The idea of planning and executing your kitchen renovation might sound overwhelming, that is exactly why the Insideast team went through all kitchen renovation guides for you and gathered the information you need, to make your affordable yet effective kitchen renovation a success!
1- The smart move of changing the layout
Kitchen renovation doesn’t necessarily call for a whole change of the kitchen location and structure. In fact, 44% of homeowners choose to change their kitchen’s layout and only 5% choose to change its location.
And, according to the 2021 US Houzz Kitchen Trends Study,
Two in three renovating homeowners keep the size of their kitchen almost unchanged (67%) and only one in three makes it larger (33%).
2- Unique original fixtures are the way to go! But which to change?
Kitchen fixtures are THE element to add character and bring the “wow” factor to your space.
There are plenty of items to work on to add the wanted feel and touch to your kitchen but we’re going to focus on two, and here’s why:
Handles and drawer pulls |
Faucets |
|
According to a RICKI’s survey about kitchen features in greatest demand: 79% of professional kitchen and bath designers see roll-outs, pull-outs, and pull-downs in greater demand in kitchen projects. Besides, Scott McGillivray’s, HGTV’s Income Property, contractor, and real estate investor, tips for kitchen renovation include changing door hardware as a simple yet effective way to change your kitchen’s old appearance. In his words: “The door hardware in kitchens is super simple to update”. He also adds: “It’s essentially a few screws, standard spacing. It’s a few bucks apiece and it can make a huge impact.” |
Faucets are also of great impact as 79% of feature upgrades during kitchen renovations are faucets upgrades, according to the 2021 US Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Speaking of faucets, pot fillers are a great addition to any kitchen space: they sure are intriguing, aesthetically pleasing but also handy and useful. The best way to reveal so is through Remodeler Karl Dropping’s, vice president of Norsk – Design~Build in Redmond, Washington, experience with this type of faucet: Dropping has installed several pot fillers during his career, a fitting he thought was appealing merely for aesthetic reasons until he got one himself and saw how useful it was. |
3- Take risks: Go for a statement sink
Sinks are one of the most interesting pieces to make your kitchen stand out, choosing a statement sink can completely transform the overall feel of your kitchen. Here are some numbers to discover:
80% of feature upgrades during kitchen renovations are of Sinks (according to the 2021 US Houzz Kitchen Trends Study),
According to Elle H-Millard, certified kitchen designer and industry relations manager at the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA):
- 92% of respondents to the 2018 Design Trends Study, chose “under-mount” as the trendiest kitchen sink style.
- “However, farmhouse and single-bowl styles tied for second place, with 81% of respondents selecting these styles,” she states.
Here’s a selection of some of our favorite craftsmen sink creations: Insideast Kitchen Sinks
4- The experts’ tip: Get creative with the finishes
When it comes to finishes, different options are available. From golden brass, chrome, copper, oil rub, to brushed nickel. Designers prefer some more than others but encourage the use of different finishes in your spaces.
Here are some designer recommendations and opinions about different finishes:
Designer |
Opinions & Recommendations |
| BAILEY AUSTIN, of Bailey Austin Design, designer and architect | “Brass finishes are still a great way to add a little luxe to your life.” |
| Laura Umansky of Laura U Interior Design, award-winning interior designer, Founder, and CEO of Laura U Design Collective | “Brushed brass has a romantic feel and a subtle glamour that stuns against natural stone. Even as a small accent, like the frame of a mirror or the base of a sconce, brushed brass makes a major impact.” |
| Patricia A. Wynkoop vice president of product development and purchasing for Miller & Smith | “We’re seeing a revival of gold and bronze fixtures as designers mix metals in their palettes, similar to today’s fashion jewelry trends,” |
Unlacquered brass is known for the warm patina it develops over time which gives a vintage luxurious feel and improves any space.
5- The “Mix and Match” moment
Mixing and matching colors and finishes is sure a risk to take but the outcome seems to be impressing more and more people.
For example, choosing a different color faucet than existing appliances doesn’t seem to bother homeowners. In a RICKI’s survey answers, two in three designers feel that it is not very important to their clients that the faucet finish is exactly the same as the major appliances.
Besides, 64% of designers answering the same survey, see mixing and matching materials, surfaces, and finishes in greater demand in kitchen projects, which can only be encouraging if you’re hesitant about a “Mix and Match” moment in your kitchen.
