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Thinking about remodeling your kitchen in Portland, OR, but not really sure where to start?

Today, we'll go over everything you need to know to make your renovation a success. We'll talk about everything from how to set a budget to unique design ideas to make your kitchen stand out among the rest.

Let's dive in!

Budget

The first, and perhaps the biggest challenge of doing a kitchen remodel is setting a realistic budget for your project.

What Should My Kitchen Remodeling Budget Be?

The national average for renovating a kitchen ranges from $25,000 for a low-end kitchen remodel, up to $135,000 for a major remodel. Portland tends to be pricier than the national average, so keep that in mind when you plan your remodel.

Remember, $25,000 is the very low end. If you just need new appliances and that's your budget, then you'll be able to purchase higher-end products. If you're planning on redoing the entire kitchen with that budget though, you'll only be able to afford baseline products.

If you picture more of a gourmet kitchen, like the one you might see in on the cover of a remodeling magazine, plan for your kitchen remodel to cost a lot more.

How To Make a Budget

Making a budget by yourself will take a lot of time. You'll have to take measurements and shop around for different products. You'll also need to factor in the cost of materials, tools, and labor if you plan on hiring someone.

It's easy to drown in lists, lose your ideas, and get confused about taking measurements and selecting materials for flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc.

The quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to make a budget for your project is to hire an experienced kitchen renovation company. If you need help budgeting or inspiration for kitchen remodeling ideas, Portland is home to one of the best kitchen renovation companies in the business: RUPP Family Builders. They can help with design, material selection, layout suggestions, project implementation, and so much more! They'll also be able to get you estimates quickly, so you can get started right away.

RUPP Family Builders is your premier kitchen renovation company. Their experienced craftspeople, professional designers, and friendly staff will be with you every step of the way to get you your dream kitchen on any budget. Not only do they do kitchens, but they do bathrooms as well. So, if you need a guest bathroom or master bathroom remodel, visit their website today to explore their services and contact them for an estimate.

Design and Layout

Open concept kitchen layouts are all the rage these days and for good reason. An open concept basically means that there aren't any walls separating the kitchen from the rest of the living space, namely, the living room and dining room.

The main draw of an open space kitchen is that it allows more light and air into your kitchen area, and it allows the chef to stay connected with whatever is happening in the living room or dining room. If you dream about having an island in your kitchen, an open concept should open up enough floor space for that.

Plus, it allows you to put your beautiful kitchen design on display for everyone to see when they walk in your front door.

Can You Do an Open Concept Kitchen Remodel in Portland?

Portland has many older, lovely, well-preserved homes. These historic homes bring character and life to the city. However, these homes were designed with very distinctive, separate rooms.

So, if you're in Portland and you want an open concept kitchen, you'll likely have at least one wall to contend with. Before you swing that sledgehammer though, it's crucial that you first find out if the wall is load-bearing or not.

If the wall you want to tear down is load-bearing, there are usually solutions to re-distribute the weight somewhere else, but that usually requires the services of a structural engineer.

If you work with a professional kitchen renovation team, they'll be able to problem-solve that for you in no time. Let them know you're thinking of having an open concept so they can factor it into your estimate.

Cabinetry

Your cabinetry can be a great way to bring some of Oregon's natural beauty into your home.

Oregon is filled to the brim with trees. Bringing some natural cedar or lovely, warm oak into your home will not only connect you to the outside world but will also create a cozy, classy environment for your kitchen.

Not to mention, woods like cedar and oak are built to last through the ages. Wood never goes out of style, and custom cabinetry can be made to conform to both modern and traditional styles.

You have some of the most beautiful forests in the world. Why not put some of that on display with some new cabinets? Even when you're in the city, you can always feel a part of the landscape.

Countertops

If you can fit it into your budget, a natural stone like granite or marble is best for kitchen countertops. Stones last the longest, are stain and heat-resistant, and are extremely durable. Another trending option is butcher blocks.

Are Butcher Block Countertops Right for You?

Butcher blocks are super hot right now, and they're a great way to bring wood into your home.

If you're unfamiliar, butcher blocks are sealed slabs of wood that can be customized to fit your countertop layout.

They look fabulous, and they can last a long time if you take care of them properly. They also tend to be less expensive than many other countertop options.

The downsides to butcher block countertops are that they chip easily, and they don't do super well with water because they're wood. If you care for them and clean them frequently, you shouldn't have a problem.

Other Kitchen Countertop Options

Other popular options are laminate countertops, tile, manufactured concrete, quartz, stainless steel, and recycled glass.

If you plan on having a tile backsplash, maybe shy away from tile countertops so things look more natural and don't look overly coordinated.

The important thing is to choose a material that you'll be happy with for years to come. If you're on a tight budget, go for something classic and timeless like laminate or butcher block.

Flooring

Some popular flooring ideas for your Portland kitchen remodel include hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl.

A great way to decide on flooring for your kitchen is to think about the kind of traffic your kitchen sees. Your kitchen floor, more than other floors in your home, needs to be durable.

If you live in Portland, you likely experience ever-changing, intense weather. Laminate and vinyl tend to be the options that hold up the best against rain, dirt, snow, pet claws, and rambunctious kids.

Don't Forget

If you've decided to go with an open concept kitchen in Portland, remember that you'll be merging two or more rooms together. If you bring together your kitchen, living room, and dining room, you need to decide if you want the flooring to be consistent throughout.

If you do want consistent flooring, you might be paying for a project that extends beyond the kitchen. Just something to be conscious of when structuring out your budget.

Appliances

There are two approaches to selecting appliances.

Is This Your Forever Home or First Home?

First, you can choose appliances based on the number of years you plan on spending in your home.

If this is your forever home, then it might be a good idea to spring for the high-end appliances, so you can enjoy them and not worry about replacing them down the road.

If this is your first home or a scenario where you plan on flipping and selling, then a midrange line of appliances might be more reasonable.

How Important is Your Kitchen to You?

The second approach to purchasing appliances is determining how important it is to you to cook in your kitchen.

If you're someone who loves hosting, loves making home-cooked meals, and wants their kitchen to feel like a sanctuary, then higher-end appliances might be the way to go.

If you prefer eating out or making meals that don't require you to use your appliances often, then you might feel comfortable purchasing lower-end appliances.

Lighting

The last category that we'll touch on here is how to choose proper lighting for your new kitchen.

The main types of lighting are pendant, recessed, sconce, and chandelier. Pendant lighting, chandeliers, and recessed lighting are the most popular options.

Which Type of Lighting Should I Choose for My Kitchen?

If your kitchen is more understated and sleek, perhaps some nice recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting is the best option for you.

If your kitchen is bolder and you have very distinctive features throughout, chandeliers or pendant lights might be the way to go.

Many people wonder about LED lighting. While extremely energy efficient, LED lights are usually very bright and stark. If this is not what you want, then maybe stick with softer bulbs for a warmer space.

Lighting can make or break a kitchen, so if you're stumped about which direction to go, rely on the design experts who work with your kitchen renovation contractor for options and advice.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen remodels can be super fun and very intense. There are lots of decisions to be made, and lots of money on the line.

Remember to plan out a budget and stick to it. It's easy to get carried away and get off track. Choose materials that please you, comfort you, and fit with your overall style and the style of your home.

If you need help creating a budget, choosing materials, or completing your next kitchen renovation, reach out to a professional company like RUPP Family Builders for assistance. As a family-run business, RUPP's experienced and knowledgeable project managers and kitchen designers will be with you every step of the way, and they'll do an amazing job with your kitchen remodel or bath remodel!

Once you experience their customer service once, you'll never turn back. They'll be your partner for all your future remodeling projects: from kitchen renovations and master bath upgrades to redoing your laundry room and utility room.