5 Steps to Create a Functional Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is one of the most frequented rooms in our homes, but the kitchens that come with our houses aren’t necessarily tailored to our vision or needs. Remodeling your kitchen allows you to enhance its organization and daily functionality. Callier & Thompson is a professional kitchen remodeling service in St. Louis with years of experience in the industry. Here are five tips we encourage our clients to follow during remodeling projects to create a functional kitchen:
Assess Your Needs
Think about how you use your kitchen and the number of people who regularly use that space to cook. Notice things like the available storage space, the size of your appliances, appliance placement, if there are any windows in the room, and your kitchen’s style. After your assessment, list things about your kitchen that you need to change to make it more functional, such as appliance placement, installing an island, or adding a pantry. If you are unsure about what to do with your kitchen, browse our website for inspiration from the other kitchen remodeling projects we have helped our clients complete. You can also schedule a consultation with our designexperts to help create a kitchen that meets your needs.
Choose a Suitable Kitchen Layout
When choosing the layoutfor your kitchen, measure the available floor space and note the appliances and fixtures that impact its format. The basic functional layout we recommend for kitchens is the kitchen work triangle, which positions the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular arrangement. A work triangle layout places frequently used fixtures close to each other, reducing back-and-forth movements when cooking.
If you have a small to medium-sized kitchen, we recommend a galley layout to maximize your space. Open kitchens are another excellent option for smaller homes to create the illusion of more space. U-shaped kitchens are ideal for larger spaces and naturally fit the work triangle layout. Our designers can guide you through the pros and cons of other arrangements, like the L-shape and island design, to help you decide what works best with the available space.
Invest in Quality Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes in your kitchen contribute to its overall style and durability. Ourdesigners at Callier & Thompson have knowledge of high-quality kitchen materials in the market and can help you select ones that match your aesthetic and functional preferences. For your cabinets, we recommend durable materials like plywood and moisture-resistant high-density fiberboard. You can install stainless steel cabinets for a modern kitchen design. Materials like quartzite and granite are durable, low-maintenance options for your kitchen counters. Choose materials like tile, vinyl, and laminate for your flooring since they are easy to maintain and clean.
Optimize Your Storage and Counter Space
Efficient storage solutions minimize clutter in your kitchen by making it simpler to organize kitchen supplies, ingredients, and small appliances. Besides cabinetry, our designers may install custom storage solutions like pull-out shelves, making it easier to access items stored in the back of your cabinets. We can install full-extension drawers fitted with organizers to store your cutlery and cookware. Corner storage solutions like Lazy Susans tuck into your cabinets, helping you use idle space for storage.
If you have a large enough kitchen, our crew can fit in a pantry space for non-perishable food supplies. Installing storage drawers on the sides of your kitchen island is another way to optimize storage space. Put ina pegboard and wall hooks to create vertical storage spaces where you can hang pots, pans, and baskets for storing fruits and vegetables. We recommend installing an island to maximize your counter space or countertop extensions when you need more room.
Plan for Your Appliances
Invest in appliances that suit your cooking needs and place them strategically to enhance your kitchen’s functionality. Before buying appliances, our designers can advise you on the appropriate ones to purchase based on their size, energy efficiency, and functional features. The size of your refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave can impact your kitchen’s layout.
The remodeling team positions your appliances in a way that leaves the primary route through your kitchen obstruction-free. We may integrate your appliances with your cabinetry and hide bulky appliances with panels to create a fluid, cohesive look. Having at least one storage area for small appliances helps free up space on your countertop and keep your kitchen neat.
Get Professional Kitchen Remodeling Services
A well-designed kitchen may enhance your home’s value and improve daily activities like cooking and crafting. At Callier & Thompson, we make it our priority to create kitchen designs that are both aesthetic and functional. Our designers attend regular training sessions, helping them keep up with industry best practices for kitchen remodeling. We go out of our way to listen to your vision and create kitchen designs that meet your expectations. Contact us today for help designing your dream kitchen.
