You've been dreaming of a new kitchen for months and are finally ready to kickstart the renovations. You plan to make your upgraded kitchen the most beautiful, coveted space possible. But, before you tear out those old cabinets and rip up the outdated tile, there are some things you need to consider.
Novice renovators can overlook the essential details of the process in the excitement of getting the kitchen they’ve always wanted. If you're planning to sell your home soon, the kitchen can be the deal breaker or dealmaker. So you want to get your renovations right the first time around.
Track down your studs
While renovating your kitchen, you might think that finding studs is one of the least important details. After all, you can use nails or screws to hang things on the wall. But if you want to ensure your cabinets, heavy appliances, and other fixtures are secure and safe, there's no better way than to track down those studs.
Studs are vertical beams in a wall that support the weight of the structure above them, and they're everywhere in your home. They're typically made of wood but can also be metal or plastic.
You can use a simple stud finder tool, which looks like a metal detector and will emit an alert when it detects a beam behind drywall or other materials that might cover it. You can also use a hammer. Just tap lightly straight across a wall until you hear a solid thud. This means there's a beam behind that spot.
If you're unsure what's happening behind your walls, hire a professional to help get the job done right.
Upgrade your lighting
Lighting can be one of the easiest ways to bring an old kitchen into the 21st century. Upgrading your lighting will make it easier for you to cook, clean, and eat in your kitchen and make a great impression on guests.
Whether you're looking to create a sleek modern look or a warm, inviting space, upgrading the lighting is one detail that can make all the difference in how your kitchen feels.
Two main types of lighting are equally important considerations when renovating your kitchen.
The first type, task lighting, is overhead or under-cabinet lighting that helps you see what you're doing, like cooking and cleaning. Perfectly placed task lighting will not only elevate the style of your kitchen but also boost its functionality.
The second type, ambient lighting, is additional lighting that creates a nice glow around your workspace. You can think of lamps, hanging fixtures, and oversized windows (for natural lighting).
Lastly, consider replacing any old-style bulbs with LED or fluorescent lights. These bulbs are more energy efficient and keep your home cooler in the summer. They won't break easily or burn out quickly when you need them most.
Embrace creative storage solutions
Storage is another vital element you don't want to overlook when redesigning your kitchen. Every piece of dinnerware and cutlery, each appliance, and all groceries should have a specific place to be stored so they can be easily accessible. But how do you make sure that happens?
The first step is to determine what kind of storage you need. Do you want to store food on the counter or in cabinets? What about pots and pans? Can you fit all plates in the available cupboard space? It's important to decide how much space you want to devote to each type of item before starting the renovation process.
There are three main storage solutions: cabinet storage, countertop storage, and flooring/shelf storage. Cabinet/drawer storage is where you store all your dishes, glasses, and tools. Countertop storage is where you keep everything from small appliances, spices, and oils to produce that doesn't need refrigerating. Floor/shelf storage is usually used for larger appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and mixers that need more space than a shelf can provide.
Once you know what storage options will work best for your home, you can start thinking creatively about how to maximize those spaces. For instance, if your cabinets are deep enough but they don't have any shelves built in, consider adding some. The possibilities are endless!
Bring in some color
If you're like other homeowners, your kitchen is probably the most-used room in your house. It's also the space where you spend the most time. This makes your kitchen a great place to express your personality.
You don’t have to go overboard with neon hues and wild patterns, but bringing in some color can add flair to your renovation. With the right paint or wallpaper choices, you can transform the vibe of your kitchen.
Adding color to your kitchen is a great way to revitalize the space without making it feel too busy. You don't have to paint every wall — choose one or two focal points that will pop when you enter the room. You can also use other elements like rugs and colorful artwork that coordinate with your color scheme.
Remember, color is not only an aesthetic choice. It's also a functional one. Color affects how we feel and significantly impacts how inviting your kitchen feels to your guests or future buyers. For example, blue makes us calm, red makes us feel energized, green makes us feel relaxed — and so on. So if you're looking for a way to make your kitchen more welcoming or efficient, consider using color as an easy way to make those changes happen.
Choose function over style
It can be tempting to go for the glamor. You're excited about having a new space to cook, entertain, hang out with friends and family, or showcase to potential prospects. It's not hard to get caught up in the "look" of things — especially if you're an avid home design enthusiast.
But if there were one piece of advice we'd want you to take from this entire article: Make sure that your kitchen serves its purpose first and foremost!
One way to ensure that your kitchen is usable and not just a new showpiece is to choose function over style. After all, no one wants a beautiful kitchen that doesn't have enough room for all their pots and pans.
Functionality is about ensuring your kitchen is designed for how you live. If your goal is to impress everyone with how stylish your kitchen looks, but then you spend hours trying to get dinner on the table because you don't have enough counter space or storage areas where everything is accessible, then the renovation isn't working for you.
Partner with the Lonestar Living Team when you’re ready to sell
Whether you're looking for a complete overhaul or just want to spruce up your current kitchen, we hope this article has given you some tips to help make sure you get the most out of your next renovation. Now that you've got a better idea of what to consider when renovating your kitchen, it's time to start the process.
Are you looking to sell your home after renovating? Heather Tinglov, Logan Naylor, and Diane Smith at the Lonestar Living Team are ready with their dedicated team to get your listing in front of qualified, ready-to-buy prospects. Let them handle the selling process, and contact them today to learn more.
