Kitchens are big-ticket items when it comes to home renovations. Although raising resale value is a big plus when renovations are complete, you need to be able to navigate and enjoy the finished product.
When deciding on a redesign, “The first thing you need to do is take a serious look at how you use your kitchen,” said interior designer Sharon Bledsoe, owner of Sharon Bledsoe Designs in Pleasant Hill. “Are you a cook? Is it a place where you all gather? The right design can make you enjoy the work and the space.”
For example, if your favorite thing to whip up for dinner is takeout, leave the six-burner gas range out of the plans. If you like to reenact episodes of Top Chef, make ergonomics and top quality appliances a priority.
2. Consider your space
Once you know what you want from your kitchen, consider what needs to be changed in your existing space. “I ask people if they can achieve their goals in the space that’s there,” Bledsoe said. “If you need more space than you have, see if there’s a room that can be incorporated, a back hallway or a porch. That’s the expensive option, so be thoughtful about whether that’s necessary.”
Unless your DIY skills are legendary, it’s best to work with professional designers and contractors on a kitchen project. These professionals use their experience to help you configure your space to your needs. “Once a client has either called in or walked in, we offer a no-cost, in-home consultation and get measurements,” said Cathy Johnson, owner of Kitchens By Design in Kettering.
3. Be budget-conscious
Redesigning your kitchen is one of the most expensive changes you can make to a home. Many homeowners have a “dream kitchen” in mind when it comes time to start the project. “A lot of people come in with ideas from Pinterest or Houzz,” Johnson said. “Clients are a bit more well-informed these days.” However, don’t get too attached to the exact things you see online.
You can still have a beautifully redesigned kitchen, even within a strict budget. “We all have a budget, whatever that might be,” Johnson said. “We can meet that budget if we know what it is. It helps to guide us into which product line to use, as most products have a good/better/best system.”
Johnson explained that materials costs can add up quickly, so homeowners should choose each item wisely – flooring, cabinetry, backsplashes and more will be needed.
4. Stay off the bandwagon
Trends can be fun, but they’re not usually a wise investment. Unless it’s an item you’ll use all the time, it’s best to steer clear of super trendy features and colors. “Don’t be swayed by trends. Classic design never looks dated, so do something that’s going to be timeless,” Bledsoe said. “Trends come and go; they’re not something you need to do, so be sure you will use the item and it makes sense with the way you cook.”
“We try to be aware of trends, but being in the Midwest, we don’t see a lot of avant garde,” said Johnson. “We try to guide people toward the tried-and-true, what’s not going to be a period piece 10 years from now.”
5. Hire smart
As with any home project, be sure to work with professionals you trust. “Hire a designer and a reliable contractor,” Bledsoe advised. Try getting contractor recommendations from friends, builders’ organizations or the Better Business Bureau.
“What it comes down to is the comfort and trust level,” Johnson said.
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