Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Consider prior to Remodeling Your Kitchen
By Mark J. Donovan
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Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular and financially worthwhile home improvement projects you can make. It is considered by many to be the most important room in the house. Consequently it is important that you thoroughly think through what kitchen remodeling ideas you want in your kitchen remodeling project. Besides the normal considerations in a kitchen remodeling plan such as what type of cabinets, appliances and countertops to install, you should also consider a number of more subtle ideas. Below we discuss some of them.
Kitchen Lighting Kitchen Lighting is extremely important. You need direct work area light as well as indirect lighting. |
As a result, you should consider installing spot-lights (incandescent or halogen “can” lights) above the kitchen countertops where you expect to do the majority of your food preparation.
You may also want to consider putting hidden recessed fluorescent lights under and even above the upper kitchen cabinets. Indirect lighting should be placed over eating areas.
| Garbage Storage and Disposal
A garbage bin sitting next to a wall in a kitchen area is unsightly and not very hygienic. You should consider in your kitchen cabinet design to include a pull out cabinet or a tilt cabinet for storing the garbage bin. A garbage disposal is a great kitchen sink accessory, and if you are on municipal sewage you should definitely consider installing one in the new kitchen cabinet design, if the original kitchen has not already been wired for it. Note: if your home is on a private septic system, you may not be able to install a garbage disposal in the new remodeled kitchen. |
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Kitchen Windows
Kitchen windows provide additional indirect lighting as well as enable airflow. Garden windows are a great choice over the kitchen sink area as they allow lots of light into the kitchen and provide a great area for storing plants and other kitchen accessories.
| Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are the largest and most expensive aspect of your kitchen remodeling project. It is important to take your time when doing your kitchen design. It is best to work with a professional kitchen designer that can give you specific tips and ideas for your specific kitchen room dimensions and objectives. It is important not to skimp in terms of quality and features on your cabinets, as they are heavily used and will probably be expected to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. What does this specifically mean? |
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It means use solid hardwoods for cabinet material. You should also consider other unique features including; glass in cabinet doors, lazy Susans, and slide out drawers.
Kitchen Countertops
There are a lot of choices here. There are the traditional wood laminate countertops as well as Silestone, Granite, and Soapstone countertops. Silestone and granite countertops are the rage today and are comparatively priced. Specific features when designing your kitchen countertops include beveled edges, backsplashes, and colors. Look at all your options for each one of these accent pieces when designing your kitchen countertops.
| Kitchen Flooring
Kitchen flooring is also very important in planning your new kitchen remodeling project. Kitchen flooring options include vinyl, linoleum, tile, and wood flooring. Prices vary widely. Vinyl/Linoleum are soft on the feet and relatively inexpensive but do not stand the test of time. Tile flooring in the kitchen has increased in popularity, however care has to be given in selecting the right type, size and style of ceramic tile to minimize concerns for scratching and breakage due to frequent dropping of objects. Hardwood floors are also popular in high-end kitchen remodeling projects. Certain wood flooring products, such as cork, can provide the comfort, durability and even sound proofing that are needed in a good kitchen design. |
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Also, you may want to consider radiant floor heating in the kitchen. This is highly useful when choosing tile flooring.
For help on your kitchen remodeling project, see my Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive kitchen remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the project.
Related Information
Additional Kitchen Remodeling Design Resources
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