When most people think of home remodeling, they usually envision including a kitchen remodeling project. After all, the kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of the home.” It’s where we gather with family and friends, prepare our meals, and entertain guests. So it’s no wonder that many homeowners choose to include their kitchens in their home renovation ideas.

Before You Start!

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make sure your home renovation project goes smoothly. These are basic guidelines to help steer you in the right direction and keep you on track throughout the entire process.

Budget

First, it’s important to create a realistic budget and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you avoid overspending on materials or labor. Going over budget is way easier than coming in under budget. Take that into consideration when you're pricing out your remodel.

Get multiple quotes from local home remodeling experts. Start your search by getting a free kitchen estimate from the local Portland home renovation experts at RUPP Family Builders. They are a family-run local business, and they've been in the home renovation game for decades. You can get a free estimate by calling, or by going online to their website and using their quick and easy virtual kitchen estimate calculator.

Vision

Second, it’s important to make sure you have a clear vision for your new kitchen before you begin the home remodeling process. This means deciding on things like layout, appliances, and finishes. You'll want to know how you're going to create usable space and what your focal point will be. You should also have a style or theme that you're trying to achieve, so you don't end up with a hodgepodge of decor, fixtures, and colors that don't go well together.

Quality

Third, it’s important to work with qualified contractors and interior designers who have experience remodeling kitchens. They will be able to help you navigate the home remodeling process and avoid making common mistakes.

You should use quality materials as well. Don't skimp in the kitchen because it will come back to bite you. The kitchen is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in a home, so it must be built to withstand heavy daily wear and tear. You want kitchen cabinets, appliances, built-in lighting, and hardware that will stand the test of time and keep your property value high.

Basic Kitchen Update Guidelines

Once you have your budget, vision, and contractor in place, you can start thinking about the details of your kitchen remodel. To get started, here are a few basic ideas to help you create a bright, fresh, and updated space:

Start With a Clean Slate

If your kitchen is in need of an update, one of the first things you can do is give it a fresh coat of paint. This will help brighten up the space and make it feel new again. You can also consider painting the cabinets or replacing old hardware.

Let in the Light

Another way to brighten up your kitchen is to let in more natural light. This can be done by adding windows or skylights. If you add in a nice window or two, make sure you get quality window treatments to match. You can also brighten up the space by using white paint in one or several areas. You can paint your kitchen cabinets or countertops. You can also get light-colored flooring or tiles in your kitchen.

Update the Fixtures

Another quick and easy update you can make is to replace old fixtures with new ones. This includes things like faucets, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware. Worn hardware can really drag down the look and feel of a kitchen, so replacing those items can do wonders for the space.

Add Some Color

One way to add personality to your kitchen is to use color. This can be done through paint, tile, backsplash, or countertops.

You don't need to go crazy with the colors or paint your entire kitchen in some bright gaudy red. We're just talking about a little dose of life. You can accomplish this by buying colorful countertop appliances, choosing a nice colored tile for your backsplash, or even by getting stone countertops that have a little pink or stripe of color in them.

Focus on Functionality

When planning your kitchen remodel, it’s important to focus on function as well as form. This means considering things like storage, appliances, and workflow. Many people choose to add a kitchen island during a remodel because they are so functional, and they can also be turned into the focal point of your kitchen.

Think of a kitchen island as the hub and spoke in the wheel of the kitchen. It stands firm in the middle and allows everything and everyone else to move smoothly around the space.

Unique Kitchen Update Ideas

Now that we've given you some basic kitchen remodeling rules and ideas, we want to share some fun kitchen and home remodeling ideas that might work for your kitchen remodel.

Breakfast Nook

One creative solution to make your kitchen feel homier and to create more living space is to add a cozy nook for eating. This can be a great way to create extra seating and storage in your kitchen. It can also make your kitchen feel quaint, and it will give your family a reason to sit around a table together to share a meal.

If you don't like sitting on stools at a kitchen island, but you also don't want to use your formal dining room table every day, a breakfast nook might be just the thing you need.

Open Shelving

Another unique home renovation idea is to replace upper cabinets with open shelving. This can give your kitchen a more airy feel and help you show off your favorite dishes. It can also be a way less expensive option than custom cabinets if you're trying to budget.

Open Floor Plan

If you’re really looking to open your kitchen and expand your living space, you might consider an open floor plan. This can be a great way to create more usable space, create a view of your dining room or living room, and make your kitchen feel more inviting.

You'll definitely have to consult a professional remodeler to find out if an open floor space concept is possible for your kitchen. Some walls are loadbearing, which means they would either have to stay where they are, or an engineer would need to relocate the load somewhere else in order for you to have an open space.

Refurbished Furniture

If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider refurbishing some old furniture or kitchen cabinets to use in your kitchen or dining room. This is one of our favorite home renovation ideas that we recommend using throughout your entire home. This can be an especially great way to add character, spark visual interest or a focal point, save money, and make your kitchen feel like a brand new space.

You can find almost every piece of furniture you might want or need in a kitchen at an antique store or thrift store. It just takes a little TLC and elbow grease to polish up a timeless piece and it will give your kitchen so much depth and character.

Start Building Your Dream Kitchen Now!

We hope these home remodeling ideas and kitchen renovation ideas have inspired you to start planning your kitchen remodel. Just remember to create a realistic budget, make a clear vision for your space, and work with a qualified contractor, like the ones at RUPP Family Builders. With some careful planning and attention to detail, you’ll be sure to end up with the kitchen of your dreams.