What’s the latest in kitchen remodeling trends? The folks at Kitchen & Bath Design News contend that the defining feature of an updated kitchen remodel is new and plentiful storage.
While many homeowners believe their existing kitchens are too small, they are often wrong in that assessment. It’s usually poor design rather than insufficient space that makes a kitchen feel cluttered, cramped, and awkward.
That’s good news for homeowners, as it means expensive additions and tearing down existing walls aren’t usually necessary to achieve a kitchen that feels comfortable. A more efficient design will usually suffice. An online kitchen remodeling super hub offers renovation ideas and links to leading cabinet, appliance, countertop, and accessory manufacturers to accomplish this goal.
One of the easiest ways to make a kitchen look and feel bigger, of course, is to have plenty of built-in storage. That way, you can store many of the items that make the room look and feel cluttered. How can homeowners solve this dilemma when remodeling their kitchens?
1. Make sure your cabinets are adequate to hold all of your kitchen supplies.
2. Make sure appliances fit into the slots that are reserved for them, so they don’t stick out and steal precious space.
3. Consider adding several deep drawers in your kitchen remodel to accommodate all your pots, pans, and plastic storage containers.
4. Incorporate a pull-out or pull-out pantry into your new kitchen design to “hold most of your non-perishable food storage, as well as plates, glasses, and other items.”
5. Tray dividers are a nice addition to a kitchen remodel. They are ideal for storing “cookie trays and cutting boards”.
6. If you still need extra storage, “a freestanding cabinet-style unit provides it.”
Storage, however, can be built into a variety of other places in the kitchen, many of which are fashionable and desirable additions. Take, for example, kitchen islands. This popular kitchen feature not only provides extra counter space (and sometimes even an extra faucet or stove), but it’s also great for providing “other useful storage options” underneath.
In fact, the entire base of the island offers the possibility of building storage around it. A trash/recycling unit can also be installed under the island to keep unsightly trash hidden out of sight. Finally, seating can be incorporated around a kitchen island, thereby eliminating the need for a space-robbing table and chair set.
And in the small percentage of cases where a kitchen really is too small? There are design techniques that can trick the eye into thinking that the space is actually larger than it really is. Clean cabinet lines eliminate the look of clutter. Stainless steel accents reflect light, giving the illusion of a larger room. A “subtle and complementary lighting scheme” transforms the kitchen into “a warm, minimalist-inspired family retreat.” Glass accents can also be added” to break up the lines [of the room] and add visual interest.”
For more ideas, inspiration, options, support and tips on a kitchen makeover that maximizes your existing space, visit an online showcase.