Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is a popular project because updated kitchens often add value to a home. But before you engage a remodeler, determine your goals.

For example, if you and your partner like to cook together, the classic working triangle can be expanded with creative design so you can reach both the sink and stovetop simultaneously. Avoid overly ornate trim and woodwork that will date your new kitchen.

The layout of your kitchen is a vital component of how well the space functions. Often, the floorplan is dictated by your square footage, but it can also be a result of your needs and goals for the space. For instance, if you’re a serious cook, a U-shaped kitchen allows you to maneuver quickly with ease and provides plenty of counter space for baking or food prep.

On the other hand, a galley kitchen is an efficient layout that runs along a single wall and is perfect for small spaces or one-cook kitchens. It’s important to plan the work triangle carefully so the distances between your refrigerator, stove, and sink are comfortable but not crowded. Also, make sure there is adequate storage space to suit your needs. Add pull-outs and carousels to minimize corner cabinet clutter and give yourself more storage in tight areas.

Larger kitchens and multiple cooks can benefit from a more open floor plan that includes a central island. This can be a seating area, a food prep surface, or both, and is a great way to add more storage space. Kitchen island ideas can also be used in smaller kitchens to create a more open feel. It’s also important to consider universal and accessible kitchen design if you have family members with disabilities or if you’re planning on living in your home as you age. This involves incorporating adaptations to kitchen layouts and appliances that may be harder to modify down the road.

Appliances

A modern kitchen depends on high-performing appliances. Whether you’re cooking a complicated meal for guests or whipping up a weeknight dinner, a state-of-the-art stove, oven, and dishwasher make the process easy and efficient. Costco offers a wide variety of premium appliances that offer convenience and style at an affordable price.

If you’re remodeling to increase resale value, consider the target market of your neighborhood and potential future buyers when selecting items for the kitchen. Over-customizing your kitchen could limit your audience and detract from the return on investment you’re likely to receive when it’s time to sell.

As you begin planning your remodel, research kitchen layouts and designs, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and building and flooring materials to determine the best options that meet your needs, wants, and budget. Visit kitchen showrooms and home renovation stores, take virtual tours through HGTV Kitchen Design Shows and Luxury Kitchen Designs, or attend neighborhood home tours to get a feel for the latest trends and innovations.

Another consideration when choosing appliances is energy efficiency. Upgrades like low-flow faucets and a tankless water heater reduce your household’s water usage, which in turn lowers your utility bills. Look for options with the ENERGY STAR rating, which means they’re backed by the Environmental Protection Agency and designed to help you save on energy costs while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. The Energy Star label also helps you qualify for federal tax credits.

Countertops

Countertops are the focal point of any kitchen and a significant part of the overall design. Today’s countertops offer a range of aesthetics, from sophisticated technological materials to classic quartz and natural stones. They can also incorporate hard-wearing laminates and colorful glass. They may be wall-facing, island- or peninsula-based, and can incorporate an integrated backsplash (UK: upstand) to protect against spills and splashes.

One of the most popular choices for countertops is marble, which offers a luxurious, classic aesthetic. It’s important to note that the stone can stain and scratch, which requires frequent refinishing and regular sealing. Another option is quartz, which has gained popularity in recent years because of its durability and ease of maintenance. It’s also available in a wide array of looks that mimic natural stone varieties, making it a viable alternative to more expensive options.

Wooden countertops are a more eco-friendly choice, but they can damage and warp over time and require regular refinishing and sanding. However, this material is a great fit for a rustic or cottage-style kitchen. Engineered stone, like quartzite, is another countertop material that has grown in popularity because it offers the look of natural stone but with the added benefit of being heat, scratch, and stain resistant.

Backsplashes can also add a dramatic flair to a kitchen remodel. Whether you prefer an upscale glass tile or something more traditional, a new backsplash is a great way to add your personal touch to this functional space.

Lighting

While most homeowners focus on the cabinets, appliances, and that gorgeous stone countertop, it’s crucial to remember that lighting can make or break a kitchen remodel. If it’s not done right, your new kitchen will feel dark and dreary instead of bright and welcoming. Thankfully, updating your kitchen’s lighting doesn’t have to be expensive or involve any major structural changes.

We can help you plan and install the proper light fixtures for your kitchen renovation, creating a well-lit space that’s comfortable to work in and welcoming to guests. The key to a well-lit kitchen is to layer different types of lighting throughout the room. The first is ambient lighting, which provides a general base layer of illumination from ceiling lights. We’ll help you choose from a variety of options for this, including standard ceiling fixtures, pendant lights, and recessed lights.

Task lighting provides illumination for specific tasks, such as prepping food on the countertops. We’ll help you decide what kind of task lighting will be best for your kitchen, which may include pendant lights over the island or under-cabinet lights that illuminate workspaces.

Accent lighting adds visual interest to your kitchen by highlighting decorative elements, such as open shelves or décor on top of cabinetry. This type of layered lighting also comes in the form of wall sconces and light strips. Ideally, we can provide all three of these lighting options to create a well-lit kitchen that’s both functional and beautiful.

Flooring

One of the most important components of a kitchen is its flooring. The right type of floor can make or break the look of a kitchen, so it’s important to choose carefully. There are many options to choose from, so it’s helpful to have a general idea of what you want before you start looking.

Some of the most popular choices for kitchen floors are hardwood, tile, and laminate. Each has its own unique characteristics, but each also comes with a price tag. For instance, natural stone products like granite and quartzite are high-end options that can add a lot of value to your home, while ceramic tile and laminates are more budget-friendly and still offer a range of design possibilities.

Another consideration is how the kitchen flooring will match up with other rooms in your home. For example, if you have hardwood floors in other rooms, you may want the kitchen flooring to flow seamlessly into them so that your home feels connected and cohesive.

It’s important to have a budget for your kitchen remodel before starting work. This will help you stay on track and prevent you from overspending, which can lead to financial stress. It’s also a good idea to speak with your contractor about what features are possible within your budget. You can also visit kitchen showrooms and home renovation stores to see what’s available and get ideas.

Cabinets

One of the biggest design components in a kitchen is the cabinetry. There are many different types, styles, and colors to choose from that will affect the overall design of your kitchen. Whether you are installing new cabinets or just giving your current ones a facelift, the right color choice can make or break your kitchen’s style.

When it comes to cabinet colors, trends can come and go quickly, so be sure you know what is currently popular before making a final decision. White cabinets are always a classic, but there are many shades to choose from that can add warmth and interest. Darker colors are also becoming more popular and can give a more luxurious look to your space.

Color blocking is another trending cabinet idea that can instantly add depth and dimension to your space. This can be done vertically or horizontally and can create a bold contrast that is both modern and classic. For example, a white kitchen can be accented with moody blue cabinets on the bottom for a striking aesthetic.

When it comes to materials, the cabinet body is usually made of plywood or a higher-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF) topped with either Thermofoil or melamine. The former gives the appearance of paint but without the drips and brush marks. The latter is a durable surface that resists moisture and scratching better than wood. There are also various specialty hardware options that can be added to lower cabinets for easier accessibility, including lazy susans and tray slides that enable the contents of corner or blind cabinets to be reached with a minimal amount of crouching.

Talisha Garcia