Kitchen Remodeling Ideas For Every Budget

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Great idea! Estimates vary, but most sources agree that you can expect to recover at least 75% of the remodeling cost for a kitchen through the increased resale value it contributes to your home. Whether or not you are planning to sell your home anytime soon, here are some remodeling tips to make your kitchen a room the whole family will enjoy spending time in.

Install an Island – If you do not already have a kitchen island, this is a great multi-purpose addition. Islands add counter space for food preparation or decorative objects. They add extra drawers and cabinets for storage – and you can never have too much storage! Add some stools, and you have a great casual dining surface. A kitchen island can become a family gathering point, with mom or dad chopping vegetables on the counter while the kids sit on the stools finishing homework or playing games on a laptop.

Include Plenty of Light – No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, you won’t be able to fully appreciate it without good lighting. Try to maximize the natural light in your kitchen with windows, even skylights, if possible. Skylights, or roof windows, are a wonderful way to bring light into your kitchen while preserving wall space and privacy. If it is not possible to add windows to your kitchen, make sure you have enough lighting fixtures to thoroughly illuminate the room. One popular trend is the lighting dimmer, which allows you to change the intensity of the light, creating a different mood and atmosphere.

Create a Live-In Kitchen – One current remodeling trend is the idea of the “live-in” kitchen. Most people like to be around food, and the kitchen can be a great family hang-out spot. A television, comfortable seating, and internet access can make the kitchen a perfect place to entertain friends or spend time with family. If your kitchen borders your living room or den, consider opening the space between them, perhaps even tearing down a separating wall and installing a bar in the transitional space.

Little Changes Make a Big Difference – If you do not have the budget for a full-scale remodel, there are still several small things you can do to give your kitchen a new look. Repaint your cabinets and adding new handles or knobs can give the effect of replacing your cabinets without the cost. A new sink or lighting fixture can also help to refresh your kitchen’s appearance.