Few homes remodels projects yield a higher ROI than a kitchen refresh. If you want to upgrade your kitchen, consult a professional Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA who can help you design a plan. Consider incorporating features that will simplify upkeep. For example, installing a swing-out faucet that can fill pots right next to the stove saves time and effort.

The kitchen layout is an essential aspect to consider when you’re remodeling. It will determine the placement of cabinets, countertops, appliances, and seating and can greatly impact your kitchen’s overall functionality. It’s important to think about your kitchen layout before you start selecting materials.

When choosing a kitchen layout, it’s important to consider the available space and your lifestyle. Different layouts work better for different spaces, and each has its pros and cons. For example, a single-wall kitchen is ideal for small spaces as it saves space by placing all of the cabinetry and appliances along one wall. However, this type of kitchen can feel cramped if too many people use the room at once.

Another option is a galley kitchen. This layout is named after the kitchens found on ships, or “galleys,” and it consists of two long, narrow walls with cabinets and appliances on either side. This type of kitchen has a reputation for being cramped, but modern designs have made it more spacious by adding features like open shelving and focal tile backsplashes.

Finally, you can also go with an L-shaped kitchen layout. This is a popular choice because it works well in most spaces and is a great way to add extra storage and seating. It is best used when the kitchen is located next to a dining area or family room.

Regardless of the layout you choose, it’s important to remember that your kitchen should be functional and work for your lifestyle. Avoid over-customizing your kitchen, as this may limit its appeal to future home buyers and could reduce the resale value of your property.

If you’re unsure which layout will work best for your kitchen, consider consulting with a general contractor who offers kitchen remodel services. They will be able to provide suggestions and even offer plan sketches as part of their bids for your project. It’s important to keep in mind that your kitchen is a high-traffic area of the house and that you should design it with that in mind.

Even if you’re not going to spend a fortune on appliances, you can still spend a lot of money on the features and finishes that make a kitchen stand out. That’s why it’s important to decide on a design for your dream kitchen, then shop for the materials that fit within your budget.

Then consider what other features you want from your appliances, such as a sleek European-style fridge or a chef-inspired Professional range. Appliances come in a wide array of styles, from retro to sleek contemporary, so it’s easy to find models that complement your kitchen design.

For example, a new stainless-steel refrigerator might cost more than a similar model in a different color, but it will probably work well with the cabinets and countertop you’ve chosen for your space. Similarly, a range might have a high price tag, but it may also offer advanced controls that simplify the way you cook.

It’s worth visiting a retailer showroom before making your purchase to see how the various options actually perform in person. That can help you understand how large the time and temperature displays are on a range or oven, for instance, as well as what kind of knobs, buttons, touchscreens and other tactical features they have. You can also learn about the specifics of a particular brand by using CR’s Appliance Buying Guides, which include our expert product reviews and smart shopping tips.

Keep in mind that the cost of materials will be a significant factor in the overall expense of a kitchen remodel, but you can often save on these costs by choosing lower-end models with fewer bells and whistles. Then, if you have the money to spare, consider adding just a few luxuries that will make your kitchen more enjoyable to use.

One of the biggest investments in kitchen remodeling is countertops. The good news is that homeowners can choose from a variety of colors and materials to match any style. The most popular choice is granite, but there are also a number of natural stone options, including marble, concrete, and even wood.

Laminate is a budget-friendly option that offers the look of more expensive materials like quartz and granite but at half the price. This material is heat-resistant, stain resistant, and durable and won’t hurt your home’s resale value.

A butcher block is another budget-friendly option that provides a rustic, country feel to any kitchen. This countertop is easy to sanitize and looks beautiful in any kitchen. However, wood is susceptible to scratching and denting, so this material is better suited to an accent countertop or island instead of a main countertop surface.

Granite is the top choice among many homeowners because it’s luxurious, natural, and adds value to a home. It comes in a wide range of colors, and the stone’s unique composition creates a one-of-a-kind design that is hard to duplicate. When choosing this material, it is important to pick a color that complements other features in your kitchen, such as the cabinets or backsplash.

Backsplashes offer the perfect opportunity to add a pop of personality and contrast to your counters. Whether you prefer a clean, simple look of quartz or something more adventurous, such as a colorful glass tile, there is a backsplash that will suit your kitchen’s aesthetic.

While many homeowners use a professional kitchen designer when planning their kitchen remodel, they can make the process easier by shopping around before making their final decision. Most reputable kitchen remodeling websites double as sales resources for various companies, so it’s best to use independent research sources to determine the average cost of each product and how it fits into your remodel budget.

A new backsplash or a unique lighting fixture can also be a smart way to improve your kitchen without breaking the bank. Purchasing items from secondhand stores or using DIY projects, such as this example where a track-lighting system is hidden behind wooden boxes and wine bottles cut with a bottle cutter purchased online, can add character to your kitchen and keep the overall remodel cost under budget.

Cabinets are arguably the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, grades, and finishes and can have an enormous impact on your overall project costs. Some designs require special hardware, specialized materials, or intricate features that all increase your bottom line.

The style of cabinetry you choose also defines your kitchen design, so make sure to take the time to consider all of the options and costs before making a final decision. A few popular choices include slab cabinets, which are flat-fronted and offer the lowest price tag. They are a great choice for minimalist kitchens and can be spiced up with unique paint colors or staining. They can also be made to look more sophisticated with the addition of oversized handles or other hardware details.

Face-framed cabinets are a more traditional option that comes in a number of door mounting configurations. They can have doors that overlay the face frames or inset into them for a more integrated appearance. They can also have partial overlay doors, which allow a view of the face frame when closed. Or, they can have full-overlay doors that fit tightly and obscure the frame when opened.

Louvered cabinets are another popular choice that provides both texture and visual interest to a kitchen. They consist of horizontal wood slats, which are usually stained or painted to match the cabinets. They can be used as an accent to solid cabinets or paired with glass front doors for a more modern feel.

Another option is to replace the doors with open shelving. These are great for displaying decorative items and can help keep your countertops clear of clutter. They can also be used for frequently accessed items like cookbooks, servingware, and drinkware.

Another trend is to add under-cabinet or top-of-cabinet lighting for both task and mood lighting. There are a variety of lighting options available, including puck lights, under-cabinet fluorescent fixtures, and LED strip lights. The key is to choose a light that will complement the existing color scheme of your kitchen and coordinate with the rest of the room.