Photos By: Stock Images

One of the most worthwhile home upgrades is a full-scale kitchen remodel. But where do you begin? Below are some simple steps to put you on the path to completing your masterpiece and transforming your dated or small space into an inviting, functional showplace. 

Determine budget, timeline, and project goals

Taking the time to create a detailed plan is one of the most important steps when planning out a kitchen remodel. It can be helpful to start by clearly defining a budget, timeline and project goals that you’d like to achieve. Before getting started, it is essential to determine the total amount of money you are willing and able to spend, as well as what kinds of features and materials you would like included in the project. Consider how long you expect the work to take and make sure to allow for some flexibility for unexpected expenses or delays. 

Perhaps most importantly, consider how your kitchen remodel can help improve both its functionality and aesthetics in order to meet your overall goals for the space. Taking the time up front will help ensure your finished kitchen remodeling project turns out just as you envisioned it.

Map out your space 

Mapping out your kitchen space is a critical step in the kitchen remodel process. Before you start picking out materials and appliances, get out a tape measure and figure out exactly how much room you have to work with. This will help you determine how much of the existing layout you can keep, what modifications to make and what type of appliances and materials you can use. 

It’s important to remember that not all spaces are ideal for certain types of appliances or materials – choosing the right ones for your kitchen size and style is key to achieving an aesthetically pleasing space. When selecting appliances, consider energy efficiency ratings, size and power outputs, cost, color and brand reputation as well as features like convection ovens or induction cooktops. When selecting materials, focus on durability, aesthetics, maintenance requirements and environmental impact. 

Invest in quality materials 

Quality materials are an integral part of any successful kitchen remodel, so it’s important to research which ones will enhance the look and lifecycle of the space for years to come. 

Durable countertops, floors, and cabinets are essential choices when planning your remodel as they will provide lasting performance both aesthetically and practically – meaning you won’t have to replace them anytime soon. Some popular options include solid surface or quartz countertops, high-end hardwood or tile floors, as well as custom cabinets in a range of styles. With careful consideration, selecting quality materials can be the foundation for a beautiful remodeled kitchen.

Consider hiring a professional contractor 

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, hiring a professional contractor is strongly recommended. 

Professional contractors have experience and knowledge that can make all the difference when it comes to executing the project in an efficient and cost-effective manner. They not only provide practical steps for planning out the remodel but offer valuable advice too. Plus, they will have connections to industry experts who are familiar with construction materials and regulations, allowing you to get exactly what you want in terms of design and style without ever having to worry that something might be overlooked or improperly executed. 

One of the most costly expenses in any remodel can be redoing tasks due to shoddy construction.

Design it yourself or hire a designer?

Kitchen remodels are an exciting part of investing in your home, but they can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating existing elements, the first decision is the same:

Should you design it yourself, or hire a professional designer? Creating a custom design that matches your unique style and needs can be incredibly rewarding. 

After determining your goals and budget, do some research online to decide whether designing it yourself or hiring an experienced designer can best help you fulfill your kitchen design dreams. 

If you’re up for tackling some DIY projects and have the know-how, a home remodel may not require professional help. However, if you feel unsure about creating a cohesive look or putting together complicated elements in your remodel, hiring an interior designer could be the right move for you.

Be prepared for unexpected expenses

Kitchen remodeling can present unexpected expenses, so it is important to plan accordingly. It is wise to have some extra money set aside for any potential costs that you may not have predicted. Having a buffer can be highly beneficial if you discover the need for extra supplies or services. Furthermore, it’s best to save up enough extra funds so that later on during the project you don’t experience a financial strain that could interfere with your desired outcome. 

Planning a kitchen remodel can be intimidating, but by creating a roadmap  and staying disciplined throughout the process, you can save yourself time and money

Photos By: Stock Images

If you have an outdated layout, you might have to make some changes to improve the flow of your space. You might also consider refinishing your existing cabinets or installing under-cabinet lighting.

Budgeting

If you’re considering a Kitchen Remodel, there are several factors you should take into account. These include your income, savings, and the price of materials. Considering how much you’d need to borrow to cover the project’s cost would be best. You can do this by refinancing your house or borrowing against your retirement account. The best option is to use low-interest loans, as they will pay less interest over time than an investment account with a higher rate of return.

Once you know the total amount you’ll need, you’ll be able to choose where to spend your money. For example, one way to save money on cabinetry is to get quartz countertops without replacing the rest of the cabinetry. Another option is to paint the cabinets instead of replacing them. In addition, you can skip the appliance upgrade and focus on the cabinets if you’re not looking to spend money on the countertops.

Recessed Ceiling Fixtures

Recessed ceiling fixtures are a great way to illuminate a kitchen. They can help illuminate focal areas such as a fireplace or bookshelf. They can also be used to provide additional light for a kitchen’s stovetop. Recessed lights can also be placed under kitchen cabinets to provide additional illumination. Recessed lighting comes in many shapes and styles. Some are flat and smooth, while others have large grooves to catch extra light.

Recessed ceiling lights provide even illumination but can also create shadows below obstacles or other areas. You can place recessed lights around the perimeter of a kitchen, or you can direct them to the edges of a counter or island bar. If you install recessed lights in your kitchen, ensure they fit well with the existing fixtures.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting can enhance your kitchen’s beauty and function. You can choose to install plug-in, battery-operated, or hard-wired fixtures. Hard-wired models plug into an existing socket and can be grouped to provide a consistent light source. Plug-in lights are typically smaller and require no batteries. Plug-in lights are great for older kitchens that still have existing sockets.

There are two basic under-cabinet lights: puck lights and bar lights. Puck lights are battery-powered and stick to surfaces, making them convenient for small areas or those without plugs. Bar lights, on the other hand, are permanent fixtures. They are available in a variety of lengths and can be dimmed.

Refinishing Existing Cabinets

If you want to renovate your kitchen, refinishing existing cabinets is a great way to get a fresh look. However, it is important to consider that this process is time-consuming and logistically challenging, so you may want to consider other options, such as cabinet refacing.

Generally, you can do this yourself, but it is best to hire a professional. It is also important to be sure to protect your kitchen and yourself from the chemicals. First, remove the cabinets from the walls and scrub them thoroughly. After this, allow the wood to dry.

Refinishing existing cabinets is a great option for kitchens with traditional designs. It can add a new look and color to the kitchen. However, it is not suitable for those who are changing the floor plan or location of cabinets. It is also important to note that refinishing requires the cabinets to be in good condition and have no major damage. Otherwise, you will have to replace them.

Finding a Licensed Contractor

Choosing a licensed contractor is crucial to completing a kitchen remodel. Not only must they be licensed, but they must also have the proper insurance and licenses for the job. Some states require that a contractor be licensed before working on a residential project. However, it would be best if you did not rely solely on the license or reputation of a contractor to make a final decision. Before hiring a contractor, take your time and research to find the right fit for you.

Photos By: Unsplash

As the interior designing industry is constantly evolving, it has provided homeowners with more exquisite and exciting kitchen trends in 2022. In today’s age, people are more focused on enhancing their kitchen space and improving its aesthetic appeal to make their kitchen look more welcoming and practical. 

The latest kitchen trends of 2022 view the kitchen not only as a place to prepare food but a space where we share our valuable time with family members while doing what we love the most, that is enjoying food with the art of sharing. The kitchen designs are constantly being revolutionized in the current time with the introduction of refined tastes,  minimalist designs, and enhanced functionality.

Here we have presented the latest kitchen trends of 2022 that represent the perfect blend of functionality and beauty:

1. Pastel Color Shades

In 2022, the trends in interior design are turning more towards natural materials. As people are looking for a soothing and grounding feel in their kitchen, they are choosing colors that give an earthy look to their kitchen. More than vibrating and popping colors, homeowners are leaning towards having pastel or light shades such as mint, white, peach, etc. 

Jonathan Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone says, ‘Options include drawing on pigments within the surface itself or opting for surfaces with a matte, textured appearance. Now more than ever, white and neutral surfaces come in all shades and forms – they no longer always specifically refer to the gleaming appearance we’re more familiar with but carry a certain earthiness to them that reflects and conveys the beauty and appearance of natural, organic materials.’

2. Minimalist Designs

Minimalist designs offer an unmatched subtlety to your kitchen space that makes it stand out. Gone are the days when people used to prefer grand designs with dazzling themes, now they are looking for more minimalism to introduce the concept of elegance in their homes. Modern-day kitchens are all about minimalism, it helps you take your vision of an aesthetic kitchen to another level. 

3. Modern Kitchen Cabinets

Unlike before, kitchen cabinets are no longer viewed as a way to store away your kitchen essentials. In fact, they are now associated with an enhanced aesthetic appeal of your home. With a variety of color and design options, state-of-the-art technologies, and a sleek look, CozyHome Custom Kitchen Cabinets are made available in countless options. 

However, one particular type has been drawing a lot of attention in 2022, which is frame-fronted kitchens. ‘What draws us to this detail is that it adds so much richness to a kitchen design,’ explains Hugh Miller, Co-Founder, and Designer at H. Miller Bros. ‘It allows for a variance of depth, so drawers and cabinet fronts can be recessed from the cabinet walls which adds light and shade, and avoids the monotony of an entirely flush and flat expanse of cabinetry.’

4. Freestanding multi-functional storage

As the homes are growing smaller, the importance of optimizing kitchen space is rising. With the help of free-standing multi-functional storage, homeowners can revamp their kitchen space while making the best use of the space available. 

‘As the kitchen increasingly becomes a living space in its own right, kitchen furniture design is changing to follow suit. Multi-functional furniture that blends the kitchen with the rest of the house will be more prominent in our kitchens going forwards.’ explains Graeme Smith.

5. Textured surfaces

The texture patterns are something that we have seen abundantly in living room designs, but as the trend of enhancing your kitchen space is growing, the idea is also being introduced to kitchen surfaces. Textures are all about giving depth to our kitchen and creating a layered look with expressive tactile materials. Oana Sandu, who is a lead designer, at Blakes London says ‘Visible grain on timbers, especially on crown cut oak and ash veneers, brushed metals, honed, leathered or textured stone finishes & concrete’ are proving to be good choices for kitchen materials. 

Photos By: Pexels

In the kitchen we come and go many times a day, we keep clean or unclean dishes on the countertops, there is a lot of water work to clean those dishes too many times a day. We have food items or ingredients kept in bottles, on the shelves, and different spots. Because of these things, there is often a mess that keeps swaying there.

Along with keeping those countertops and dishes clean, organizing and arranging kitchen stuff also influences its structure. Here are some basic storage ideas you wish you’d known earlier to organize the entire space keeping your kitchen neat and clean.

A Towel Rack Against The Wall

As you need to do a lot of cleaning from the countertops and shelves now and then, a paper towel is a must-have thing in your kitchen. If you already have a paper towel rack on the counter, switch it to the wall. Use a rack that you can stick to the wall to have more counter space.

Holder For Cutlery, Cooking, And Eating Utensils

Leaving those old ladles and fainted forks and spoons, knives with slight dents on the shelves surely don’t give a fine look to the kitchen. Who would want to waste the whole effort of putting things in an organized way by leaving them free? Of course, no one. Keep utensil holders so all that stuff stays in one place and replace those old cutlery sets with a new one with modern style forks and spoons, really good knives, and burnt-free ladles.

Garbage Can Under The Sink

A garbage container laying in the corner with no lid is a step back from cleanliness. And if it has a lid, it looks unpleasant. Keep the garbage can hidden under the sink cabinet to save the corner space, keeping your kitchen clean and safe from filthy crumbs.

A Convenient Spot For Cutting Board

Almost everyone keeps their cutting boards on the top of counters or hangs them against the wall. What if there is another cool idea to manage this wooden slate in a more organized way? Pull-out trays will be a cool addition in this regard. Insert those trays inside the countertops and pull them out whenever you need to cut your veggies and meat stuff.

Tiny Compartments For Spice Bottles

If your spice containers on the top of counters are too many in numbers and are occupying a whole space, you might wish to shift them all away in the upper cabinets. But these little flakes are used more frequently and if you put them away it will be a little irritating for you to reach for them every time you are cooking or adding flavors to your meals. inserting small compartment racks behind the counters and against the wall that matches the backsplash will be a great solution.

Adjustable Plates And Cups Organizer

Although you have large cabinets inside the kitchen, still there are some tiny pots and plates that are used more after every hour, and taking them out and putting them back inside the cabinets, again and again, is a kind of pain. You can’t keep them on the counters either. So keep them in the adjustable organizers to free up space from that stack.

No Piles Inside The Cabinet

Some people like to keep their cooking pots hidden and insert them over one another inside the cabinet as a pile. Sometimes many platters inside a single cabinet with no proper arrangement won’t portray a good image if any guest sees it by any chance. If your kitchen is looking well organized from the outside, make sure you keep it organized from the inside too. If your pots are pretty, hang them on a hanging rack and keep expandable organizers in the cabinet to organize the sets of plates and saucers.

Hidden Spot For Cleaning Stuff

Instead of keeping the cleaning stuff like dirty sponges and dishwashers under the spotlight for everyone to see, make a hidden spot or keep them inside sneaky spots where you can reach them easily without displaying them. Keep other cleaning supplies such as swipers and mobs inside the empty cabinet for clean surroundings.

Photos By: Unsplash

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where memories are made and laughter is shared. This space is where the aromas of food waft through the house and where delicious meals are shared. Conversations at the table bring the family together. With so much going on in the kitchen, it’s no wonder this is one of the most renovated parts of a house, according to statistics. You want this space to be fully functional and customized to your liking. It should embody your household style and be a warm and inviting place to spend some time.

People want to renovate their kitchens for many reasons, including:

• Bored of look and feel
• Does not match the rest of the house
• Is outdated
• Is too small

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, you probably want to make sure you can find the best quality work for the least amount of money. You should also consider important factors such as timeline and vision. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. There are a few things you should know. Here are 7 kitchen remodeling tips to help you get the most bang for your buck and achieve your dream kitchen!

1. Look at Inspiration

First, you should consult the internet, home design magazines, and in-person staging at stores for inspiration. Which color kitchen cabinets do you prefer?

“Even if you think you have the perfect kitchen look in your head, it’s always good to see what can and cannot be done and make note of little details out there that can elevate your kitchen to the next level,” says Boyar’s, a company that specializes in kitchen cabinets in San Diego. Some popular websites for renovation inspiration include Pinterest and Instagram. Save your favorite kitchens and show them to your contractor during the consultation.

2. Establish a Timeline

Next, it’s time to establish a timeline. This is important as you will determine when you want to start the remodeling and when you want it to finish. These are tentative dates that depend on the contractor you decide to go with. In addition, you should plan out how you and your family will work around the renovation in the meantime. Will you still be able to replace your kitchen in the meantime or will it still be functional? Will you be living out of the house or somewhere else temporarily? These are important questions you should incorporate into your planning stage.

3. Set a Budget

Your budget largely depends on the extent of your remodeling project. Be sure to be realistic with your goals and with your budget. Be ready to compromise on certain aspects of your new kitchen once you get your estimates. Also, be open to considering alternatives that are more affordable but offer a similar look and feel.

4. Read Contractor Reviews

When shopping around for a company to tackle your kitchen renovation, you want to make sure you hire a professional, talented group you can trust. Be sure to read reviews by customers to learn more about their services from an honest perspective. If they fit the bill, give them a call and have them come out for an estimate. The contractor you hire would have just the right combination of value and professionalism.

5. Research Appliances

Are you planning on replacing your appliances while you’re renovating your kitchen? In some cases, this may be necessary, while in others you may simply want to use this opportunity to upgrade your refrigerator to a larger one or replace your gas stove with a modern electric appliance. Before determining your appliance of choice, conduct research and read reviews to find the right fit. In addition, consider the size of the appliance and whether it comes with a warranty.

6. Don’t Underestimate Lighting

It may not be part of your new backsplash or granite countertop, but lighting can make a huge difference in your kitchen. Therefore, don’t underestimate lighting! Perhaps you want to add lights beneath your cabinets to illuminate your countertops. Or, maybe you want a warm glow throughout your kitchen. Whatever you decide, be sure it captures the energy of your kitchen.

7. Add Storage, Not Space

When it comes to kitchen renovation, it’s easy to want to go bigger — but you should also go smarter. More counter space means more areas for you to cook and conduct daily kitchen functions. However, what’s the point of having that new space if you don’t have a place to hide away your kitchen tools and foods?

A kitchen lies dormant upon your arrival. It is only then that it begins to pulsate, cabinets unfurling with essentials spilling out. Before you know it, every inch of your counter space is littered with the makings of a good meal. The thud, thud, thud of a heartbeat beats on.

Photo By: Design Cafe

Kitchen is an important part of the house. Homemakers have to spend a few hours there every day. Many even prefer to sit in the kitchen for breakfast and lunch. It is a small space where you have to manage many small things. If you make one mistake while designing the kitchen, you will have to live with it for the rest of the life you spent in that house. Here I have shared some useful pieces of advice to help avoid any such mistakes.

Design a Virtual Kitchen

It will help you meet all your expectations if you can visualize the entire design with every little detail of the kitchen. However, not all of us have that photographic memory to do such planning. Try using Kaboodle to design a 3D virtual kitchen. This way, you can make any alterations you want in the soft copy until you get what you want and then invest in it.

Functions before Design

The kitchen should be attractive, but be sure to prioritize function over design. Those beautiful tiles won’t be any help if you can’t store anything or cook in the kitchen. It would be best if you first thought of the things you will have to store and how you will need to access them. Everything should be as close to you as possible to minimize the effort.

Photo By: Kutsko Kitchen

Think from Storage Point of View

The most important function of the kitchen would be storage. You have to store a cooking range, microwave oven, probably fridge, and many other edibles. Consider how and where everything will be stored to make it easily accessible. It also depends on the things you will keep there because many people use a different storage room. You should think about it from the perspective of a cook who will actually work there.

Ensure You Have Enough Light

There should be more than enough light in the kitchen. If you can’t see clearly, you might mix things in your food that shouldn’t there. The light you have above the range or dining may not be enough. Be sure to try to lights at night and if you feel the brightness is not enough, change them or set new bulbs. Don’t just put all bulbs at one side; use them in all directions.

Photo By: A Blissful Nest

Plan Space for Garbage

If there are food and work in the kitchen, there will obviously be garbage. You can’t keep the dust bin open and in front of you. No one would appreciate eating or cooking while seeing trash. Leave some space at a corner where you can keep the dust bin.

Slip Resistance Kitchen

Tiles are usually slippery. It is kind of become a fashion to use them in the kitchen, but there will be a risk of falling down. The kind of space kitchen is, it could cause some serious injuries. Make sure you don’t forget to use slip-resistant tiles or make the floor slip-resistant later.

Photo By: Athens Building Company

Every space in your residence does possess reason, and through the decor, you occupy it, you could tell a lot regarding the current functionality of a space. Many furniture may fit in nicely in a room than in others when moving among various kinds of rooms. For instance, in a living room, the refined wooden dinner tables and chairs look unfit for you. Design your ideal style at once to retain a clear and refreshing motivation when decorating a house. Most of us agree that somehow the kitchen is just an integral and necessary area of the home. The kitchen is the location in which at a certain minimum period in a day, each family member needs to spend. The kitchen is just the room in which the females demonstrate their potential where they win everybody’s heart. The area must also be tidy, clean, and much more appealing, and it can provide you with a taste of relaxation.

Homeowners spend in all parts in the layout of a dream kitchen such as furniture, lamps, and decor. But in the kitchen, there are several unforgettable little parts and a significant component of your area, like your kitchen cabinets. You probably have remembered cabinets in other houses which you want to integrate into your kitchen. Nevertheless, accept you have got the various styles of cabinets once you take the huge step to purchase new cabinets.

You will need to determine which sort of kitchen furniture might want to see in your cuisine, forward to selecting the kitchen utensils. The light fixtures are probably the next most thought regarding kitchen hardware. There is no shortage of cabinets commonly available, including plain wooden cabinets, contemporary kitchen armoires with caster wheels to kitchen cabinets. If you want to add a classical touch to your kitchen, then you should look for wooden or white kitchen cabinets. Such wooden or white kitchen cabinets for sale are available at different online shopping websites at a very reasonable price.

If you are moving to establish a new kitchen or want to upgrade your existing kitchen, it could be a creative and interesting practice to equip your kitchen. We will enable you to become acquainted with several of the furniture choices so that the kitchen can comfortably be completed.

TYPES OF FURNITURE YOU REQUIRE IN THE KITCHEN

Kitchen Cart Islands

If you’re staring for further space or counter storage in your kitchen, you may fulfill your practical and stylistic desires with the wonderfully built islands of classical or progressive cooking. Most typical islands are built of polished and enclosed artisan wood, including choices such as towel rails, minimal wipe-out counter, and versatility panels. In light of modern cooking layout, the kitchen product and surface for your kitchen island can be very much all about your standard foundation, walls, and high countertops, or just for a completely new island kitchen design.

Kitchen Cabinets

Among the essential pieces of the appliances in the kitchen are cabinets. For display and storage purposes, the cabinets are quite convenient. Someone needs to dismantle the kitchen, and the real remedy is perhaps the kitchen cabinet. The kitchen cabinets consist of various types of wood, such as white oak timber, cabinets of natural wood, hardwood, maple, pine, peach, poplar, etc. The design is as critical as versatility for kitchen cabinetry. The cabinets must be operational concerning space, usability, and sustainable and environmentally friendly results, particularly in the kitchens, to achieve the maximum visual appeal in a kitchen.

You will need to ensure your cabinets lasts for several years based on the quality of your life and your expenditure. Apart from the functionality about the new kitchen, you choose to ensure that perhaps the buildability is compatible with your tastes, values, and styles and although semi-specific or manufacturing units that appear at first glance to be the better choice, ensure the selected kitchen cases fit completely with the current kitchen environment.

Photo By: Liz Schupanitz Designs

Kitchen Bar Stools

Nowadays, the bar stuff in the kitchen is chicer. Different kinds and styles of such barstools are accessible with a range of options like timber, steel, wrought iron, and bamboos. Bar stools and furniture are crafted of different kinds of materials and steel for kitchen with large or wide kitchen counters or with embedded dining rooms or benches. They are also fitted with fabric, patent leather or smooth, high-quality blends of suede and plastics. A selection of model wooden chairs and benches on sale, to learn more about on the next visit to the showroom in the kitchen. Choose stools that can be quickly modified. Your kitchens design should suit the theme. Servicing is where it is at for chairs, and you ought to be mindful that counter stools and tables can be quickly scrubbed clean when choosing kitchen barstools.

Kitchen Tables and Chairs

Table and chairs are becoming a kitchen norm these days. They are supplied with a wide range of applications, such as timber, crystal top, granite top, and timber rack glass upper end. The seats are offered in several different types and a range of items such as oak, bent iron, aluminum, fiberglass, etc. And you can even dine with it. Tables with kitchens and chairs would also save the dining room. Ensure your tables and chairs suit the theme and layout of your kitchen. You may use metal chairs or corrugated iron furniture for the classical style. You can use polished and stainless alloy furniture if your kitchens have a classic or trendy feel.

Photo By: Christine Sheldon Design

Buffets for the Kitchen

Kitchen buffets, beautiful and beautifully imaginative, turn moderate to bigger kitchens into the house’s showcase. Marble topped buffets provide amazing places to function on and can view all important dinners or kitchen utensils comfortably. Whitewood kitchen buffets often offer additional capacity while jeopardizing your cooking style with elegance and sophistication in our kitchen.

Pot Racks and Shelves

Pot racks enable chefs to mount the cups and pans from a vertical surface of the kitchen for quick access and help to arrange the kitchen. Pot shelves give the kitchens a large indoor space and often shift in the rear direction and in the reverse direction to make it easier to locate the correct bowl or pans despite wasting time searching into closets loaded of cutlery.

CONCLUSION

Add that special feeling to the recently refurbished kitchen you have often tried to improve your home, introduce your exclusive and practical home accessories. Ultimately, the recommendation is to keep your appliances, dining table, and chairs by online shopping network if you go hunting. First of all and foremost, it is relatively easy to find certain products in one location every time you pick items in a shop. Second, rates are typically a little cheaper, so the online shops are a much smarter way to do it if you’re looking for great offers.

Photo: Torie Jayne

It’s true that pastels may usually evoke visions of kitsch living rooms full of florals and Knickknacks, but actually pastels are versatile colours that can be incorporated in any area of the home. So, there’s no need to keep agonising over those paint swatches, and stop spending hours staring at pictures of kitchen renovations in Melbourne. Make pastels central in your home.

Pastels can be used in a variety of ways, and they come in a range of shades from the very subtle that can add hint of colour, to the bolder, deeper pastels that can accent a room. They reflect light and can be contrasted with brighter colours making them perfect for any design. Pastels don’t just need to be used in retro, classic or provincial designs, they can also be used in modern, contemporary kitchens. You just need to make two decisions: which colour and where you want the colour to go. Easy.

Choosing a Colour

There’s a lot of hidden psychology in colours, with different colours inspiring different ambiances, so it’s important to decide what part the kitchen plays in your home, and what environment you want to create.

Pink

Red is the colour of appetite, and pink being a more popular pastel choice has its own benefits in your kitchen. Pink represents friendship, love, compassion and nurturing. This colour is great if you want a warm environment where people feel at home. Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread in the oven and a big table for family and friends to gather.

Photo: Leicht Westchester Greenwich

Orange and Yellow

Orange is also known to trigger appetite, but it also symbolises happiness, creativity, motivation and energy. It is a stimulating colour, and, the pastel equivalent, apricot, has relaxing qualities. Yellow similarly represents joy and energy, with light yellow symbolising intellect, but use sparingly as too much causes aggression. Use orange and yellow to create a dynamic kitchen for a busy household to chat, socialise or experiment with new culinary creations.

Green

Green will make your kitchen feel like a safe haven and it is easy on the eye. It will be a place that creates harmony in the house and makes people feel safe. A room where everyone wants to chat and be together.

Photo: Torie Jayne

Blue

Light and pastel blue is associated with tranquillity, health, understanding and healing. Use blue if your aim is a calm environment where you want to linger and relax in. A place to potter around making cups of tea or cooking slow weekend lunches.

Pastel Placement

You have the right colour now, so where do you place it? Just like other shades, they can be added to your kitchen in a variety of ways. Tiles and glass splashbacks are good ways of adding some colour. Coloured splashbacks allow for blocks of colour, while if you only wanted a touch, you could use patterned tiles. Wall paint is another easy way of using pastels and is great for contrasting them with bolder colours on your cabinets or bench tops. You could even use a deeper shade of pastel for a feature wall. Go as dramatic as you are willing to go. Pastels are light enough that they won’t overwhelm. If you are ready to fully commit, then choose a colour for your cabinets or bench tops. A nice pale pastel could be a good replacement for a plain white kitchen while still giving you an open and light feeling.

Photo: Domus Nova

Floors

Painted floorboards could add a light, fresh look to a room, or pattern tiles can give you that pop of pastel you need.

Embellishments

Furniture and accessories are easy ways of adding pastels. It’s a great place to start if you are new on the pastel bandwagon. You could try pastel seating; pastel dinner sets or even fork out for some fancy pastel appliances. There are so many ways to use pastels, so look past the kitsch, and head towards that kitchen of your dreams.

Photo: Desire to Inspire

The kitchen is the one room in the home that has transformed from the traditional use of food prep and cooking, to a social hub that the whole family use much more throughout each day. Kitchens are now vibrant, busy spaces that are constantly being used, and when younger children are living in the house, it’s important to ensure your kitchen is just as usable for them as it is everyone else.

Plenty of Space

If there’s one thing all young children have in common, it’s the need to have as much space as possible. Whether they’re running around the table, or skipping from room to room, it’s always beneficial to have plenty of space when youngsters are around. Having space in your kitchen will also help to make the room feel open and airy, which is ideal for the feel you want to achieve. You don’t want your kitchen to feel cramped or too busy, so try to spread the space out evenly, giving each area plenty of room for people to use without being piled on top of each other or having things build up.

Photo: Pop Sugar

Kitchen Islands

Introducing an island to your kitchen is one of the easiest kitchen makeover ideas. It’s also a really good way to utilise the space you have, and add kitchen storage space which is always needed when you have children. You somehow seem to have a never-ending supply of Tupperware boxes, plastic bottles and lunchboxes, and the island is quite often the perfect place to store these. You can also use the island for more preparation space, or an additional seating space in the form of a breakfast bar. These additional features will really help you to make the most of your space and have plenty of space for eating and cooking.

Photo: Decor Pad

Child-Friendly Features

Children are always very keen to join in with grown up tasks, whether that’s doing the washing up, stirring the food that’s cooking in the pan or laying the table before dinner, so it’s important to make your kitchen child-friendly so that they can help as much as possible. Letting your little ones join in is really good for boosting their confidence, and giving them a sense of independence, so it’s always worth having child-friendly features to help them. Introducing simple touches such as a folding step stool will really help them to do a number of different things in the kitchen.

From reaching the sink to do some dishes, to getting the cutlery out of the drawer or reaching into the cupboards, a step stool will make it much easier and safer for them to reach difficult areas. Other features including self-closing drawers that will help to prevent any trapped fingers, plastic appliances to ensure the things they’re using aren’t too heavy or likely to break, and so on.

Photo: HGTV

Interactive Touches

There are tons of decorating ideas out there that look beautiful and are also kid friendly. Your children are always learning new things, whether that’s how to tie their shoelaces or how to read and write, and keeping their home life interactive and inspiring is going to really help them to grow and flourish. Interactive touches will help your child to get involved with family life, enabling them to join in and feel involved. Motivational boards are a great touch, choosing a quote of the day or task of the day for your little one to accomplish. You could even introduce a rewards system for them to be rewarded when they help with certain tasks, or when they do their work. This will encourage your child to get involved and keep them learning and positive when at home.

Photo: The Turquoise Home

Photo: 1111 Light Lane

If you want to get the most out of this space in your home, as well as out of the funds you spend on renovating it, it’s important to design it well. Read on for some top tips you can follow today to renovate your kitchen.

Put a Budget in Place

One of the first steps you need to take before you begin any remodel work is to set a budget. The costs of renovating a kitchen can add up very quickly, and you don’t want to get halfway through the work and find that you can’t finish the job because of a lack of funds, or that you have to skimp on important parts because it has become too expensive.

Once you have a budget in mind, take the time to price out all of the jobs and supplies that will be needed to create the kitchen you desire. You must factor in the costs of all the labor and materials, not just the large things. While buying a bunch of new appliances and ordering a new benchtop and cabinets are some of the more costly elements of a kitchen remodel, all the little things, like fixtures and fittings, can actually really add up too.

Photo: HGTV

If you find that your budget will be blown way too quickly, it’s time to go through your list to determine what work you really need to do, and what things you can get away with leaving for later. You should be able to find areas where you can cut costs by spending less on materials or by doing tasks yourself. Make sure that you leave yourself a minimum 10 percent buffer, too, as the cost of at least one thing is likely to blow out when the actual work is done. For example, there could be a plumbing issue that takes a contractor more time to resolve, or a price increase on a product.

Make a Plan

A good way to stay on track as far as your budget is concerned is to make a plan early on. Renovation work typically has to be done in a certain order (e.g., a plumber may need to do some work before cabinets can be installed), so if you list out the order in which things need to be finished, you can keep things moving along as the work progresses. This will help you to ensure that time, and as a result money, is not wasted.

Photo: Decor Pad

In addition, for a kitchen renovation, it is important to plan out every element of the design so that you can feel confident that it will all tie together nicely. On top of the more obvious things like benchtops, cabinets, and appliances, you should think about the flooring, wall color, backsplash treatment, and hardware that you will use. By making a plan, you will ensure that you end up with a cohesive look that incorporates the same kind of design styles and colors throughout. Sometimes though, you can go off track and over budget. During my last kitchen reno, I purchased a convection over from Build a Green Bakery and ended up going over budget. In the long run I actually saved more money since I purchased an oven that saves a ton on electricity.

Think About Layout, Workflow, and Usability

One of the biggest mistakes a lot of people make when they re-do their kitchen is that they don’t spend enough time considering the layout, workflow, and usability of the space. When you renovate this important area of the home, you need to make sure that the end result will actually be functional.

To help with this, think about the busiest areas in the kitchen: the sink, the stove, and the fridge. Often referred to by designers as the “work triangle” in the kitchen, since they resemble a triangle in their relation to each other, these things need to be easily accessible and in an efficient location.

Photo: My Domaine

Other considerations when it comes to the layout of your kitchen are the set-down spaces on either side of your cooking areas, and the amount of preparation space. You don’t want to limit either of these too much. In addition, there should be a good flow according to the kinds of jobs you do in a kitchen and in the order you complete them. For example, a space for chopping up vegetables should be close to the sink so you can wash the food first, while a garbage bin recessed into a cabinet should be nearby for dumping peelings and other waste without the need to move about the kitchen.

Having the right kind of storage, and enough of it, is also key. Make sure you design your cupboard space, for example, so that it is big enough to house your largest items, such as cookware, trays, and vases. Alternatively, add some wide shelving to store your most beautiful possessions, like elegant Match pewter serving-ware; or pop up some hooks to hang oft-needed pots and pans.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

The floorplan and aesthetic of your kitchen will also likely be affected by where it is located in your home. For example, a kitchen that is on show in an open-plan home will need to be integrated well with nearby spaces, while one that is tucked around a corner, or in a very separate space, can have a completely different look, feel, and layout.