Before and After Kitchen: A Smart and Stylish Kitchen Makeover

A kitchen renovation can completely transform the heart of your home. With smart planning and stylish design choices, you can create a kitchen that is both beautiful and highly functional. This article will provide tips and inspiration for your own kitchen makeover, from initial planning to the final reveal.

Assessing Your Existing Kitchen

Before beginning a kitchen remodel, take time to thoroughly evaluate your current space. Consider the layout, storage, appliances, lighting, and aesthetics. Ask yourself the following questions:

What do you like about your existing kitchen, and what would you change?
Does the layout allow for proper workflow (the triangle between sink, stove, and refrigerator)?
Is there adequate counter space for food prep and cooking?
Are the cabinets and drawers well-organized and functional?
Is there enough storage space for dishes, cookware, pantry items?
Are the countertops dated or damaged?
Do the sinks/faucets function properly and look updated?
Are the appliances sufficient and energy-efficient?
Is the lighting sufficient for tasks like cooking and cleaning?
Is the flooring durable, easy-to-clean, and stylish?
Do you need to repair, replace, or update anything to match your taste?

Be honest about what is and isn’t working to determine what should stay and what should go in your new kitchen. Pay close attention to workflow, storage, and efficiency when evaluating. This assessment will provide the blueprint for your remodel.

Establishing Your Budget

Once you’ve assessed your needs, establish a realistic renovation budget. Kitchen upgrades span a wide range of prices. Prioritize your wish list features and determine must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

Here are typical costs for some popular kitchen upgrades:

Cabinets – $2,500 to $14,000 depending on material and custom versus stock
Countertops – $1,500 to $5,500+ based on material (laminate, quartz, granite, etc.)
Backsplash – $500 to $2,500+ depending on material and installation
Sink – $100 to $1,000+ for single bowl, double bowl, apron front, etc.
Faucet – $100 to $600+ for pull-down/pull-out, touchless, etc.
Lighting – $100 to $1,000+ per fixture
Flooring – $500 to $3,500 based on material (vinyl, tile, hardwoods, etc.)
Paint – $100 to $300 depending on scope
Appliances – Ranges from $500 to $10,000+, $300 to $2,000 for refrigerators, $250 to $1,000 for microwaves
Countertop Appliances – $50 to $500+ for stand mixers, instant pots, air fryers
Smart Home Technology – $200 to $800+ for outlets, lighting controls, appliances

Come up with your budget ceiling and then prioritize your wish list by importance. This will help guide your design and purchasing decisions.

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY

Another major choice is whether to hire a general contractor or tackle a DIY renovation. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Hiring a Contractor

Pros:

Experience/expertise with kitchen design and building codes
Connections with reputable subcontractors
Coordination of all construction details
Oversight of permits, inspections, materials purchasing
Ability to stay on schedule and budget
Warranty on work performed

Cons:

More expensive overall cost
Still need some DIY for design choices
Less control over some specifics

DIY Renovation

Pros:

Cost savings overall
Total control over all details and decisions
Sense of accomplishment doing it yourself
Ability to work on your own timeline

Cons:

Learning curve with some construction skills
Need to source all materials yourself
Lack of professional guidance/expertise
Unforeseen issues causing delays and budget overages
No warranty or recourse for problems

Assess your budget, skill level, and how involved you want to be to decide if a contractor is right for you. Many homeowners use a combination – they DIY things like cabinet painting but hire pros for major structural changes.

Creating Your Design Plan

The design plan is crucial for bringing your vision to life. Two keys areas to address are functional layout and aesthetic elements.

Layout

The layout focuses on floorplan and workflow. For efficiency, you generally want:

Fridge, stove, and sink along the perimeter in a triangle formation for easy access and movement. Leave room for opening doors/drawers.
Main thoroughfare minimum of 42 inches for multiple cooks. Wider is better.
Counters at least 24 inches deep and 4 feet for food prep between cabinets.
Cabinet heights of 12-18 inches for wall cabinets, 24 inches for base. Vary height for visual interest.
Toe kick space of 3-4 inches to allow chairs to slide under countertop overhang.
Open shelving/display space to break up cabinet rows.
Kitchen island is great for extra prep space, storage, and casual dining. Allow 42+ inches around all sides.
Lighting plan of overall ambient light, task lighting, and accent lighting.

Analyze how you cook, entertain, and navigate the space to create your optimal layout.

Aesthetics

For visual appeal, consider:

Color Scheme – Use a base color for cabinets/walls and accent colors for island, backsplash, etc. Stick to a cohesive palette.
Cabinets – Choose style (Shaker, modern), door material (wood, laminate), and finish (paint, stain). Get creative with shapes, Heights, and molding.
Hardware – Metallic finishes like black, brushed nickel, and bronze are versatile. Consistent handles tie the look together.
Countertops – Popular options: quartz for low maintenance, granite for natural patina, butcher block for warmth.
Backsplash – Use tile, metal, glass, stone, etc. Tie to countertop tones. Use sparingly or a bold pattern.
Flooring – Durable options like luxury vinyl plank, porcelain or ceramic tile. Add visual interest. Easy maintenance is key.
Lighting – Flush mounts, pendant lights, recessed cans, and task lighting. Mix metallic, glass, filament bulbs.
Window Treatments – Blinds, curtains, valances frame views. Let in natural light.
Accessories – Plants, artwork, rugs, accent walls or tiles. Add personal flair.

Take inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, HGTV, and design accounts. Collect images of styles you love.

Choosing Materials and Products

With your layout and design direction decided, now’s the fun part – selecting all the materials and products! Use your inspiration images as a jumping off point. Here are helpful tips for choosing key elements:

Cabinets

The options are endless – decide on:

Door Material – Wood, laminate, glass, metal can provide different looks and price points.
Door Style – Slab, Shaker, inset, contemporary. Select cohesive aesthetics.
Finish – Stained, painted, glazed, distressed. Sample finishes on door samples first.
Hardware – Matching handles and knobs tie the look together. Consider black, bronze, nickel, brass.
Custom vs Stock – Weigh cost, lead times, sizes, and customization abilities.

Once you select cabinet fronts, choose smart interior fittings like pull out shelves, lazy susans, spice storage, and integrated trash/recycling bins.

Countertops

Consider maintenance, durability, and aesthetics for countertop materials:

Granite – Heat and scratch resistant. Natural patina. Sealing required.
Marble – Elegant veining. Softer, prone to etching/staining. Sealing required.
Quartz – Mimics stone look. Non-porous, low maintenance. Resists scratches.
Butcher Block – Warm look. Requires oiling and sealing. Easily scratched.
Laminate – Budget friendly. Wide variety of colors and patterns.
Concrete – Industrial vibe. Can be stained, stamped, polished.
Tile – Durable, endless pattern options. Grout requires sealing.

Edge styles like eased, bullnose, ogee, or squared complete the look.

Backsplash

Make a statement with your backsplash tile! Consider:

Material – Ceramic and porcelain tile, glass, metal, stone.
Style – Subway, mosaic, marble, penny tile, textured.
Color – Tie to your cabinetry and countertops or make it pop.
Layout – Standard grid, herringbone, inset panels, geometric designs, listellos.
Grout Color – Contrast or coordinate with tile colors.

Measure precisely to calculate how much tile is needed. Allow extra in case of breakage.

Flooring

Kitchen flooring takes a beating – choose durable materials:

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Looks like wood/tile. Waterproof. Affordable.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile – Classic look, easy maintenance. Handle temperature changes.
Stone – Timeless beauty. Requires sealing. Avoid glossy finishes.
Concrete – Industrial vibe. Can stain/customize finishes.
Laminate – Wood-look. Budget option. Avoid excessive moisture.

Consider larger tiles with minimal grout lines for a seamless look that’s easy to clean.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential. Include layers:

Ambient – Ceiling flush or semi-flush mounts. Provide overall illumination.
Task – Undercabinet lighting. Bright, focused light for prepping/cooking.
Accent – Pendants, track lighting. Create style and highlight features.

Choose fixture finishes and bulb styles to match your decor. Consider dimmers for flexibility. Include smart technology like motion sensor lights.

Faucets and Sinks

Fixtures should suit your aesthetic and provide functionality:

Faucets:

** Finish** – Match other metallic accents like lighting and hardware
Style – High arc, gooseneck, commercial. Align with your overall vibe.
Features – Pull-down/out sprayer, touchless option, soap dispenser

Sinks:

Type – Undermount, apron front, farmhouse, vessel basin
Bowl – Single vs double basin
Material – Stainless, porcelain, ceramic, granite composite
Depth – Standard or extra deep for larger items

Select faucet and sink together to ensure proper mounting and clearance.

Preparing and Renovating Your Space

Once you’ve done all the planning and made your product selections, it’s time for the renovation process. Be prepared!

Create a Timeline

Develop a realistic timeline outlining start and end dates for each phase:

Demolition – Removing old cabinets, flooring, appliances
Rough-in – Electrical, plumbing, gas line work if needed
Installation – New cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, flooring, painting
Finishing – Hardware, fixtures, accessories
Inspections – Throughout project to ensure proper building codes and standards

Factor in lead times for ordered products and rest days. Be flexible for potential delays.

Protect Your Belongings

To limit dust and damage:

Move or tightly cover furnishings. Use plastic drop cloths.
Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to contain debris.
Turn off and disconnect appliances.
Pack up kitchenware and small appliances not needed.
Move delicate items like artwork and plants out of the space.
Store/label items that need to be accessed, like dishes.

Prevent issues by being proactive and thorough.

Hire the Right Pros

If using specialty contractors, vet and hire pros for key aspects like:

Cabinetry installation
Countertop fabrication and installation
Tile setting
Flooring
Painting
Plumbing and electrical work
Carpentry

Check reviews, licenses, insurance, and references. Ensure fair pricing.

Maintain Safety

Follow safety best practices during the renovation:

Turn off water/power as needed to prevent shock or leaks.
Wear goggles, gloves, mask and other PPE as needed.
Use appliances and tools properly. Read instruction manuals.
Keep flammable materials away from ignition sources, store chemicals correctly.
Provide adequate ventilation. Open windows, use fans, ventilate properly when painting.
Prevent trip hazards with cords/tools and contain construction dust.
Dispose of waste properly. Recycle materials that can be reused or repurposed.

Staying safe should be your top priority.

Completing the Transformation

You’re nearing the finish line! The last steps will pull your whole design together.

Install Decor Fixtures

Add those final touches:

Mount your new hardware on cabinets and drawers.
Install pendant lights, sconces, and under cabinet lighting.
Finish plumbing connections for new sink and faucet.
Seal and grout backsplash tile once mounted. Let cure fully.
Reconnect appliances once new flooring is installed.

Check that all lighting, plumbing, appliances are functioning properly. Enjoy your new fixtures!

Style and Organize

Now make the space your own:

Style open shelving with decorative bowls, cookbooks, and potted herbs.
Use rugs and window treatments to soften and warm up the space.
Add personalized art, chalkboards, or frames for photos.
Organize cabinets and drawers to maximize storage. Use trays, bins, and organizers.
Set up a knife block, paper towel holder, and other essentials.
Transfer over kitchenware, cookbooks, pantry items. Assign new homes.
Plant fresh herbs in pots for easy harvesting while cooking.

A thoughtfully styled and organized kitchen is a joy to cook and entertain in!

Clean and Celebrate

Give everything a good final wipe down and cleaning before enjoying your improved space! Have a celebration dinner or cocktail party to show off your new kitchen to family and friends. Snap some “after” photos and reflect on the transformations. Bravo on your successful makeover!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodels can be complex. Here are answers to some common questions on the process:

How long will my kitchen remodel take?

The timeline varies greatly based on scope and any structural changes. Cosmetic makeovers can take 2-4 weeks. Full gut renovations often take 8-12 weeks. Have a plan but expect some flexibility needed.

What is the cost breakdown for a kitchen remodel?

On average, the approximate investment goes towards:

Cabinets and hardware (40%)
Countertops (15%)
Appliances (15%)
Labor (10-15%)
Flooring (5-10%)
Lighting and plumbing (5%)
Miscellaneous extras (5-10%) like backsplash tile

How do I get permits for my remodel?

Building permits are typically required for structural, gas, electric, and plumbing work. Check with your local permit office for requirements and applications. They will inspect for code compliance.

What order should I renovate in?

It’s best to demolish, then complete rough ins for electric/gas/plumbing, install cabinetry, then countertops, followed by flooring, then fixtures and finishes. Finishing touches like styling come last.

Should I renovate by room or the whole house?

It’s generally best to complete the whole kitchen renovation at once for time and cost efficiencies. If other rooms are involved, discuss phasing with your contractor.

How much disruption will my daily routine face?

Expect your kitchen to be non-functional for several weeks minimum. Make arrangements for cooking and cleaning as needed. Temporary kitchen setups help minimize disruption. Plan ahead.

What are ways to save on my remodel?

Strategic DIY, buying cabinets/fixtures on sale, avoiding moving walls, planning lighting/plumbing carefully, and using budget-friendly surfaces like laminate countertops and luxury vinyl flooring can yield big cost savings.

In Conclusion

While the process is undoubtedly challenging, pushing through a kitchen renovation is hugely rewarding. By following the tips above for smart planning and design, you can actualize the kitchen of your dreams. The end result will be a highly functional, beautiful gathering space tailored to your unique style, storage needs, and chef aspirations. Here’s to cooking, creating memories, and entertaining in your fresh, stylish new kitchen for years to come!