A multi-function space from which the entire family thrives and grows, the kitchen is the soul of your home. It should be a place that rejuvenates you every morning when you step inside and inspires you to lead a healthier and happier life. The structure, style, colors, and cabinets – every element is crucial and deserves careful consideration when planning your kitchen.
If you have recently moved to a new place that you want to customize or you think your home kitchen could use some work, we have your back. Read to learn about the main components of a kitchen remodeling project that you need to consider while giving your kitchen a makeover to cater to your needs and bring your dream kitchen to life.
On average, around 84% of your kitchen remodeling budget goes into materials. The average cost of remodeling a midrange kitchen in the South Atlantic region of the United States is about $63,000, as per the Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 cost vs. value report. So, before you dive headfirst into the remodeling adventure, it’s important to know where you are putting your money. Luckily, there are plenty of options to fit every budget and family need when it comes to remodeling components. Keep reading to discover the one that suits you the best.
Cabinets
Cabinets are the spine of a kitchen. They hold your dishes, cookware, spices, food items, and even appliances. It costs between $3,000 and $25,000 to install new kitchen cabinets, depending on the material, square footage, and other factors. You need to make sure you choose the kind of cabinets that work the best with your kitchen structure and space. Below are some standard and most commonly used kitchen cabinet types.
Base Kitchen Cabinets
These are arguably the most crucial type of kitchen cabinets that serve as the foundation of your entire kitchen layout and storage. The base units support everything to be placed in the kitchen, supply the storage space for heavy cookware, and determine the location of heavy appliances such as the dishwasher.
The standard base cabinets are 34 ½ inches tall, between 9 inches and 42 inches wide, depending on the usage, and 24 inches deep without a countertop. Depending on the layout of your kitchen and the kind of storage you need, you can opt for full-height cabinets, lazy susan cabinets, or blind corner cabinets to optimize your space.
Wall Kitchen Cabinets
Wall cabinets are installed to store lighter kitchen items such as supplies, food items, and glassware. They are much more flexible with customization than the base kitchen cabinets when it comes to sizing. Wall cabinets are typically installed so that the bottom of the cabinets is 54 inches from the floor. This is to maintain the standard backsplash height of 18 inches between your countertop and the bottom of the wall cabinet.
Generally, wall cabinets are available in 30-, 36-, and 42-inch heights, 12 to 36 inches width, and 12 to 17 inches depth. Go for a 30-inch wall cabinet if you have an 8-foot ceiling with a 12-inch-high soffit, 36-inch if you have an 8-foot ceiling and you want to install stacked crown molding, and 42-inch if you have a 9+-foot ceiling or you would like the cabinet to reach the ceiling.
Tall Kitchen Cabinets
Tall kitchen cabinets are typically used as a pantry space or to fit appliances like an oven or microwave. It is important to measure appliance dimensions to make sure the wall cabinet is compatible. Tall cabinets are also installed to match the height of the wall cabinet to maintain symmetry in the layout.
Tall cabinets are generally 84, 90, or 96 inches tall but can be easily customized depending on the ceiling height and your preference. The width of tall cabinets is typically 30-36 inches to fit most ovens. However, semi-custom cabinets can range from 9 inches up to 36 inches with 3-inch intervals in width.
Sink
While working in the kitchen, the sink is one spot you are going to hit every once in a while. It makes for one of the main work zones in the kitchen so, obviously, it is important to spend time and carefully choose the kind of sink you should get in your kitchen that will suit your needs and aesthetic the best. The size, style, configuration, functionality, and shape are a few factors that need to be considered while remodeling your kitchen. Depending on the one you choose, the best kitchen sinks can cost between $199 to $699. Here are some of the main sink types to consider.
Undermount
An under-mount sink is installed inside the countertop and gives a seamless look with no rim show. It does not trap food and is a great option if you want to keep your kitchen clean. However, it needs professional installation and a strong and water-resistant surface to hold the sink in place.
Top-Mount
A top-mount or drop-in sink works by inserting it into a cut-out made into the countertop to fit the sink with the support of its rims. It can be installed with all kinds of countertops. However, the exposed rims trap food and stains that may be hard to clean.
Integrated
Integrated sinks are a part of the countertop and are crafted from the same material. They look seamlessly luxurious with no exposed rims. However, they are also the most expensive, and any damage may lead to an entire countertop replacement.
You also need to consider the configuration based on the functionality of the kitchen sink, and there are 3 main types you can choose from:
- Single-bowl Sink: If you have a small kitchen and you do not want your sink to take up too much space, then a single-bowl sink is the best option for you.
- Double-bowl Sink:If you have no space restraints, a double-bowl sink with one for washing utensils and the other for eatables works really well. You can keep the bowl sizes the same or opt for unequal bowl sizes.
- Drainboard Sink: Kitchen sinks with a drain board are becoming increasingly popular due to their utility. They help drain and dry the dishes after washing them.
Lighting
While lighting is a necessary element for supporting the functionality of the kitchen space, it goes beyond mere visibility and serves various other purposes. Although a single lighting fixture may serve the essential function, lights of different shades and intensities add warmth, help create balance, and enhance the aesthetics of the kitchen. Below are the different types of lighting you can use to add some personality to your space.
Surface Lighting
Surface lighting is designed to illuminate a large area and is generally mounted on the ceiling’s surface with multiple light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or it can be a single fixture holding one light bulb. This type of lighting is used to provide soft ambient light that spans all the kitchen area.
Recessed Lighting
These lighting fixtures are installed behind walls or ceilings so that only the light is visible and the fixture elements are hidden. Recessed lights appear seamless and exude a sense of space in the kitchen. Though it requires space above the ceiling to have such lighting.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights, suspended from the ceiling through rods or chains, are designed to illuminate specific surfaces like tables or kitchen islands. With a variety of designs, sizes and shapes to choose from, the right type can decorate and accentuate your kitchen space.
Task Lighting
Task lighting includes track lights, under-cabinet and in-cabinet lights. Track lights are ideal to highlight specific areas of your kitchen with direction flexibility. Under-cabinet lighting serves as a task light brightening up the counter or sink, in-cabinet lighting provides light inside to help pick items or highlight your decorations.
Appliances
Remodeling your outdated kitchen involves more than just a cosmetic makeover – it’s about enhancing functionality, too. Introducing modern kitchen appliances that make culinary tasks easier and quicker not only upgrades your kitchen but can also increase the value of your home, especially if you’re considering selling in the near future.
The latest trend with appliances in the kitchen is custom storage and integrated or hidden appliances. Creating customer storage space for each appliance in the cabinet helps cut clutter, and the integrated appliances maintain the overall aesthetic of the kitchen with no disruptions.
Here are certain kitchen appliances that you need to research and consider when remodeling your kitchen.
Burner
You can choose a gas or electric burner and these can be integrated or separate from your counters. An integrated burner does not sit separately on the countertop and comes as a part of it, creating a smooth, undisrupted aesthetic on the counter.
Fridge
Fridges can have side-by-side doors or top and bottom. Adding paneling over the fridge that complements the cabinets is an easy way to upgrade to a luxurious look for your kitchen.
Dishwasher
A complementing panel can be easily added over the door of an existing or new dishwasher to easily integrate it with the other cabinets in the base cabinet section.
Microwave
Microwaves can be integrated with your cabinet or placed on the countertop. You can select a microwave that complements and matches the design and colors of the surrounding cabinets to maintain the aesthetic as much as possible.
Oven
Ovens can be single, double or microwave ovens. A tip to match your cabinet with your appliances is using a darker cabinet color.
Materials
The material you choose for various elements in your kitchen significantly influences the end result of your remodeling project. Different materials cater to different needs and budgets. This section offers insights into specific materials in relation to certain kitchen elements to assist you in making the right choice for your kitchen.
Flooring
Flooring makes up about 7% of the budget of a kitchen remodeling project, and it is one of the first tasks after walls that needs proper consideration.
Hardwood
This one is a classic choice that gives a vintage look to your kitchen. You can easily revamp it by selecting one from the rainbow color options. However, it is not waterproof and may get slippery.
Tile
Tile flooring is a super popular and durable flooring material offering various options in patterns, materials, sizes, and colors. This makes them easily customizable to suit any theme you choose for your kitchen.
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable option that you can use to achieve the hardwood floor look without breaking the bank. They come in waterproof and non-waterproof options and can be DIYed.
Countertops
Countertops are among the highlights of a kitchen remodeling project. You want to make sure you choose the best material to suit your culinary needs and your budget. Here are some A-list options to consider.
Granite
One of the most commonly used materials for countertops, granite, is where durability meets versatility. It comes in a stunning array of lights and darks, and it’s also quite low maintenance.
Quartz
Quartz or engineered stone is emerging as the MVP of the countertop world owing to its incredible durability and low maintenance. They are practically maintenance-free and pro-hygienic as they do not trap bacteria or viruses.
Laminate
If you are not ready to splurge on a countertop but do not want to compromise on the look either, laminate is the material for you. Budget-friendly, easy to install, and low maintenance, laminate is the savior of style-conscious but budget-efficient.
Marble
Marble is synonym of luxury and elegance in kitchen countertops. It requires more maintenance than most other materials due to its porous natural composition. Marble requires careful handling and regular sealing because it is highly susceptible to breaking, staining and etching. Still, marble’s natural and timeless beauty make it the ideal choice for anyone looking to have a luxurious and unique kitchen.
Backsplash
Gone are the days when backsplashes were only meant to protect the walls from cooking splashes. Today, it has become something of a statement element in the modern kitchen. Here are a few materials you can consider for the backsplash while remodeling your kitchen.
Ceramic Tile
Turning your culinary arena into a canvas of creativity, the extremely versatile ceramic tiles come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. They are also super easy to clean and replace. The installation may cost you between $600 to $1,200, depending on the tile you choose.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are the unsung heroes in the world of backsplash with brilliant durability and premium look, lagging behind ceramic tiles only in shine and design variety. You will likely spend between $10 to $12 per square foot for porcelain tile installation.
Glass Tile
Offering a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, glass tiles stand as a work of art for a backsplash. You can go for different types of glass, such as glossy, frosted, matte, and iridescent. Glass tiles may cost around $9 to $18 per square foot.
Shelves and Doors
The shelves and doors of your kitchen cabinets are the main characters of your entire kitchen aesthetic. Compromising on their quality or appearance can hamper the entire effort of kitchen remodeling. This guide explores some of the best materials for shelves and doors, helping you make informed choices.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Versatile enough to adapt to any kitchen style, MDF shelves and doors give a smooth, grain-free finish. Looking effortlessly sleek, it is also water-resistant, making it suitable for high-moisture areas.
Wood
The classic allure of solid wood never fails to charm, and the durability is a major plus. The strong and environmentally friendly adds elegance to any space, but is also expensive and stain-prone.
Plywood
For those who want a premium look without burning a hole in the pocket, plywood is your ideal material choice. Boasting durability, lightness, and a knack for easy fixes, it also easily adapts to all kitchen vibes.
Baseboards
Although not considered a prominent part of kitchen remodeling generally, the baseboard is one of those tiny details that significantly impact the durability and finishing of the project. Here are a few materials for baseboards because, in the grand scheme of kitchen perfection, no detail is too small.
MDF
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is an affordable choice for baseboards. It is a wood product manufactured by pressing wood fibers together under high pressure. Since it does not have a natural wood grain, it’s not good for staining, but it does have high adhesion to paint. While MDF is resistant to moisture, it can still swell and warp when exposed to water directly.
Wood
A timeless housing material, wood is an ideal baseboard material that can withstand physical damage. Jointed pine stands out as the most affordable among natural wood products. Since jointed pine is pre-primed and treated, it eliminates knots and warping that are typical with regular pine wood.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are ideal for those looking for specific wood stains on their baseboards. These wood types absorb stain and varnish effectively, though they come at a higher cost compared to jointed pine and MDF. The popularity of hardwoods for baseboards is largely due to their robustness and long-lasting nature.
Once you have decided on your ideal features and materials for your kitchen remodel, you can contact us for an estimate for your project. If you have any questions about other features and material options, feel free to call us at (352) 645-7561.