5 Ways a Kitchen Renovation Can Improve Your Quality of Life

By Sherry Willing

Lead interior designer and owner of Make It Real Design

Often described as the heart of the home, a kitchen is so much more than just a food prep area. The average Canadian spends over an hour a day making food, plus more time in the kitchen relaxing and catching up with family.

With so much time spent in the kitchen, it is clear how important its quality is. Many home renovations start in the kitchen because it is such an essential hub in a family home.

The practicality of a kitchen should also be of the utmost importance. Functional designs encourage people to spend time honing their cooking skills and improving their diet.

Everything from the backsplash to your cabinets should be carefully planned.

In this guide, I will explore the importance of a functional, well-designed kitchen, focusing on layout, storage arrangements, materials, design/style elements, and how these factors can improve the value of your house.

Streamlined Kitchen Layout for Improved Functionality and Style

Minimalist, streamlined kitchen designs have been growing in popularity since the ’80s for a number of reasons. These styles keep your kitchen looking great, and it is obviously easier to work in a well-organized kitchen.

Streamlined kitchens make use of the space available through design and planning.

Integrating new smart appliances with touch screens into your kitchen will give it a modern finish and improve efficiency. The design and positioning of cabinets, cooking areas, and appliances will also impact the flow and functionality of the kitchen.

Many kitchens have access to outside areas or utility rooms; they may also be open spaces that incorporate dining areas. It is important that the design process allows for freedom of movement and minimizes obstructions and/or clutter.

Smart Kitchen Storage for Increased Efficiency and Organization

Storage is essential to any successful kitchen design. Maximizing the functionality of cabinets and open shelving can make kitchens much more efficient.

A kitchen renovation is an ideal time to install modern storage solutions. These cabinets and solutions are designed to organize cookware and utensils. This will help to declutter the room.

Handle-free cabinetry and drawers are proving to be popular as they offer a cleaner finish. Push-touch or recessed openings are great alternatives to handles that stick out.

Open shelving is the perfect way to maximize awkward corner spaces, and bespoke shelving is great for utilizing underused areas of the kitchen.

Pull-out drawers and space dividers in cabinets can also make the most of limited storage and make it easier to find what you are looking for.

Choosing High-Quality Materials for a Durable and Stylish Kitchen

The materials you use when you renovate your kitchen will dictate how easy it is to clean and how durable the furnishings are. It will also impact how long your new kitchen will last.

Investing in high-quality materials will offer greater aesthetics and make countertops and flooring last longer after a major kitchen remodel.

Some materials you should explore when remodeling your kitchen include:

Wood
Ceramic
Natural stone
Glass
Stainless steel

The materials you choose need to withstand moisture and regular use. Because of this, high-quality wood can be perfect for flooring and countertops. A marble countertop is also a popular design because of its classic style and durability.

A glass backsplash is easy to clean, as are ceramic tiles; both of which are very aesthetically appealing.

These are perfect for performance and functionality. It is also possible to source green, recycled materials for a sustainable kitchen renovation project.

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Stylish Kitchen Finishes to Elevate Your Design

It is essential you achieve the right aesthetic after the renovation is complete. Selecting the right materials and fixtures will be part of the design process so you can work towards your vision.

The main things to consider when deciding the finish you want for your complete kitchen include:

simple contemporary kitchen. White with wood counters and backsplash

Colour
Materials
Fixtures
Layout
Lighting

Your colour scheme is a major factor in your kitchen’s overall look, and will also determine the flow through the house, to some extent.

Using tiles or paint for your walls can provide the perfect backdrop. You will be able to choose between bold colours that make a statement and more neutral tones that complement or let the other design features pop.

The colour of your cabinetry will also be important, as this will feature prominently in a major kitchen remodel.

Patterned tiles can be a great way to add some life to a kitchen. Mosaic tiles or subway tiles are also stylish alternatives.

The materials you use will typically help to dictate the colour scheme and overall style of the kitchen. Wood cabinetry can be painted bright colours or left alone for a natural look, for example.

Your fixtures and fittings will also play a big part in the aesthetic of your new kitchen. Choosing a sink might seem straightforward, but you have a huge range of choices, from modern to more traditional models. You will also have to find faucets that match your sink.

The ceiling colour or design can also be used to your advantage. A painted ceiling provides the perfect finish to a great design, and elevates the space.

Light fittings and fixtures, door handles, and the handles on cabinets should all tie in with one another. The lights themselves should also complement the design – lighting beneath cabinets provides a great task lighting option for countertops.

Kitchen Renovation as an Investment: Boosting Your Home Value

Taking the time and money to remodel your kitchen can leave you with an area you love to spend time in. It can improve functionality and make preparing meals an enjoyable experience.

According to several reports, it can even increase the value of your property.

On average, kitchen renovations can increase house prices by an incredible 20%.

Renovating a kitchen adds the most value to a property of any room. The second most valuable home improvement is the bathroom. A bathroom renovation will add an average of 16% to the property value.

This goes to show that kitchen renovations can be a great financial investment, on top of providing a pleasant room the whole family can enjoy. It might seem like a huge project, but there’s no doubt it has benefits.

It is incredible to think what a difference a renovation can make to a home. Changing the cabinets, the sink, and the paint in a kitchen can transform it.

Conclusion

It is clear to see how important a home improvement project can be to a property. Working with our team at Make It Real Design can help you bring your ideas to life.

Our team is experienced in kitchen renovations and will help to create the finish of your dreams. Quality and client satisfaction are our top priorities, and we have helped countless families achieve their goals.

We can work within your budget and bring fresh ideas to the table to improve any kitchen.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help to bring your dream kitchen to life!

We’re ready to help you transform your home in Greater Victora!

Sherry Willing

Lead Designer & Co-Owner, Make It Real Design

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