With television and cable shows showing what you can do to improve your kitchen in just a short period of time, many people are inspired to change the appearance of their kitchens. Some people opt to upgrade and remodel the kitchen in order to increase the selling value of the home. Others decide to go through kitchen remodeling to modernize an outdated kitchen. Still, some homeowners simply decide to remodel after watching several home remodeling programs. There are three main aspects of a kitchen you can change through kitchen remodeling: kitchen cabinets, kitchen countertops, and kitchen appliances.
Kitchen Remodeling: Updating Cabinets for a Fresh Look
Kitchen cabinets can be given a complete makeover without having to replace them. By selecting a new piece of hardware (knobs and handles) for the cabinets and drawers, you can inexpensively change the way they look. The hardware comes in a variety of designs, shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. If you have had brass hardware shaped as spheres for the past decade, you may opt for chrome hardware in the shape of diamonds.
You can also opt to paint the cabinets to provide a new look. In order to paint your cabinets, you need to remove the doors, drawers, and hardware. After you remove the surfaces, you need to wipe them down with a clean rag and paint thinner to remove any buildup of dirt or grime. Once the surfaces are free of the grime, wash them with equal parts of bleach and water, rinse them off, and allow them to dry. Before you start painting the clean doors, prime the surfaces with a shellac-based primer-sealer kitchen cabinet safety. This will seal porous surfaces and seal off knots in the wood. After the primer-sealer dries, you can apply the selected color of paint.
Kitchen Countertops
Another option for your kitchen remodeling experience includes upgrading the kitchen countertops. You have two options: not replace the countertops or replace the countertops. If you decide to keep your original countertops, you can either tile over it or laminate it. Tiling can get expensive and be hard work, but the outcome turns out well if done correctly. Laminate sheets are inexpensive, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles.
Replacing the countertops can be a costly decision, but it can increase the value of your kitchen if you are planning on selling your house and moving soon. There are a variety of different countertops you can choose from, including laminate, wood, tile, stone, and stainless steel. Each type of countertop ranges in price, with laminate being the least expensive and stone and stainless steel being the most expensive. When selecting a new countertop, it is important to consider both the durability of the material and its appearance.
Smart Kitchen Remodeling: Selecting the Right Appliances
Kitchen appliances include everything from your toaster to your refrigerator. If you do not have much money budgeted aside for kitchen remodeling expenses and cannot afford to replace a large appliance such as the refrigerator or oven, you can always cover it. Appliance panels are sold to fit specific appliances and come in a variety of designs, which provide a new look for an outdated or stained panel.
If your budget allows for you to purchase a new, large appliance, you need to measure the space before going shopping. The last thing you want is to purchase a refrigerator that is too large for the available space. You can also opt to go green with your new appliances. Check the EnergyGuide label on the appliance before purchasing it. This label is attached to the pricing and features label and provides the energy efficiency rating for the product. Remember that the lower the number is, the more energy-efficient the appliance is.
Kitchen remodeling does not have to be an expensive task. With creativity, hard work, and thinking out of the box, you will be able to create your dream kitchen without going over your budget. Remember that a simple coat of paint, a new strip of laminate, or a new appliance panel can make your cabinets, countertops, and appliances look just like new. With the kitchen being a popular room in the house, it is important to keep it updated and satisfying for everyone to enjoy.
