The heart of any home is the kitchen, at least for many homeowners. That’s why they are one of the most popular home improvement projects – but also one of the most expensive. Not only do you have the opportunity to design a beautiful kitchen, but you can also make practical changes to create a truly perfect kitchen. While decades of home improvement television shows and photo boards online have given us all a lot of great inspiration, there are some practical Do’s and Don’ts to be mindful of before the project is started…
- Do: Add Dark Accents- For a kitchen that stands out, it’s important to remember the value of color and contrast. While some homeowners may choose a bright, bold color for their kitchen, a more practical option is to start with a more neutral base color, and then add dark accents to help add visual appeal to the space and make it seem larger. New appliances in a dark stainless or black finish are a great way to accomplish this look. Other fixtures, such as lighting and even cabinet hardware, can be other good options. While not limited to it, black is a trending color for adding dark accents that appears will stand the test of time.
- Don’t: Dismiss the Island- While open spaces are appealing to most homeowners, kitchen islands are both an important practical and aesthetic addition that can improve the functionality of most kitchens. Avoid adding an island to a kitchen that’s too small- leave 2 1/2 – 3 feet from the counter, to allow easy movement through the space. If you have an abundance of space for the island, don’t be afraid to get creative. There is no shortage of colors, materials, and design details that can help give your kitchen a unique look, thanks to a creative island serving as a dramatic centerpiece.
- Do: Splurge on the Lighting – Proper lighting will make working in the kitchen a breeze, and can add a lot of atmosphere and help set the mood. You kitchen serves many purposes, for both cooking and entertaining, and is used both during the day and after dark. Start with bright lights for cooking with softer ambient lighting for more relaxing time spent in the kitchen.
- Don’t: Skip Proper Prep Work – Be sure to do your homework. If you’re working on a tight budget, often the first corner to get cut is skimping out on prep work. At the end of the day, no matter how big or small your budget is, you want every penny to count! A remodel that doesn’t take the necessary time, materials, and planning is one that runs the risk to go over budget, over schedule, and not live up to your hopes and expectations.
Kitchens are an important part of any home, giving the home a space to entertain both guests and family alike, especially in its role as the heart of the home. Keep these helpful tips in mind when planning for your dream kitchen.
