Today’s kitchens do more than churn out dinners. They cook up memories, cultivate relationships, and provide a welcoming haven for family and friends to connect. (Have you ever noticed that people always seem to gather in the kitchen during a party?)

When it comes to renovating a kitchen, this space is equally complex. You have large appliances, electrical, gas, plumbing, countertops, HVAC, backsplashes, and cabinetry all in one room. These elements all have to work together to maximize function, look great, and last. 

This complexity  — and the sheer number of professionals you’ll need — is why kitchen renovations are so complicated. It’s easy to get swept up in a storm of overwhelm, which leads to wasted time, errors, overspending, and frustration. But…it doesn’t have to be that way.

Today, I’m sharing 9 things most people don’t know when starting a kitchen renovation, and as they say, knowledge is power.

1. Contractors Aren’t Design Experts

So many people assume that they only need a contractor to renovate their kitchen, but the truth is, it’s not that simple. Of course, contractors have a wealth of experience and knowledge about construction, but they aren’t set up to design your space for style, functionality, and flow.

Think about it, you wouldn’t hire your CPA to invest your retirement funds, would you? Yes, both require being smart with money and numbers, but doing your taxes and investing are very different things. The same goes for your home projects. For the best results, you’ll want experts in each domain.

Hiring an interior designer will ensure that your goals for your lifestyle, daily routine, and aesthetics are built right into the design itself. Then, lean on a reputable contractor for construction and installation. Your designer will also guide you through the entire renovation process with your contractor.

If you can’t hire a designer, make sure to plan ahead and be prepared to take a lead role in the design.

2. A Kitchen Renovation Requires Hundreds of Decisions

From appliances to cabinetry, flooring to lighting, the kitchen is a true workhorse. Every decision counts and it can feel like a never-ending Jenga puzzle. Achieving balance, thoughtfulness, and function is key. If you're not working with a designer, your contractor may ask for decisions that leave you may not feel uncomfortable making. 

• Which countertop stone would you like? What edge style should it have? How far should it hang over the island?

• What color/size/pattern/style backsplash would you like? What color grout? Not to mention there are thousands of tile options to choose from…)

• What style of cabinets would you like? Frameless? Inset? Hardwood? MDF? How should the cabinets transition to the flooring?

• Where will electricity need to be wired for lighting? Over the sink? The island? Under Cabinet? What about over the breakfast nook you want? 

Then, there are the “game-time” decisions that will need to be made quickly during construction. Something unexpected inevitably comes up and you should prepare to be available to make a quick decision to not delay construction.

In both cases, it’s invaluable to have trusted experts on your team who can step in and solve problems on the fly. It keeps your project moving, spares you the stress of having to make decisions on your own, and ensures you won’t have any regrets later.

3. Make Functionality Your Top Priority

Undertaking a kitchen renovation project is an exhilarating endeavor that can completely transform the heart of your home. And it’s crucial to prioritize functionality when planning the renovation.

Picture this: you've just renovated your kitchen, but you realize that there isn't enough clearance for the dishwasher to open or that the deep cabinets you installed have no drawers, making it difficult to access items at the back. Neglecting to include outlets for your countertop appliances can also be a major inconvenience. These oversights can significantly impact how you use your kitchen on a daily basis.

Therefore, it's essential to carefully consider the functionality of your kitchen before embarking on the renovation process. This will ensure that your kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and efficient. By doing so, you'll be able to fully enjoy your new kitchen and maximize your investment.

One of the most valuable tips I can offer is to thoroughly contemplate your kitchen's intended use. Begin by envisioning your daily routine from morning to night. Will you be cooking frequently? Do your children require a space to do homework while you prepare meals? What about hosting special events and holiday gatherings? Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, create a floor plan that aligns with your goals. While we typically design around an essential work triangle, we also take into account specific work zones, such as coffee stations or microwave placement.

4. Planning Will Make or Break Your Project

By now, you can see that planning well is non-negotiable. Ordering last-minute hardware the night before installation? That’s how you get buyer’s remorse and a kitchen you don’t love. Which completely defeats the purpose of investing in a renovation in the first place.

This is why we plan and document 99% of all decisions in advance (for the layout, materials, and any fixtures and furnishings) long before the first hammer swings. This includes any and all contractor sign-offs — meaning that they will look at the selections and be able to give you an accurate quote for their scope of work. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and what to expect from an investment standpoint. 

To help with planning, we suggest being on-site at least 1 - 2 days a week to meet with the construction team. If you work out of the home, that can be difficult, so plan accordingly. It’s also helpful to have updated status lists for materials and deliveries for your trades at the ready for quick questions.

For our Full-Service kitchen design projects, we're committed to being present not just on a weekly or bi-weekly basis but for all significant milestones, such as framing, electric, tile installation, and lighting placement, ensuring an installation is going to plan. Our accessibility extends to addressing contractor questions promptly during the week. Additionally, we plan and organize weekly updates, providing accurate material reports with estimated time of arrival (ETAs) and ongoing status updates throughout the entire renovation, ensuring that the projects are moving along efficiently.

5. Invest Well For Longevity 

Renovating a kitchen is a considerable investment, and you may be tempted to go the cheapest route when selecting materials. In other rooms, you have more flexibility to do this; furnishings and accessories can be switched out every few years with minimal losses. But in a kitchen? There is a massive difference between high and low-quality materials.

Take cabinetry, for example, a feature you will open and close literally every single day. Quality cabinets will hold up for years, while cheap cabinets will chip, warp, and break down quickly…especially if exposed to water. Knowing where to splurge and save based on your lifestyle and goals is very important.

6. Your Kitchen Design Should Reflect Your Home's Architecture

As a designer, this is something I feel very passionate about. There is nothing worse than walking into a traditional-style home only to reach the kitchen and find sleek, modern cabinetry and bold, trendy tile. I always tell my clients that the architecture of their home is the #1 driving force in creating harmony in the design. The interior and exterior should feel cohesive, like they belong together. This is important for maintaining your home’s value, too.

If you have a historic home with loads of character, choose classic materials like subway tile, natural stone and woods, a mix of lines and curves, and Shaker-style or inset-style cabinets. In a more modern home, you can keep it simple with minimalistic cabinetry, clean lines, and natural materials.

7. Avoid Trends That Date Your Kitchen 

When it comes to interior design and your renovation investment, think twice about following trends blindly. Trends can be fleeting. You're putting a significant amount of money into your renovation, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a look that's out of style once the trend fades.

My advice is to skip the trends when selecting hard, expansive (and expensive) surfaces such as countertops, cabinetry, tile, and flooring. Select timeless options that speak to your own personality and sense of style, and you’re sure to love it long into the future. It’s best to incorporate it into an item that can be changed out easily, like lighting, rugs, or artwork. Inevitably trends change, so you don’t want to be stuck with an expensive update once the trend has passed.

8. Update Adjacent Spaces for a Complete Transformation 

Your kitchen renovation is finally complete and it's all you’ve ever dreamed of and more. But as soon as you step past the new island and venture into a living room, you may notice a disconnect between your new space and your existing rooms. If your kitchen opens up to adjoining spaces, I highly recommend setting aside some budget to refresh or update the surrounding spaces. This can include new furnishings, flooring, and features that will complement your new kitchen and allow it to feel like an intentional part of the home. But could also be as simple as repainting and getting a few new accessories that tie into the colors of the kitchen.

9. Create a Temporary Kitchen

During the peak of the renovation action, your kitchen may look and feel like a dusty, noisy construction zone. Because it is. Prepare your family for this inconvenience by temporarily setting up shop in another area of your home. Whether it’s a nearby living space or your garage, carve out a clutter-free, clean, and calm space. 

You could also consider renting a nearby Airbnb, or even better, plan a vacation during the busiest construction period. Worried about not being there at all times? A designer will oversee the project and work directly with your trades so you can relax and enjoy your time away from the mess.

Your Dream Kitchen Awaits…

Looking to create a distinctive, liveable kitchen that perfectly embraces your lifestyle? We can help. Our Full-Service Design service guides you seamlessly through the entire design process. We collaborate closely with you and the construction team, partner with trusted vendors and trades, and handle the countless decisions involved in any renovation on your behalf. We focus on functionality, and flow, and will help blend your home’s style with YOUR unique aesthetic, so it feels just like home.

Your renovation should be an exciting milestone for your family, and with us, it will be.

Contact us here to schedule a discovery call.

Talk soon,

Libby

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