Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Consider prior to Remodeling Your Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular and financially worthwhile home improvement projects
you can make. It is considered by many to be the most important room in the house. Consequently it is
important that you thoroughly think through what kitchen remodeling ideas you want in your kitchen
remodeling project. Besides the normal considerations in a kitchen remodeling plan such as what type
of cabinets, appliances and countertops to install, you should also consider a number of more subtle
ideas. Below we discuss some of them.
Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen Lighting is extremely important. You need direct work area light as well as indirect lighting. As a
result, you should consider installing spot-lights (incandescent or halogen “can” lights) above the kitchen
countertops where you expect to do the majority of your food preparation.
You may also want to consider putting hidden recessed fluorescent lights under and even above the
upper kitchen cabinets. Indirect lighting should be placed over eating areas.
Garbage Storage and Disposal
A garbage bin sitting next to a wall in a kitchen area is unsightly and not very hygienic. You should
consider in your kitchen cabinet design to include a pull out cabinet or a tilt cabinet for storing the
garbage bin.
A garbage disposal is a great kitchen sink accessory, and if you are on municipal sewage you should
definitely consider installing one in the new kitchen cabinet design, if the original kitchen has not
already been wired for it. Note: if your home is on a private septic system, you may not be able to install
a garbage disposal in the new remodeled kitchen.
Kitchen Windows
Kitchen windows provide additional indirect lighting as well as enable airflow. Garden windows are a
great choice over the kitchen sink area as they allow lots of light into the kitchen and provide a great
area for storing plants and other kitchen accessories.
Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are the largest and most expensive aspect of your kitchen remodeling project. It is
important to take your time when doing your kitchen design.
It is best to work with a professional kitchen designer that can give you specific tips and ideas for your
specific kitchen room dimensions and objectives.
It is important not to skimp in terms of quality and features on your cabinets, as they are heavily used
and will probably be expected to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. What does this specifically
mean? It means use solid hardwoods for cabinet material. You should also consider other unique
features including; glass in cabinet doors, lazy Susans, and slide out drawers.
Kitchen Countertops
There are a lot of choices here. There are the traditional wood laminate countertops as well as Silestone,
Granite, and Soapstone countertops. Silestone and granite countertops are the rage today and are
comparatively priced. Specific features when designing your kitchen countertops include beveled edges,
backsplashes, and colors. Look at all your options for each one of these accent pieces when designing
your kitchen countertops.
Kitchen Flooring
Kitchen flooring is also very important in planning your new kitchen remodeling project. Kitchen flooring
options include vinyl, linoleum, tile, and wood flooring. Prices vary widely. Vinyl/Linoleum are soft on
the feet and relatively inexpensive but do not stand the test of time. Tile flooring in the kitchen has
increased in popularity, however care has to be given in selecting the right type, size and style of
ceramic tile to minimize concerns for scratching and breakage due to frequent dropping of objects.
Hardwood floors are also popular in high-end kitchen remodeling projects. Certain wood flooring
products, such as cork, can provide the comfort, durability and even sound proofing that are needed in a
good kitchen design.
Also, you may want to consider radiant floor heating in the kitchen. This is highly useful when choosing
tile flooring.