Planning to update your kitchen? There are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. For today, we’re going to focus on what not to do in a kitchen remodel so you can get the most from your investment.
Don’t Sacrifice Function for Appearance
Function is the single most important aspect of any home remodel. Period. If a room doesn’t function well, you’re not going to enjoy being in it. As you make decisions for your kitchen, think about your functional needs first. There’s always a way to make that functional element look good, but it’s hard to fix design with foundational function flaws.
Identify what you need most out of your kitchen and make that the top priority. This is the only way to get a truly effective kitchen design.
Don’t Forget about the Ugly Elements (Trash Can, Pantry Items, Food Containers, etc.)
Kitchen remodeling isn’t always pretty. There are aspects of your kitchen that you may not want to see all the time. Make plans for where those elements are going to go as you adjust cabinetry and layout. Do you want your trash can in a drawer? Do you need closed storage for pantry items? Where will your food storage containers go? Consider these practical elements so you don’t have to deal with them in the aftermath.
Don’t Ignore Your Storage Needs
Beautiful Pinterest kitchens often have little to no upper cabinets. This creates a gorgeous open design, but it’s not practical for all homeowners. Open shelving tends to collect clutter, and lower cabinets may not be enough to store all your kitchenware. If you need to sacrifice that magazine look to maximize your storage, it’s worth it. The functional needs are most important.
Don’t Be Afraid of Dark or Contrasting Colors
Dark colors are often frowned upon because they can make a room feel smaller. If you have a tiny kitchen, you’ll probably want to stick with lighter colors.
That doesn’t mean that lighter is always better though. You could create a dramatic kitchen design with dark or contrasting colors, as long as it suits your aesthetic and available space. If you’re worried about having too much darkness, consider using dark lower cabinets and light uppers. The dark will hide fingerprints while the light helps the room feel airy.
Don’t Focus Too Much on Trends
Trends come and go. If you invest thousands of dollars on a trendy kitchen design, you may find it outdated in just a few years. We always recommend sticking to a more timeless and neutral design because that’s the best option for longevity. You can add accent features to make the space look updated, but you don’t have to redo the pricey components. A good kitchen design should be able to adapt to your changing needs.
Don’t Skimp on Material Quality or Craftsmanship
You’re much better off splurging on quality materials than you are choosing cheap pieces that will fall apart in a few years. Spending a little more now will save you money in the future, and it will make your home more valuable in the long run. You can cut out some ornate details that don’t have a high return value, but do not lower your standards on materials and craftsmanship.
Don’t Have Unrealistic Expectations (Or an Unrealistic Budget)
Kitchen remodeling isn’t a cheap process. There are certainly ways to save money and time, but you’re going to be making an investment no matter what. Make sure you approach this project with realistic expectations.
If you need to plan your remodel in stages, do that! If you want to upgrade cabinets and counters now, followed by appliances in a few years, that’s perfectly fine. All of your goals are attainable, as long as you look at them from the right perspective.
DO Hire the Right Company for the Job!
Choosing the right contractors makes all the difference. They know the tricks of the trade to help you avoid kitchen remodeling mistakes and make the most of your renovation. O’Hanlon Kitchens has helped Maryland homeowners achieve their dream kitchens for over a decade. We’d love to guide you through the process. Reach out to 443-285-0558 to speak with one of our award-winning kitchen designers.
