Modern kitchens aren’t just for cooking – they’re where families and friends gather. Ensure you have an appealing, functional kitchen that supports your lifestyle and budget with a New York kitchen design pro.
If your kitchen is functional but just not your style, a facelift like painting or new hardware might be enough to get the results you want without a full remodel. Contact Kitchen Remodel Richmond VA for professional help.
Cabinets are one of the most prominent features in a kitchen and can be a huge part of the overall look and feel of the room. Whether you’re going for a traditional farmhouse look, a modern style or something in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. Murray Homes is proud to carry only premium brands of cabinets and can help you select the best options for your kitchen remodel.
A cabinet is a piece of furniture that stores things in a convenient manner, typically anchored to the wall or standing above another furniture item like a counter. Cupboards are typically big enough to hold larger items such as pots, pans and bottled hygienic products and can be used for display purposes if they have glass doors.
Cabinets can be constructed using a variety of materials and can be either face frame or frameless in construction. A face frame cabinet consists of a wood frame attached to the front edges of the cabinet box and then the cabinet door is inset into the frame for a clean look. Cabinets that don’t have a face frame are called frameless cabinets and they allow for more customization in the design process but they do lack the strength of a face frame.
The carcass of the cabinet – the cabinet body – can be made from plywood or high-quality particleboard covered with melamine, thermofoil or real wood veneer. Plywood is preferred as it’s stronger and is less prone to warping when exposed to moisture. Cabinets are expected to withstand heavy loads of food and dishes, so they need to be sturdy and well-made. Less expensive cabinets may be made from MDF (medium density fiberboard) or low-quality particleboard that’s coated with a thin layer of melamine or thermofoil for protection. This coating will eventually wear off and the cabinet is more susceptible to water damage over time.
A cabinet’s design can also impact its durability and cost. Those on a tight budget can save money by choosing simple, ready-to-assemble options and resisting fancy add-ons such as cabinet and drawer dividers and vertical spice racks.
Countertops
Countertops have a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen. They serve a practical purpose—to protect walls from water, grease and other icky substances that drip and run off of cookware and sinks—but they also provide an opportunity to express your style. The most important thing to remember when choosing countertops is that they need to be paired with other elements to create harmony and balance. If you have a dramatic backsplash, for example, don’t overwhelm it with a flashy countertop material. A simple one-tone option will allow your scene-stealing investment to shine.
Countertop materials are available in a wide array of styles and materials, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic. Some of the most popular choices include ceramic tile, quartz and granite. However, if you’re on a budget or are looking for a more durable option, Corian and other solid-surface surfaces can offer a natural stone look at a lower cost.
For a modern twist on an old-time favorite, try honed marble counters. This type of natural stone comes in light neutral shades that easily complement any color palette, and it’s relatively easy to clean. It is a porous material, so it needs regular sealing to keep it looking its best.
A more unique choice is quartzite, which looks similar to marble but is harder and more resistant to stains and bacteria. It’s available in a variety of colors and veining patterns to suit any design scheme, from light neutrals to pink, gold, and rust hues.
If you want something a little more durable than natural stones but still look beautiful, consider river rock or concrete. These materials are less costly than other high-end options and can make a striking statement in any kitchen.
Epoxy counters are another option for those on a budget. This material coats your existing counters with a mixture of resin and hardener, which can be colored and textured to create a custom look. Stainless steel counters can also be a great choice for a modern, industrial kitchen. They’re versatile and work well with wood accents.
Flooring
Flooring is an important aspect of your kitchen remodel. It offers a clean, finished look to the room and can make or break your overall design. There are many different flooring options available, including wood, laminate, vinyl, and cork. Each has its own unique features and benefits. Some are environmentally friendly, while others offer a wide range of colors and designs. Some of these materials are also incredibly durable, so you can be confident that they will last for years to come.
Many homeowners opt to put in their floors first, before they install the kitchen units. This is a great way to create a consistent look throughout the space and eliminates the hassle of having to cut the flooring around cabinets. However, there are some drawbacks to doing this. For one, it can be harder to switch out your cabinet footprint in the future if you change your mind. Additionally, if you choose to put in quarter rounds, the flooring will have to be cut to fit around them, which can leave visible marks on your new floor.
When choosing your new kitchen flooring, it is important to consider how much wear and tear it will have to endure. Kitchens are often busy spaces with lots of foot traffic, so you will want a material that can stand up to the test of time. Hardwood is a great choice because it has a classic, natural look that will never go out of style. Other options that are extremely durable include linoleum and reclaimed wood.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you plan to repaint your cabinets during the kitchen remodel project, it is a good idea to choose a floor covering that is resistant to chemicals. Many paints contain harsh chemicals that can damage your floors, so it is important to select a cover that will hold up well against the various chemicals you will be using in the kitchen.
Another consideration is how much you want to spend on your flooring. If you have a tight budget, you may want to stick with something simple like laminate or vinyl. If you are looking to add a more luxurious feel to your kitchen, then you can opt for more expensive materials. However, it is always best to get a professional opinion before deciding on the right type of flooring for your kitchen.
Appliances
A kitchen is the heart of a home, and it’s often where family gathers to cook, experiment with new recipes, and host guests. If your appliances are starting to feel old, dated, or just no longer fit the way you use your kitchen, a remodel can help you upgrade and revitalize this important space.
In addition to adding style and functionality, the right appliances can help you save energy and cut costs. Older appliances are usually less efficient, while modern options offer more features that make cooking and cleaning easier and more effective.
When selecting kitchen appliances, a few things to consider include: quality and brand, size and capacity, and warranty. Additionally, the layout of your kitchen can impact the kinds and sizes of appliances you’re able to install. For example, if you have a smaller kitchen, it’s best to choose compact appliances to maximize space.
Another factor that can impact your choice of appliances is how much you’re willing to spend. Mainstream brands are a great option for homeowners on a budget, offering reliability and performance at a price that fits most homeowner’s needs. On the other hand, luxury brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele offer unparalleled quality and advanced technology that can transform your kitchen into a chef’s paradise.
Once you’ve considered your budget, lifestyle, and design style, it’s time to start thinking about the details. Choosing the right refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and microwave can help ensure that your new kitchen is perfectly tailored to your unique needs.
Microwaves are available in a variety of locations, including built-in as a door or drawer or on a countertop. You can also choose a traditional model or a convection microwave that doubles as an oven. You’ll also want to select the style of hood that suits your kitchen.
Lighting is a crucial part of any kitchen remodel, and it can have an immediate impact on the way your space looks and feels. A well-lit room can look bigger, while darker lighting can make a small kitchen feel cramped and uninviting.
While you’re getting your kitchen remodeled, it’s also an excellent time to get rid of any unused appliances that you no longer need. You can donate them or find a place to store them short-term. Alternatively, you can hire a professional junk removal service to help you clean up your space and remove unwanted items from the home.