Photos By: Stock Images

A functional kitchen is crucial to any home, so keeping it in good shape is important. It makes cooking meals and entertaining guests easier. You also feel more comfortable in your home.

You will always look forward to spending time in the kitchen, creating delicacies, or simply conversing with your loved ones. However, as your lifestyle and family dynamic change, so should your kitchen. Here are sure signs that it may be time for a kitchen remodel:

Not Enough Storage Space

Are you finding it hard to store your pots, pans, and other cooking equipment? Maybe you can’t seem to fit all the groceries in the fridge and cupboards? Determine whether you need to expand the space or increase the storage capacity. You can do this by looking at other kitchens for ideas or talking to a professional. 

Consider custom kitchen cabinets, an island with drawers, or a walk-in pantry. Take advantage of the remodel to upgrade the organization and storage. You can even get creative by installing floating shelves or pot racks.

Outdated Appliances

Do your appliances look like they’re from the 80s? If they’re still working, that’s great, but if they’re starting to break down or become energy-inefficient, it might be time for a change. It’s costly to replace all appliances at once; spread out the purchases by replacing one at a time.

When planning the remodel, think about which appliances you would like to update and how that will impact the overall design. For example, if you want to upgrade to a bigger fridge, you need more space. It might mean reconfiguring the layout of your kitchen.

Poor Lighting

Good lighting is essential for any room, but especially in the kitchen. Accidents like cutting yourself while cooking or tripping on a step stool are more likely to happen in a poorly lit kitchen. 

Thoughtful ways to increase the light in your kitchen include adding more windows, skylights, or light fixtures. Consider using lighter colors when painting or doing a backsplash. 

Uncomfortable Layout

The layout of your kitchen should make sense and be comfortable to use. It’s time for a change if you constantly walk into walls or knock things over. When changing the layout, think about how you use the space and what would make the most sense.

For example, if you entertain often, you might want the stovetop and sink closer together to move between while cooking. Create a kid’s zone with a lower countertop if you have young children.

Inefficient Use of Space

Is your kitchen too cramped? Do you have a lot of empty counter space? Make the most of the available space, especially if you have a small kitchen. If you’re unsure how best to utilize the space, talk to a professional about storage and layout options. They can help you create a functional and efficient kitchen.

The Space Is Hard To Clean

Do you find it a challenge reaching all the nooks and crannies in your kitchen? When considering a remodel, think about how easy (or difficult) it is to clean. For example, if you have a lot of upper cabinets, can you reach them to dust?

If not, install lower cabinets or open shelving. Other ways to make cleaning easier include adding a tile backsplash, using stain-resistant materials, and installing recessed lighting.

It’s a Safety Hazard

Do you and other family members keep on banging into things or stubbing toes in the kitchen? Do you slip on wet floors often? These are all signs that your kitchen is a safety hazard.

Look around and identify potential hazards, such as electrical outlets needing covers, slippery flooring, or sharp corners. Make a list of these hazards and address them during the remodel.

It’s Just Not Your Style

Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home, and the kitchen doesn’t fit your style. Probably you’ve been in your home for years and are ready for a change. Or you just want to update the space to reflect your current style. Whatever the reason, it’s time for a change if you’re unhappy with the current style. 

Family Needs Have Changed

Do you have a growing family, or are your children moving out? This impacts how you use your kitchen and what kind of layout works best. You might need a kid’s zone with a lower countertop if you have young children. If the kids are moving out, reconfigure the layout to create a more open and spacious feel.

If elderly parents are moving in, make the kitchen more accessible by adding pull-out shelves and a ramp. To prevent accidents, install safety grab bars, non-slip flooring, and motion-sensor lighting.

You’re Planning To Sell Your Home

When planning to sell your home, a kitchen remodel increases its value. Well-designed and updated kitchens make homes more appealing to potential buyers, fetching top dollar.

However, don’t go overboard with the remodel. Stick to basic updates and avoid any drastic changes. You want potential buyers to envision themselves in the space, not be overwhelmed by your taste.

You Spend a Lot of Time in the Kitchen

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, entertaining or just hanging out, create a space you enjoy. A kitchen remodel allows you to design a space that suits your needs and lifestyle better.

For example, if you love to cook, invest in high-quality appliances and add a prep island. When entertaining, create an open layout with a large island for entertaining guests. Add comfortable seating and a TV if you just want a cozy space to relax.

Make Your Dream Kitchen a Reality

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes to any of them, it’s time for a change. A kitchen remodel is a big investment, but worth it if it makes your space more functional, efficient, and stylish. Work with a qualified contractor to make your dream kitchen a reality.

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. 

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

The first are foremost purpose for your kitchen cabinets are storage. When you’re pondering a new installation, think of it as an opportunity to choose products that will better fit your needs or to integrate a customized solution. However, they also give you the chance to change or craft an entirely new look. You always have the option of choosing stock cabinetry, but some custom solutions are also possible for your space. It’s important to keep a few things in mind as you’re shopping for your kitchen cabinet decor.

Photo: Studio McGee

Consider Alternative Storage Options

This Houzz article mentions some interesting yet uncommon options for kitchen storage. Flip-up doors raise to give you access to interior contents, instead of opening sideways like traditional models. Pocket doors usually open outwards and then slide back, recessing into a pocket area on either side of the cabinet. Meanwhile, corner drawers give you more internal room and install readily into corners, while their design permits you to easily access the items inside. Finally, open shelving is a cool alternative that allows you to reach your dishes and cooking implements while providing a simple, clean stowage system in your kitchen. From design to completion, trust KBF Design Gallery with your kitchen remodeling process in Orlando.

Basic Cabinet Styles

Photo: Morgenroth Development

You’re probably going to need some stock cabinet styles installed into your kitchen, unless you decide on a completely custom system for storing your food, dishware and cookware. Misty Creek Woodworking makes custom cabinetry and will take your standard kitchen and turn it into the kitchen of your dreams. Knowing some of the varieties typically available for most modern kitchens should help you navigate through your options and choose ones that are ideal for your space. Base cabinets are installed underneath your countertops, including those attached to your walls and your center island. Wall cabinets hang above your countertops or appliances, and many versions today extend their tops all the way up to the ceiling.

Photo: Home Bunch

This HGTV article also mentions drawers, which some homeowners choose to replace or complement traditional base cabinets with standard-style attached doors. These drawers can provide better access to interior contents than typical base cabinets. Choosing drawers will also minimize your need to locate pots, pans and other tools by bending down or stooping, which can increase your chance of injury from hitting your head on cabinet doorways or falling over while trying to reach items stored in the back.

Choosing Your Cabinet Door Styles

Personalizing your cabinet doors and their hardware is a large part of your strategy to craft your kitchen’s distinct appearance. Dark finishes add an air of sophistication, while gorgeously stained woods such as cherry and oak can give your space a homey feel. Paints and glazes allow you to mix or match hardware and accessories to fit your color and color scheme. Finally, bamboo or glass doors can also match well with certain aesthetic styles. Be sure to look in your supplier’s showroom for ideas before you decide.

Photo: Greg Terbrock Design Build, LLC

Whether you’re planning on a full-scale kitchen remodel or you’re just considering an update, it’s vital to consider how your cabinets will fit into your plans. Besides providing needed storage, they also help comprise the overall aesthetic of your cooking and other food prep areas. Selecting the right methods of storage plus complementary colors, hardware, styles and finishes will successfully contribute to your upgrade or renovation, giving you both a functional and great-looking kitchen.

1. Turn a Empty Space into a Breakfast Station

What’s a better way to start your day than with your own personal breakfast station? This designer transformed an empty space into small station equipped with all of your breakfast needs. With all the kitchen accessories you need like a microwave, to coffee machine, and even your own mini TV, this space is the perfect start to a great day!

Photo: Houzz

2. Keep Your Pantry Organized

Having an organized pantry is a saver and it saves so much time when cooking. No more searching for ingredients when everything is labeled right in front of you! Install open shelving, pull-out drawers and even a small counter to write down your shopping list, keep your recipes, and so much more.

Photo: Jasmine McClelland Design

3. Keep a Dog Food Drawer

This is one of my favorite kitchen must-haves and would be a definite life saver! To keep your dog food fresh and making pet feeding time that much easier, install a bin in one of your empty kitchen drawers. No more bending down into the dog food bag, and no more mess involved!

Photo: Sazama Design Build Remodel

4. Keep an Organized Spice Drawer

Organize a drawer in your kitchen to keep all of your spices in one place, labels facing up! This spice drawer is better than keeping a spice rack – I hate taking up counter space in my kitchen!

Photo: Rebekah Zaveloff – KitchenLab

5. Put Your Pots and Pans on Display

One of the biggest problems most home owners face in their kitchens is not enough storage space. Hanging your pots above your kitchen island or even at the side of your countertops is not only stylish now but it frees up SO much space in your cupboards and drawers!

Photo: Country Living