen problems that homeowners complain about stems from kitchen design issues. If the design of your kitchen is gotten right at the beginning, half of the kitchen complaints that homeowners face will not even exist.

If you work with a good designer, these common design problems will be avoided because they’ll first try to understand how you live in your home; how you use or intend to use your kitchen; your lifestyle, kitchen tastes, and habits. All of this applies whether it’s a new building or a remodeling project. Here are some common kitchen problems that need solutions.

Not Enough Storage

Everyone wants more space in their kitchen. This is one of the most common kitchen design problems resulting from poor planning. Soon, you`ll end up having a cluttered, messy room that can often be frustrating. But with proper planning and by executing a few tricks, you can create more space inside a kitchen of any size.

Kitchen corner units, for instance, can make use of otherwise unused space. Therefore, you can use pullout corner organizers to keep the contents within easy reach. Also, drawers are better storage options than cabinets, as they’re easier to access. If your kitchen is small, you can also consider installing upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling.

Common design problems like these can be avoided by carefully factoring in your storage needs at the beginning of the design process.

Badly Planned Layout and Workflow

Another common kitchen design issue is poor kitchen layout. In this case, you hardly will enjoy working in your kitchen. It’s either you`re constantly bumping into something or your clothes keep getting caught by some devices in your way. Sometimes, the essentials you need every day are not within close reach, whereas, a well-designed kitchen should work specifically for you. The workflow and layout should be designed to cater to your individual needs.

This is achievable, but you must work closely with your designer while planning your layout, regardless of whether you prefer a traditional kitchen design or the modern type,

Insufficient Counter Space

Considering that the counter is needed for almost every activity that happens in the kitchen, we can agree that insufficient counter space accounts for a significant number of kitchen complaints. It is either there isn’t enough space on the countertop or it is not positioned where it is needed.

This concern should also be accounted for at the planning stage of the project by the designer. In essence, a good kitchen workflow also gives you enough space on the countertop to work on. A common mistake in this regard is not leaving enough space next to your fridge or oven. For instance, having space next to or opposite your oven and cooktop is important for safety. This is because you won’t have to carry piping-hot food across the kitchen if the counter was close enough for you to set down the food.

Poorly Planned Outlets and Switches

One of the most discomforting kitchen problems that need solutions include poorly positioned wall outlets. You often don’t realize how important these are until you need them. And if they happen to be poorly positioned, it can be quite frustrating. While a kitchen remodeling would take care of it, your kitchen designer ought to consider this in the beginning and hesitate to articulate your desires either.

Let the designer know if you’d like additional outlets or a particular style of switch/outlet, but this must be established during the planning stage.

Plan for Traffic Through Your Working Area

You might need enough countertop space for up to 2 or 3 individuals to operate in the kitchen at a time. This is also a kitchen design problem, and you should work with your designer to achieve this right from the start. Unless this is addressed at the design stage, you`ll likely get under one another’s feet while working on the countertop, trying to reach the fridge, cooktop, or sink.

In a home with children running around, consider how to create enough space to prevent accidents from happening. These are avoidable through careful planning.

Poor Ventilation

Ventilation is key in the kitchen. This is the only part of the house where it is a must-have at all times. A good range hood will help you achieve appropriate ventilation by removing grease, steam, and odors arising from cooking. If unattended to, these stains can stick to walls, cabinet surfaces, appliances like fridges, furniture, and even your clothes. While planning your kitchen, you should also consider getting the most suitable range hood for your kitchen.

Conclusion

Other kitchen design problems include poor task lighting and lack of planning for waste disposal and recycling if need be. But as already mentioned, all these must be established during planning. Think about how you currently use or would like to use your kitchen space, countertops, and so on.

Looking for a good kitchen designer or remodeling contractor to help you achieve the design you want? Reach out to us today at Cabineteria, and you can become one of our happy clients. With our experience in creating and implementing highly-customized kitchen designs, you can be sure of getting the best services. Simply call us at (708) 78257777 or (410) 8344808.

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The kitchen, being as important as it is, happens to be a place in the entire house where space is of paramount importance. A kitchen of any size can actually be made to feel roomy if you know a few tricks. Here, we’ll be talking about how to make a small kitchen look bigger or create the illusion of a space bigger than what you actually have.

Here are 12 ways to make your kitchen look bigger, while still conserving storage, maintaining stylishness, and sustaining sightliness.

1. Consider Getting Shallow Cabinets

You`ll notice that shallow lower cabinets are quite handy for creating more space in a small kitchen. To make a small kitchen look bigger, consider getting 12-inch lower cabinets instead of the 24-inch types.

Using slimmer lower cabinets opens up more space for free movement within the kitchen. However, this may reduce the amount of storage space that you have. But rarely do people use up all the space in their cabinets, so this is still a fantastic kitchen space conservation idea.

2. Reduce Your Hardware

One of the best ideas to make a small kitchen look bigger is by decluttering your countertop. It is no brainer that reducing the number of kitchen equipment on your countertop or moving out the non-essential hardware will instantly free up more space. You can install cabinet doors with touch-activated latches or integrated reach-in pulls during your kitchen remodeling project to make the space free and breezy.

3. You May Not Need A Double Sink

While a double sink is a slick idea, you might want to consider installing a single sink to free up more usable space within your new kitchen.

For instance, a 36-inch sink cabinet will give you a double sink, while a 24-inch sink cabinet will give you a single sink, but it will also free up 6 inches of space. This extra space 6 inches of adjacent space can be used for something much more important or create more space for free movement or storage.

4. Choose a Compact Dishwasher

You can save an extra 6 inches of usable space by installing a compact dishwasher, otherwise known as condo-sized dishwashers. They have a smaller 18-inch width, compared to the 24-inch width of standard dishwashers. And guess what? Compact dishwashers are growing in popularity.

5. Go With a Slimmer Fridge

One of the most effective ways to make your kitchen look bigger is by installing a smaller fridge. Most people prefer a large refrigerator or freezer, but that isn`t necessary if you`re not using it to store food constantly. In most cases, you`ll be fine with a smaller fridge that frees up enough space for more use within your new kitchen.

6. Consider Using Panel Appliances

When looking to make a small kitchen look bigger, an idea worth considering is switching to panel appliances. Unlike compact appliances, you can achieve a lighter look and a breezy space with panel-ready appliances such as dishwashers and fridges.

7. Mirror Your Backsplash

A mirrored backsplash is a tip to make any small kitchen look bigger. Your kitchen space will usually feel the smallest when you’re busy working on the stove or doing the dishes. To create the illusion of more space in your kitchen, you can use a mirror for the backsplash. You may also consider a tinted glass for a more subtle reflection.

8. Use Open Upper Cabinets

If you must install upper cabinets, then a smart way to create the illusion of more space is to remove the cabinet doors and convert them to shelves for holding your everyday-kitchen essentials like storage jars, recipes, and cookbooks.

9. Use Glass Door Cabinets

To make the look of your cabinet much airier, you can switch from the traditional wooden front doors to glass doors. In fact, this can add to the classy feel and style in your kitchen when used to display some special wares.

10. Install Cabinet Lighting

One place within your home, where extra illumination is often needed is in the kitchen. But most times, the only source of lighting in the kitchen is from the ceiling, which is often not enough.

To spice things up, you can add extra lighting under, above, and inside the cabinets. This also has a way of making the room feel much brighter and bigger, thereby easing your quest on how to make a small kitchen look bigger.

11. Use a Short Backsplash

To further enlarge the space you’ve successfully created, consider using a short, space-conserving backsplash with a color that blends with your kitchen wall. You can keep the planes of the wall looking taller by eliminating the dividing line between the starting point of the plain wall and where the tile stops.

Another option here is to install a tile that extends all the way to the ceiling or you can create a mirror-effect and a subtle sheen appearance by installing a stainless steel backsplash (if your budget can accommodate it).

12. Unwrap Your Hood

The partial cabinets wrapping around the hood fan usually serve to hide the ductwork only. You can use a beautiful range hood that can be seen, so you can create a little visual break from the upper cabinets.

Interested in more practical tips on how to make your kitchen look bigger? Contact us today at Cabinetera for the best ideas on how to increase the size of your kitchen space.

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