Kitchens are a place of sustenance and sociability. Food, family, and friends mingle to create a winning combination. So it makes perfect sense that remodels are so often geared toward the kitchen. What about thinking of your kitchen in the long-term sense, in terms of investment and return? Will your kitchen remodel projects be a positive contribution to your home’s value or will they erode that value?

To maximize the financial return on your kitchen remodels, keep the basics in mind and avoid trends. Trends are fun, but buyers are more informed than ever and place greater importance on solid elements like counters, cabinets, and good lighting.

A kitchen is more than just a stunning backsplash and gorgeous cabinets. Integrate these thoughtful tips when planning your kitchen remodel for a space that is functional and easy to work and live in.

Set a Budget

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen completely, be prepared to pay about 10% or 15% of your home’s current value. That’s no arbitrary percentage; it’s a budget that ensures that the quality of your improvements stays in line with your home’s worth. Although spending too little is a concern, it’s equally important to avoid overspending. Be sure to allow leeway for surprises. Who knows what plumbing or wiring nightmares lurk in the walls behind those old cabinets?

Design Wide Walkways

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Paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly.

Direct Traffic

For kid-friendly kitchen designs, keep the cooktop out of traffic areas so children don’t catch handles and cause spills when running through. Also, make the refrigerator accessible to both passersby and people working in cooking and cleanup areas.

Safety First

Seriously consider installing child locks on kitchen cabinets and drawers that contain anything that could be hazardous to both children and pets. Child locks are a cheap addition to any kitchen. They are also very easy to uninstall once you no longer need them, which is good news for your house’s resale value.

Use Light Colors in a Small Kitchen

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Dark color schemes shrink an already small space and make it less inviting. Use soft shades on kitchen cabinets and natural light to visually expand the room.

Another trick to make a small kitchen feel larger is by keeping window curtains pulled back so as much light as possible streams in. If this isn’t a viable option for you, consider using softer light bulbs in your overhead lighting and having a mirror or two reflect this light around the room.

Carefully Plan Landing Spaces

When designing your kitchen, allow 15 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop and refrigerator. Landing space is also important near the microwave.

Consider Countertops

Those who cook frequently require more counter space — ideally between the range and sink — than those who cook infrequently or who prepare simple meals. Incorporating two countertop heights makes baking easy and helps kids who are involved in meal preparation.

Some Remodeling Ideas

Upgrading a kitchen is full of possibilities, and even a few simple budget ideas can refresh, modernize your kitchen design. Explore some kitchen decor ideas and get inspiration to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Brass Accents

Appearing in cabinet hardware, drawer pulls, faucets, and light fixtures, brass finishes on decorative elements add a touch of shine to your kitchen’s design. And no matter the finish—satin, unlacquered, or polished brass—this metal makes a stylish statement.

Integrated Appliances

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Designed to fit flush and coordinate with kitchen cabinetry, integrated appliances, particularly refrigerators and dishwashers, are on the rise, according to industry experts. Today’s options prevent utilitarian appliances from breaking up sightlines and seamlessly disappear into surrounding cabinetry to provide a more cohesive look and luxurious aesthetic.

Upgrade Backsplash

Updating your cooking and food-prep area with a tile backsplash is a visually appealing, functional and long-lasting design choice, and it allows plenty of room for your own creativity to shine through. If you opt for subway tile, you can even design your own pattern that harmonizes with the look you want.

Make the most of Nooks and Corners

Make the most of an underused corner, and add extra storage space, by transforming it into a multipurpose nook for working, informal dining or simply enjoying a quite cup of coffee. Don’t forget to accessorize your nook with plenty of plump pillows for maximum comfort.

Update your lighting

Lighting is as important for the look it creates as it is for functionality in your kitchen. Updating old fittings with fresh new on-trend lighting designs will give the whole room a lift.

Conclusion

With the kitchen trends that keep changing every year, it’s important to renovate your kitchen smartly that fits every trend and never gets outdated. For all types of kitchen remodeling solutions, consider CCS Remodeling Company.