Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is a great way to increase the value of your home. It can be a small cosmetic makeover or an entirely new layout. You can also use the opportunity to upgrade to more energy-efficient electronic appliances.

A full-blown kitchen remodel is generally considered major work and can require months of completion. You will need to plan accordingly and prepare for making alternative cooking arrangements while the remodel is taking place.

Cabinets are a key feature in most kitchens and a major factor to consider when planning a remodel. Whether the cabinets are new or repurposed, choosing the right materials and finishes can add value to your home. The cost of cabinetry varies depending on the type and style. For example, hickory or cherry cabinets cost more than maple and oak. Cabinet hardware is also a factor in the cost of cabinets, with brass and copper priced higher than brushed nickel or chrome. Fortunately, homeowners can reduce the price of their cabinets by opting for laminate or thermofoil instead of pricier wood.

During a kitchen remodel, it’s important to make sure you have enough storage space for your cookware and other items. When determining the size of your cabinets, measure out the items you want to stow away and check that there is enough clearance. This is especially important for lower cabinets, where tall stock pots may need to be stacked.

If your cabinets are older, it’s a good idea to upgrade the hardware. This simple fix can give your kitchen a whole new look and feel for a relatively low cost. It’s also a great opportunity to address safety issues, such as moving electrical outlets from dangerous areas near water sources.

Cabinets are typically constructed of either face-frame or frameless construction, with the latter offering a cleaner look. In face-frame construction, the cabinet interiors are framed with wood and assembled using dovetail joints, power fasteners, or hot and cold glues. The resulting box is then fitted with drawers or doors and is ready for installation. Frameless construction is less expensive and can be more durable, but it requires skilled installers to achieve a clean look.

A wide range of door mounting options is available for both face-frame and frameless cabinets. Traditional overlay doors abut the cabinet face frames, while inset doors fit closely and obscure the frame when closed. Several other mounting options are available, including frameless doors mounted on rails and full-access doors that open outward from the center of the cabinet.

A popular trend for kitchens is color blocking. This technique can be done vertically or horizontally and adds depth to the room. For example, white upper cabinets contrasted with moody blue lower cabinets can create a stunning visual effect. Another option is to opt for a monochromatic palette, with each cabinet painted a different shade of gray.

Countertops

Countertops are the workhorses of a kitchen, so they’re an important part of any remodel. They provide a visual focal point and can create a unique design style in your home. There are many different countertop options available, including natural stone, solid surface materials, laminate, and more. To help you decide which material is right for your home, consider your budget, cooking habits, and desired aesthetic.

Quartz countertops are popular for modern kitchens due to their durability and appearance. They can be cut with a standard power saw and are seamless, with no visible seams. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including duplicates of granite and marble. They’re heat and stain resistant, but they should be protected from direct contact with hot cookware and appliances to prevent damage.

For a classic kitchen design, marble counters are a timeless option. While they do require regular waxing to maintain their luster, they’re heat and stain-resistant, naturally cool to the touch, and add a luxurious look to your space. However, these counters can be prone to scratches and etchings. If you’re concerned about maintenance, consider installing marble slabs on an island or in a bar area and using trivets to protect the surface.

Wood counters are another option for a modern or minimalist style. They’re eco-friendly and durable, but they must be carefully maintained with frequent tung oil treatments. Purchasing reclaimed wood counters from architectural salvage yards can be a great way to give your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look.

If you’re interested in a rustic style, copper or bronze countertops can be a beautiful choice. These metals have a warm color that creates a country feel and can be used in both traditional and modern kitchens. They’re also heat-resistant and easy to clean, but they should be protected from abrasive materials like metal utensils.

Another option for a rustic style is honed stone counters, which are smooth and durable but won’t show fingerprints. This counter material is a good choice for a minimalist kitchen and can be paired with white, gray, or black cabinets. When remodeling a small kitchen, make sure to plan for adequate clearance between counters and appliances. This can prevent bottlenecks in your workflow and ensure that you have ample room to maneuver food, pots, pans, and other supplies.

Flooring

Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to add value to your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, it can recoup between 57% and 78% of its cost.

Whether you’re looking to make a minor refresh or a major overhaul, determining your needs and wants is the first step. It’s important to prioritize what will be most beneficial for resale and then add your personal touches.

The biggest investment will probably be in the cabinets and countertops, but don’t forget about the flooring. This is the most used surface in the kitchen and is a great place to add color and personality. Options include vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile, and solid or engineered hardwood that can flow with the other living areas in the home.

If you’re going to make any major changes to the layout of your kitchen, it’s crucial that you consult with a professional. This is because moving the plumbing and electrical systems can be costly and complicated. In addition, it can also affect the resale value of your home.

When you’re remodeling your kitchen, it’s important to choose a contractor who is experienced and licensed. This will ensure that your project is completed correctly and safely. You should also take the time to research contractors and ask for referrals. This will help you find the right fit for your project.

Another way to save on kitchen remodeling costs is by installing energy-efficient appliances. This will not only increase the resale value of your kitchen, but it can also help reduce your utility bills.

A simple and affordable way to give your kitchen a facelift is by replacing the hardware. This is an easy DIY project that can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of styles and finishes, so it’s easy to find something that fits your taste and budget.

A well-designed and functional kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where your family gathers to eat and socialize, so it’s important that it’s both stylish and functional. With a little planning, you can create a space that’s both beautiful and inviting.

Lighting

In any kitchen remodel, lighting is an important consideration. It sets the tone of the space and allows for functional tasks while also adding beauty. Whether your kitchen is sleek and modern or rustic and country, there’s a lighting option that fits the style.

Choosing the right light fixtures isn’t just about size and style; you also need to think about where the lights will be placed and what kind of light they will emit. The most common kitchen lighting is recessed or flush-mount ceiling lights that add ambient light, but pendants and chandeliers are also popular choices for adding visual interest.

Undercabinet and toe-kick lights are also useful in adding functional light to a room, as they can be used to illuminate drawers and shelves. These lights are typically LED (light-emitting diode), which can help save energy in the kitchen.

When planning your kitchen’s lighting, remember that there are different layers to a kitchen’s illumination:

Task lighting is necessary to illuminate working areas, such as countertops, so that you can see what you’re doing when you’re prepping food or cooking. Accent lighting adds a pop of color or highlights a unique feature in the kitchen, such as a beautiful backsplash or an island that’s shaped like a ship.

Layering your kitchen’s lighting can help it look more intentional, so that all of the pieces work together to create a cohesive design. Too few lights can make a kitchen seem sparse and unfinished, while too many can overwhelm a space and cause visual confusion. To avoid this, it’s best to plan your kitchen lighting at the design stage so that you can place the lights where they will be most effective.

Also, consider putting your lights on dimmers so that you can control the amount of light in your kitchen depending on the occasion. Bright light is great for working, but you might want to lower the lighting for a dinner with friends or a romantic evening. Having multiple dimmer switches will allow you to do just that.