For many people, the kitchen is their happy place, where they can cook a great meal and feed people with happiness. However, there comes a time when you need to upgrade your kitchen for whatever reason.
Maybe your culinary appetite has grown, and you need better storage and equipment, or maybe you just want to replace the old with the new. Irrespective of your reason, there are some common mistakes you need to avoid.
This blog post will quickly cover the top 5 kitchen renovation mistakes to make your upgrade more hassle-free. Let’s begin!
1. Overlooking the Kitchen Layout
In simple terms, the layout is the position of items in the kitchen, and this includes the cupboard, fridge, dishwasher, oven, etc. From our years of experience, ReveCuisine recommends a kitchen space that’s open and void of obstructions.
So, your focus should be on positioning items in a way that won’t impede traffic flow., but also consider family and guests too. In this case, ask yourself whether the countertop height is too much or whether others can reach the cabinet.
If it’s too complex to follow, then just stick with your kitchen’s old layout. The main goal is that there’s little pathway obstruction and things are arranged neatly.
2. Underestimating Budget Requirements
Whether you’re renovating a car, office, or kitchen, the first thing to consider is the budget. Why? You need to know how much you’re willing to sacrifice to create your dream kitchen.
At the same time, creating a budget allows you to plan every aspect of the renovation, creating a clearer picture of your project. It also ensures that you have some money left after the project instead of remorse and debt.
Lastly, having a budget ensures that you start and finish upgrading your kitchen instead of stopping halfway because of money issues.
So, how do you create a budget for your kitchen upgrade? There are several ways. For example, you can focus on the kitchen appliances that will genuinely make your kitchen more functional.
As for pricing, have a list of what your kitchen needs then go online or the store to find the best options for your budget. But avoid going too cheap as you may end up buying that same product repeatedly, thereby costing you more money in the long run.
3. Ignoring Storage Solutions
Never underestimate your kitchen’s need for space! Over time, you will add more items to your kitchen, slowly overwhelming it due to inadequate storage. Naturally, this will make your space look messy and unappealing.
To fix this, start early and get proper storage solutions like deep drawers instead of traditional lower cabinets. These make it easier to handle pots, pans, and other bulk items. You can also use pull-out pantry shelves that are perfect for storing canned goods, dry ingredients, and spices.
If possible, try getting tall cabinets or open shelving. They take up vertical space and make your kitchen feel spacious. But irrespective of the type you get, ensure it’s spacious enough to handle your current and future storage requirements.
4. Choosing the Wrong Materials
We understand that renovating your kitchen is a culinary adventure. But we also want to point out that your kitchen’s beauty and longevity all depend on the type of material you use. Essentially, low-quality materials can often make your kitchen appear worn out faster than it should.
One example is the countertop you choose for your kitchen. They work the hardest whenever you prepare a meal, so they need to be tough like granite, quartz, or even steel. Besides durability, your countertop should also be able to easily shrug off stains, scratches, heat, etc.
Next, your kitchen floor! It should feel comfortable, durable, and resistant to spills. The best materials for this job are usually ceramic tiles and hardwood floors, as they can take a beating without losing their charm.
This care should also be reflected in your cabinets, as they should be both visually appealing and durable. By durable, we mean resistant to moisture, heat, and wear, helping them maintain their beauty and keep your kitchen looking grand.
5. Neglecting Lighting & Ventilation
Undoubtedly, your kitchen will need all the ventilation it can get since it’ll be blazing hot when in use. At the same time, the smoke from all the cooking and sizzling will need to escape, or else, it can collect on your wall and furniture, making everywhere greasy overtime.
So what do you do? Ensure the new kitchen configuration doesn’t obstruct the windows and prevent air from getting in or out. You can also maximise ventilation by using an exhaust fan that captures and expels pollutants and unpleasant odors.
You also need proper lighting in a functional kitchen as poor lighting can make it super tricky to chop vegetables or move around. In this case, you can maximize outside light by preventing obstructions in the window area.
You can also combine it with light fixtures over areas like the countertop, stove, and sink. This will provide that much-needed brightness and stop you from straining your eyes, especially at night.
We recommend using energy-saving bulbs for these light fixtures to save power and minimize bulb replacement.
Bonus: Not Seeking Professional Help
Most people today are quick to take the DIY route to either save money or enjoy the accomplishment of doing it themselves. While this is understandable, it’s not always the best, especially when it comes to renovation.
Doing everything yourself opens the project to errors in complex areas like setting up a ventilation system, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. If you have no experience, the mistakes you make can be severe and cost you more money.
That’s why we recommend seeking professional help from kitchen remodelers like ReveCuisine. We have the professional expertise to make your kitchen dream a reality and will work perfectly with the budget you give.
About ReveCuisine
Renovating your kitchen is hard, and if these five tips are difficult to follow, consider asking help from ReveCuisine. With over 10 years of experience in kitchen remodeling field, we are capable to trancend your kitchen to another level and will work with you to develop a design that’s beautiful and functional.
Our professionals are available to come and measure your space to ensure the cabinets and cupboards fit excellently. Once created, you can either pick them yourself or let us drop and install them in your kitchen.
Contact ReveCuisine today!