Sometimes all your tired kitchen needs are a few updates. For example, you may be considering new appliances. For example, check out the cool features on the front of the updated refrigerator, as well as the up-to-date wall oven, in this kitchen.
For many of us living in older homes, keeping it up to date seems like a constant work in progress. Oftentimes, if the space works reasonably well as it is, it doesn’t seem necessary to undergo a full blown remodel. Today, there is a growing focus on aesthetics plus keeping up with the latest in kitchen technology. Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen is usually the one you want to keep updated the most. So how can you do this without blowing your budget?
First of all, it’s important to consider the most functional aspects of your kitchen and focus on upgrading these first. According to Home Advisor, updating countertops and cabinets are homeowners’ top priority. But it’s also important to update certain other features such as appliances, flooring, lighting fixtures, and sinks. The question you have to ask before any remodeling adventure is: “What about your space doesn’t work?” But building function into a space is far more expensive than aesthetic upgrades. Maybe all you really need is new countertops, flooring, lighting, or a new sink.
When it comes to countertops, granite is still the most popular choice. However, quartz countertops, such as those from Silestone by Cosentino, have been quickly gaining in popularity. Other options include ceramic, concrete, Corian, slate, soapstone, and wood. If you are on a really tight budget, modern laminate choices will amaze you, and can transform a kitchen. A new countertop can almost completely transform a kitchen aesthetically on its own. Having a countertop that will look clean for the foreseeable future definitely helps a space in multiple ways.
If you have the funds and desire for a more substantial update, refacing or re-dooring cabinets is a popular option, although re-painting or re-staining can be an even more affordable option if the existing cabinets are worth the investment. For new cabinets, Home Advisor says that the most popular options were red oak, cherry, and laminate. If you decide to replace your cabinets, make sure that you choose the most solid construction that you can afford. There are good options for laminate cabinets, but be sure you’re getting ones that will stand the test of time. You want them to look good, but also function properly for years to come.
In this modernized bistro kitchen, notice that the range top is separate from the oven. Also, you can see the television/computer mounted under the upper cabinet on the left.
You may also be considering updating your appliances. This is probably the best way to upgrade the function of your kitchen. Unless you’re considering much larger appliances, you don’t have change the layout of your cabinetry at all to accommodate them. One of the main reasons to look into updating them includes energy efficiency. With so many ENERGY STAR certified models of refrigerators, stoves, wall ovens, and microwaves available today, there are plenty of sizes and features to choose from. You can make back much of the cost of the new appliances in energy savings over the life of your new units.
Also, if your kitchen can accommodate it, a larger refrigerator can actually save you in the long run. A refrigerator that’s too full has to work overtime. Not only does this mean that it likely won’t properly keep food cool or frozen, but it also takes a lot more energy and can wear out your fridge more quickly. With energy efficient models, a bigger fridge, if you actually need it, is actually better. Having stoves, wall ovens, or microwaves that have new features that you will actually use are also handy. If you want to compare the various options available when it comes to appliances, Yale Appliance has a handy resource guide to help you make decisions about what you want to look for when you are buying appliances.
If you don’t want to invest in new cabinets, appliances and countertops, there are many simple and less expensive ways to help your older kitchen feel fresh. New flooring isn’t all that expensive, especially in a smaller kitchen. Perhaps you don’t even need a new sink, and just need a new faucet. New decorative hardware can make your cabinetry feel new. That is a very simple change you can make yourself. Check out our information on decorative hardware choices. Updated lighting fixtures, or even just light bulbs, can provide more light with less power usage.
If you’re really stuck about what you need to focus on for upgrading your kitchen, ask your friendly local Kitchen Views designer for advice. Remember, Kitchen Views is where the designers are pros and the views are yours.
Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Kitchen Views' Blog 