Remodeling a kitchen can be a daunting task for a homeowner. If you feel the same, then don’t worry, here is a detailed guideline for a complete revamp to improve your kitchen’s functionality. Not only will it make your space more organized and optimal in terms of utility, but it will automatically boost its aesthetic appeal as well. Without further ado, here are the tips and tricks for a kitchen remodel.
Planning for Optimal Kitchen Layout
Consider the Work Triangle for Efficiency
The work triangle is the holy grail of a successful kitchen revamp. What is the kitchen triangle? It is the distance between the three most important parts of the kitchen, namely the stove, the sink and the refrigerator. Ideally, the design of the kitchen should be such that you can move around freely between these three fixtures, often in a straight line. Irrespective of the design of the kitchen, be it a galley kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen or a more conventional L-shaped kitchen, the work triangle is still applicable. The distance between the fixtures can typically vary from 4 to 12 feet. However, this distance is not set in stone.
Maximize Storage with Custom Solutions
Apart from reinforcing the basics, you should plan to maximize your storage space with a custom kitchen design. This can take on many forms. For instance, you can add a kitchen island to maximize your countertop space. Furthermore, you can use the base of the island for storage in the form of drawers or cabinets, making the space aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Similarly, if you are an avid cook and desire extra storage for keeping all your provisions, a walk-in pantry can be an excellent choice too, provided you have the space.
Smart Storage Solutions for Improved Functionality
Utilize Vertical Space for Extra Storage
For compact kitchens, using every inch optimally becomes paramount. One of the best ways to ensure this is by fully utilizing your vertical space. For example, go for open shelving on your blank walls and improve your storage space exponentially. Alternatively, opt for shelf risers in existing cabinetry to add another shelf or layer of storage space. Wall-mounted racks are another excellent choice for hanging some cookware or glasses and saving up even more on storage.
Incorporate Drawer Organizers and Pull-Out Shelves
Maximizing storage space without working on improving accessibility is a telltale sign of poor planning. You can avoid this mistake altogether by incorporating increased some smart solutions such as drawer organizers and pull-out shelves. Organizers help you find all your cookware and utensils with ease, saving time while prepping a meal. Similarly, pul-out shelves are fantastic for improving accessibility, especially for large, deep cabinetry, where rummaging through the shelves can be tiresome.
Choose the Right Cabinetry for Your Needs
Lastly, make sure all solutions and extensions in storage match your unique requirements. If you have a home with high foot traffic or with children in the house, then going for shaker-style cabinets for the base cabinets might be a better choice. Being simple and robust, they are easy to maintain and classy. Splurge instead on your wall cabinets as they are directly in your eyeline and will draw the attention of any guests. Combining some basic sensibility and planning with the right fixtures can significantly improve the functionality of your storage space.
Lighting and Electrical Upgrades for a Functional Kitchen
Plan for Task and Ambient Lighting
Kitchen lighting is a nuanced topic that can breathe new life into your kitchen if you do it just right. While customizations require plenty of planning and some amount of bravery, here are some basic tips to make the most out of your remodeling project. Focus mainly on task and ambient lighting and you will solve most of your lighting woes.
Task lighting is the type of lighting which helps to illuminate certain areas of the kitchen where you perform important tasks. Some good examples include lights right above cooktops, stovetops, under the cabinets and fixtures above the sink. The idea here is to illuminate these areas so you can cook, prep and wash dishes safely and effectively.
Ambient lighting is the broad, overall lighting scheme of the kitchen and it sets the aesthetic tone of the space. Some classic examples are pendant lights or recessed light fixtures. Make sure the lighting is not too bright and if required, perhaps it can even be dulled.
Ensure Adequate Electrical Outlets and Safe Wiring
Electrical outlets are often one of the most overlooked aspects of the modern kitchen, which is ironic considering how much technology and appliances have become a part of our lives. Make sure to add numerous electrical outlets throughout your kitchen. If you feel the need, you can even add USB ports so you can charge various devices and appliances as you go about your day.
However, when you do add these outlets, make sure the installation is done safely and properly. Always enroll the services of a master electrician when planning to install multiple outlets, as they will safely add the wiring and underlying framework to ensure there are no instances of overloading or short circuits if you use multiple appliances at once.
Integrating Modern Appliances and Technology
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
With an ever-increasing emphasis on reducing energy consumption and lowering your carbon footprint, opting for energy-efficient appliances is the obvious choice. Not only will it save energy for you, but it will also be less likely to create electrical problems in the future with prolonged use.
Integrate Smart Technology for Enhanced Convenience
You can take the energy efficiency of the appliances one step further by opting for smart technology. Nowadays, refrigerators and stoves also come equipped with WiFi, making it easy to adjust the energy consumption of the appliance as per its usage. The next obvious benefit of smart technology is its sheer convenience. Now you have refrigerators that are connected to your smartphone that can notify you if groceries are running low, or there are stoves you can preheat remotely from your phone. The same goes for lighting and even your coffeemaker. Therefore, if budget is no bar, go all out with smart technology and capitalize on energy efficiency and convenience.
Conclusion
In closing, with proper planning, maximizing your storage space, choosing the right lighting and outlets, and going for modern smart appliances, you can completely flip the look and functionality of your kitchen. Follow these tips to the letter and your kitchen remodeling project will be a resounding success.
Apart from that if you want to know about “Demystifying the Role of Starch in HiPP Formula: A Parent’s Guide” then please visit our “Kitchen” Category.
