How to Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams

So you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen! That’s great. But do you know what you want in your new kitchen? There are so many decisions to make before you embark on your renovation!

Where on earth should you start? How do you know what to buy or where to buy it? Brushed nickel or chrome? Granite or quartz? Tile floors or wood? What’s the best choice? Will it all go together? Ahhhhhhhh!

The thing is, there are a ton of things to consider before you even start your kitchen renovation! From design style to your personal needs, as a professional interior design firm we’re here to help you figure it all out! Here in Western Massachusetts, like most other areas, there are tons of places to buy kitchen plumbing, cabinets, tile, etcetera. But, how do you know what to look for when you get there?

We wanted to make it a little easier for you, by putting together the top three things you need to consider when renovating your kitchen, in order to get exactly what you want and need!

But, don’t forget that if you still need help when you’re done reading, we do offer Details for a Day. We’ll meet you at our favorite suppliers (or yours) and help you choose everything, tile, flooring, cabinets, countertops, faucets, sink, etc.! Just like we did with this client in the picture below.

The first thing to think about, which may seem obvious, is WHY do you want a new kitchen? What is it about your existing kitchen that you don’t like? What bothers you about it? Maybe it’s just a cosmetic issue that can be solved with some paint, a cabinet refacing and some new fixtures and finishes. For instance, subway tile backsplashes always add a clean, timeless look and won’t break the bank! Check out this blog about subway tile HERE!

Maybe it’s a lack of functionality and you need a new layout, like in the photo below. We removed a wall and added a (soon to be) seating area to the kitchen. It changes the entire layout and the way the space will be used. That’s why it’s so important determine the why before you just dive in.

The second thing to think about is entertaining. Somehow, whenever we entertain, everyone ends up in the kitchen, right? Regardless of whether we want people in there or not. So do you WANT to entertain in your new kitchen? If so, how many people will be in there at a time? Do you enjoy large family gatherings or intimate dinner parties? How do you entertain? Also, how many people will be regularly cooking at the same time? Do you do the cooking or do you have a caterer come in? Do you want to have privacy in your kitchen when you’re entertaining? Maybe you need a new layout to prevent people from hanging out in there! Believe it or not, the design of your kitchen can do whatever you want it to do. As designers, we can narrow down your wants and needs and figure it all out. This open floor plan below allows guests to join in when the homeowners are cooking. But, when they’re hanging out on the comfy stools, they’re out of the cooks way. Plus, it’s a warm and welcoming layout that flows into the living and dining spaces.

See more of this kitchen renovation Here!

Lastly, you need to really think about how much you want to spend on your kitchen. That’s the million dollar question. (See what I did there???) You want to consider every seemingly minute thing you’re going to have to invest in, and then add more. Add a contingency budget. Renovations can be tricky sometimes, and unexpected costs can arise. What if you open up a wall and your electrical needs updating? What if your old flooring is removed and you find out that your subfloor needs replacing too? You want to be sure to account for the potential construction mishaps along the way. You need to plan on and budget for them. Start with what’s most important to you and then go from there. Dream big! And then work your way into your budget.
Maybe you really want good quality cabinetry that won’t need to be replaced. Then you’ll want to put your money toward the cabinets, and maybe go with chrome plumbing fixtures instead of brushed nickel, to save some money. You could also choose appliances that aren’t top of the line. Maybe you really just want it to LOOK great, but plan on selling your house in 5 years. If that’s the case, you can choose prefab cabinets and builder grade countertops just to spruce it up!

But, if you’re creating your dream kitchen that you want to enjoy for years to come, then spend the money on quality cabinets and quartz (or whatever it is you want at the time!) Take a look at THIS blog post to read more about updating your kitchen! Just be sure to focus on the things that are most important to you and spend your money there. A good designer can help you decide where to splurge and where to save.

Those are my top 3 tips on how to get the kitchen you want and need. But guess what? There’s so much more! Whether you’re already in the process of renovating, or it’s just an idea that’s brewing in the back of your mind, this detailed kitchen renovation questionnaire will be a LIFESAVER! Check it out HERE!! It will really help you narrow down what you actually want and need out of your kitchen.

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