Kitchen

The kitchen has and always will be the center or heart of the home. In most families, the kitchen is used more than any other space in the home. Simplicity can make the daily task of cooking an eagerly anticipated event. Thoughtful organization of workspaces will facilitate helping hands and great family memories if people do not have to cross over each other to get the items they need.

In fact, in most homes the kitchen wears many hats—it’s the center of the family team huddle, the place for bantering with friends, the computer room for paying the bills, an entertainment center, a children’s art museum and lets not forget its original purpose—a place to enjoy good food with family and friends.

Kitchen Alteration Inspiration

Home values are greatly affected by kitchen remodeling. According to research kitchen upgrade costs are recouped at 85% in California, a higher percentage than most other remodel projects. A fresh kitchen is key to resale value as much as your own enjoyment of the house.

Perhaps your kitchen just needs a face lift. Perhaps you want to demolish and start fresh. In either case, your kitchen remodeling project will require serious thinking about the look and feel, how you want to change the cabinetry, sinks, lighting, and all the other details big and small.

As you look at kitchens you love, make notes about what specifically attracts you. Which of these are most important to you?

Cooking spaces
Beautiful islands
Traditional or modern cabinets
Attention-getting backsplashes
Statement lighting

As you take notes about what you like, look for common threads. Define what you want, and see how you can make it work within your own kitchen remodeling project.

It can really help to identify a theme or trend. A cottage look offers classic comfort while an old world or European style offers warmth and sophistication. Modern looks with dark wood and stainless steel provide a new classic.

Also, don’t forget how functionality should affect your design. Think about how your family uses the kitchen, and figure out arrangements that will make it fun, easy, and exciting to use your new kitchen. Do you need a utilitarian place for cooking multiple times daily? Is it visible and intertwined with your entertaining areas? Is it more of a kids’ hangout? You can use these kitchen remodeling goals for planning.

Now let’s go over key elements of kitchen remodeling.

Cabinets

Cabinets set the tone for your project. Looking out over your kitchen, the finish and fixtures of your cabinets determine what’s most appropriate for the rest of the details.

Your layout will help determine whether you need stock or custom cabinets. In any event, you’ll need to choose between stained or painted wood and other such options. To go ultra modern, for instance, your ornately molded cabinets will need to go. To transform your storage spaces, consider demolishing and starting anew.

Factors to consider with cabinets include:

Shape. Frameless faces match modern design or help with changing decoration. Framed faces will help create a specific look.
Finish. Many stains are popular and have lasting style, but don’t shy away from painted cabinets if they’re what you want. You can also consider distressed or antiqued finishes.
Hinges and Pulls. Get creative and add great personality with the simple touch of thoughtful fixtures. Just make sure you’re prepared to match them and live them for a while.

Blacksplashes

Backsplashes provide an excellent opportunity to add texture and style. A small budget kitchen remodeling project should definitely include an update to the backsplash, while a high budget project should also pay careful attention here.

Options include adding color and pattern with specialty wallpapers or beaded board, or going with traditional or creative tiling. You can also make radical statements through brick, glass, and various other materials. Better Homes & Gardens offers a guide for kitchen backsplash ideas with great inspirations.

Islands

The perfect kitchen island creates a functional workspace while attractively opening up the kitchen to the adjoining space. A major function and style upgrade to your island can be a pivotal aspect of your kitchen remodeling.

While it may seem like you just pick an island and plunk it down, there are actually many considerations. You need to carefully plot out the best island for you. For example, you must consider how oven and dishwasher doors being opened will affect the usability of drawers and prep areas on the island.

Of course, the island will look its best with wonderful lighting and a well-chosen countertop.

Countertops

Your kitchen remodeling absolutely must upgrade the lighting to show off the results of your project! Without great lighting, a great kitchen is wasted.

Drum shades and other non-traditional choices for kitchen lighting have become trends and offer great coordination possibilities. If you fall in love, go with it. However, you can’t beat the elegance of traditional quality. Drop lights and pendants are perfect for islands. Track lights feature great style options as well. Envision your ideal usage, and choose lighting that flatters it best.

Appliances

Depending on your arrangements, you likely need to choose your major appliances very early, to plan around them. You’ll need to decide on appliances and cabinets at the same time.

It’s important to remember function as much as style when it comes to appliances. Think about what you want to show off, but don’t make everyday usage of your kitchen a hazard due to awkward planning.

Whether you want to hide your appliances or make them visual centerpieces, kitchen remodeling can make it happen.

In conclusion,The bottom line is that remodeling your kitchen should be exciting and invigorating – for you and for your home.

Keep the big picture in mind. The kitchen doesn’t have to become a hodgepodge, nor should it be a uniform space without character. It’s where you eat, where you recharge, where you live. With thoughtful planning, kitchen remodeling brings new life to your house.

At the end of the day, your home is where you go to recharge your batteries, unplug from the world and spend cherished memories with those closest to you. You should be proud of every minute detail, room and structure of your property. Our ambition to help meet and exceed all of your aspirations in achieving functionality and comfort.

At Beresheet Construction and Design we are honored and passionate in the pursuit of these goals every time a client puts this responsibility in our hands.