The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether it is simple and old-fashioned or sleek and contemporary, it is where hearty meals are provided and familial connections are made. When the kitchen does not meet the needs of the homeowners, however, it can disrupt their day-to-day living that otherwise would be efficient and congenial.
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A problem kitchen can be a result of poor design, lack of functionality, insufficient storage and outdated materials and finishes. The good thing is that there have been great strides in kitchen design and innovations in kitchen appliances that have changed the way people cook and dine.
Here are five kitchen problems that can be solved with a remodel:
1. A floor plan that was not designed for modern-day appliances: Quite a few things have changed since the 1940s when the concept of the kitchen triangle, which assumes an aesthetically pleasing and functional flow between the cooktop, the sink and the refrigerator, originated. While the original functions still exist in modern-day kitchens, technologies and the way kitchens fit into current lifestyles have developed. Builders did not include space for a dishwasher, a microwave and under-counter appliances. This configuration of the kitchen presented a problem for homeowners who want to cook together, dine informally at a freestanding island and entertain themselves.
The best solution for an outdated floor plan is to redesign it into a space that can meet the goals of the homeowners. During the remodel, experts will reconfigure appliances along the perimeter and add an island to provide workspace for food preparation and act as an informal dining area for kids and guests. As lifestyles change, so do kitchen functions. A homeowner who frequently hosts dinner parties can also make the most of a beverage center with a second sink and an under-counter refrigerator for cold drinks and wine.
2. A cramped kitchen and an underutilized dining room: In many older homes, the kitchen and the dining room are separate spaces. Today, modern homes incorporate an open-plan kitchen that fuses the kitchen, dining and even living room areas, making an efficient use of space. If you have a cramped, ill-lit kitchen and a dining room that has been gathering dust, the best solution is to take down the wall dividing those two spaces. An open-concept kitchen can make room for an island with seating, adding to the kitchen’s overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. Some kitchens with open layouts feature a long marble countertop with bar stools where guests can sit down and chat while the homeowner concocts an impromptu meal. The general sense of informality makes open kitchens the hub of the home.
Moreover, an open-concept kitchen expands the living space and gives a place to add accents that complement the rest of the house. Pendant lights and chandeliers take advantage of the open air. If you want to put emphasis on continuity in your home, you will appreciate an open kitchen that allows an uninterrupted flow of air and natural light.
3. Insufficient storage space: An obvious culprit behind too many kitchen-centered fiascos is insufficient storage space, particularly a pantry. While organizing your kitchen can be an ongoing challenge, it is one that can be met with smart solutions during a kitchen remodel. From hidden refrigerators to pull-out shelving and built-in outlets, the potential for smart storage has never been more attainable.
If you want to free up counter space, use custom cabinet inserts that slide on a track so you can access and conceal items, such as skillets, saucepans and casserole dishes, as you need. You can also create storage behind a quartz backsplash with sleek sliding panels. Built-in appliances, such as coffee machines, microwaves and ovens, are an excellent addition to a sophisticated kitchen space. For a larger renovation, convert a closet space into a pantry. Use pull-out shelves for food storage and tall cabinets to provide a room for dishes and cooking utensils.
4. Outdated counter surfaces, cabinet hardware, flooring and appliances: From new countertops and cabinets to new floors and a backsplash, cosmetic changes can tremendously transform a kitchen. If you have a vinyl flooring that is beginning to show signs of old age or laminate countertops, although well-maintained, that have sharp corners that interfere with the flow of traffic in the room, a home improvement project can provide the adjustments you need.
A brand-new stove and microwave hood allows for a more efficient cooking process. A beautiful granite countertop can add to the elegance in the kitchen. If you want a better-performing alternative that resists both scratching and staining, quartz is an ideal material to pick. An undermount sink with a gooseneck faucet and a detachable spray offers better aesthetics and functionality than the traditional drop-in sink. A new backsplash of porcelain or travertine tile can protect walls around the sink and food preparation areas while adding a focal point to the kitchen. Custom-designed cabinets and new hardware also make organizing and cleaning the space easier. An island with curved edges provides for a safer movement within the kitchen. Dark hardwood floors ground a farmhouse-style kitchen with a flair of modernity. For a contemporary kitchen, soft limestone and tile flooring offers a look that never goes out of style.
5. Poor ventilation: In the kitchen, issues with smoke and stains are usually caused by poor ventilation around the stove and the oven. To correct this, the home improvement contractor will propose plans to make improvements to the exhaust fans and/or recommend a hood that can provide proper coverage over the whole range and filter out smoke and grease while cooking. It will not only improve the indoor air quality in the house, but will also add a hint of style that complements the recent improvements. Installing a patio door that slides back and forth on a track can also help with the air circulation in the space. Another choice is a window backsplash, which is a refreshing sight in either traditional or modern kitchens. The best thing about sliding windows is they will not occupy a substantial wall space.
6. Poor lighting: To get the most out of lighting in the kitchen, fixtures should be strategically placed. As your main source of light, ambient lighting should cast as evenly as possible from the ceiling. You can do it with a combination of pendant lights, recessed lighting and flush mounts. While ambient lighting enables you to navigate the space, it leaves shadows in areas that require focus. This is where task lighting comes into play. It illuminates work spaces and cabinetry so you can safely prepare food, easily read recipes and conveniently spot ingredients on a shelf. Strip and puck lights are some of the most common fixtures for task lighting. Lastly, you need accent lighting. Consider it the cherry on top of your well-designed kitchen space. Cabinet lights and toe kick lights help accentuate elements in your interior design.
Contact Us for All Your Kitchen Remodeling Needs
Do not just remodel, imagine new possibilities with Allpoint Construction. With an eye for aesthetics and practical approach to layout, our skilled and experienced team can help you design and build a new kitchen space that is perfectly suited to your style, needs and budget. Other top-rated services we offer include roofing and vents, flooring and tile, doors and windows, and insurance repairs. Give us a call at (734) 526-4955, or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation quote.
