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No room is more integral to the functionality of a home than the kitchen, and it’s for this reason that so many homeowners choose to renovate this particular room.
Whether you’re simply dreaming of a kitchen that will be big enough to fit the whole family in at once, or have a much more impressive vision for a vibrant space that really captures the imagination; nothing says ‘home’ quite like a kitchen, and yours deserves to shout it from the rooftops!
However, there are many things to take into account when planning a kitchen renovation with a general contractor, and some basic dos and don’ts that if not heeded, have the potential to ruin the space, and ruin your kitchen dreams.
Here are some of the most basic dos and don’ts to follow for a successful kitchen renovation:
Dos:
- Prioritize efficiency and flow
Whatever the size of your kitchen, it will always need to function as a space for cooking in and storing food etc. As such, it’s important to think about how the space will flow when certain activities are being carried out. For instance, having the stove close to the sink, is convenient when clearing dirty pots and pans away, and having a large countertop for preparing food that’s close to the refrigerator, also makes sense.
- Plan for bigger appliances first
It’s much easier to figure out where you want your refrigerator and oven first, and then position the drawers, shelves and cabinets around them afterwards, than vice versa. Appliances come in very specific dimensions, which means there are only a few viable positions for them to go in a kitchen. Storage, on the other hand, can always be customized to fit any space.
- Think about vertical storage
Any wall space that might be considered as negative, can be utilized for cabinets, drawers and shelving, and you might also want to consider wall hooks and pot racks that can be hung overhead to save more space, and yet still be convenient.
- Look toward the future
Stylistically, trends within home renovations can change awfully quickly, and what was once an on-trend kitchen, can so easily become yesterdays design news. Although you want your kitchen to be a space you can express yourself and your design ideas in, you don’t want it to look outdated in a couple of years’ time, so try to incorporate classic looks with elements of the latest fashion, for a more rounded look that will last well into the future.
- Trust your general contractor
Provided you choose an experienced general contractor, they will likely have a wealth of knowledge and guidance to share with you, and they may even be able to save you some money. So always take time to listen to their opinions before wading in with your own ideas.
Don’ts:
- Ignore the classic triangle design rule
Based around the three most significant appliances in anyone’s kitchen: the refrigerator, sink, and stove, the triangle design rule promotes the minimizing of space between these important and functional areas of the kitchen.
- Neglect lighting
There’s nothing worse than trying to prepare food without enough light to see what you’re doing, and it’s even worse trying to eat without being able to see what’s on your plate! Make sure your lighting is bright enough where it needs to be, and in the right position.
- Forget about the backsplash
Backsplashes represent a unique opportunity for stamping some of your personality into a space, and while they are essential in terms of protecting the walls of your kitchen from grease and grime, they are also important stylistically; forget about them at your peril.
Finally, don’t rush into things. Because the kitchen is such an important room in the home, its design deserves to be given due consideration during a renovation. Rushing into the project without giving the entire process proper thought, and without having discussed it at length with your general contractor, may result in a less than successful space.
