Just because you had the perfect kitchen once upon a time doesn’t mean that is the case today. In fact, if you haven’t been making minor renovations through the years, you could have more problems piling up than you think. Should that be the case, it’s the right time for a thorough kitchen remodel. On the other hand, it may just be that the space no longer fits your needs, either in terms of personal style or functionality. Still, having the professionals come in for a kitchen remodeling in Round Rock will serve you well. Let’s get into what it entails to return your kitchen back to its state of glory.
Kitchen Layout Types
If you are living with a family, the odds are that there isn’t just one person who has taken over the kitchen. You may be walking over the top of one another, even if someone is just trying to get some water. That’s why the traditional work triangle doesn’t quite hit the mark today. Instead, we have evolved into having more practical work zones to provide greater comfortability and movement. Here are six ways for design-builders to execute a layout change during your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock.
L-Shaped
With cabinets along two perpendicular walls, the L-shaped layout is a popular choice for small and large kitchens alike. In fact, it can increase your house’s value because it’s a highly desired element for prospective buyers. An L-shaped kitchen is ideal for homeowners who entertain guests or have multiple people cooking together. Oftentimes, it’s part of an open concept design so that it doesn’t feel cramped. Consider installing a walk-in pantry at the corner so that you don’t lose out on valuable space.
U-Shaped
Homeowners with bigger kitchens can benefit from having cabinetry along three adjacent walls. By having a U-shaped kitchen layout, you separate the cooking and preparation areas. This means that you have more storage space and workspace. It is well-organized, causing minimal disruption to the work zones. A best practice that kitchen remodelers in Round Rock may recommend to you with this layout is using open shelving. This not only offers easy access to commonly used kitchenware, but it makes the space feel more stylish if you have attractive plates and cups.
Island
Having an island in your kitchen gives you two things—more space to work and more space for storage. Although that makes this layout similar to a U-shaped kitchen, it’s actually something that can further enhance a U-shaped kitchen. It can do that for an L-shaped kitchen, too, for that matter. A third good reason to invest in a kitchen island is for the social aspect. In a space that is big enough, it gives friends and family a place to sit and wait for meals to be prepared. When you purchase bar stools or dining chairs to go around your island, be sure to measure so that there is enough leg room.
Peninsula
It may be the case that your kitchen is too small or narrow for the addition of an island. In which case, you could go with a different kind of island, one that is connected to a wall and can reach the length you need. You will want to consider this option during your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock if you would like to have more counter space while separating the kitchen from the dining or living room. Like an island, it gives visitors a place to sit.
Galley
One of the main reasons why you would want a galley kitchen layout is that there is greater flexibility for storage. They are generally longer than they are wide, taking a two-walled approach. With that in mind, you have everything you need within reach, so you won’t have to go all over the kitchen trying to find the right appliance. A gallery layout has a closed-in feel that doesn’t suit the lifestyle of everyone, though. It’s a good fit for someone who doesn’t mind a smaller, narrow kitchen that allows for a constant stream of traffic.
Single-Wall
When you have a single-wall kitchen, you have to think vertically. Don’t give up functionality because you don’t have a large amount of space. Instead, your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock should consist of taking your cabinets as far up the wall as possible. This allows you to make greater use of the space that you do have. You would want a single-wall kitchen layout if you would prefer to use your home’s square footage in other ways. People with this layout typically don’t have a lot of visitors hanging out in the kitchen, and may not really spend much time there themselves.
Basic Kitchen Appliances
The primary point of a kitchen is to have a space for you to make meals. Of course, it has shifted into more of a multi-purpose room. However, if you don’t have the proper equipment to do that, it won’t achieve what it should be. This may be something that you have realized is happening, leading up to your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock. By investing in high-quality appliances, you can make your time spent in the kitchen that much easier. Which appliances should you make sure to have on hand?
Dishwasher
Sure, you can wash your dishes by hand. But having a kitchen appliance to take care of that for you will save you the time and effort that comes with situations that require more intense scrubbing. You can also conserve approximately 4,000 gallons of water during a dishwasher’s lifetime, in comparison to if you hand-washed dishes. This is because your sink has the potential to use four gallons of water every two minutes, whereas your dishwasher uses four gallons for an entire cycle. Plus, the water is heated beyond what a person can stand. That results in everything being cleaned with significantly greater efficiency.
Oven
You should be able to rely on your oven at all times. It’s one of the primary go-to’s for cooking, and a central part of your kitchen’s design. The average oven has a lifespan of approximately 13 years for electric and 15 years for gas. You will know when it’s time to get a new one when the interior starts corroding. This can affect your oven’s performance. Other indicators of an outdated oven may include the desired temperature not being reached on an electric oven, or a gas oven not lighting (which comes with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning). Keep an eye out for when such problems arise.
Microwave
A microwave is your best friend when it comes to making quick and easy meals. You can either have it embedded into the wall surrounded by your cabinets, or simply have it residing on your counter. In either case, make sure that it remains in good condition. Should your food no longer be heating up properly, your microwave could be on the last leg of its life. It can lose energy in about ten years, despite using as much as 80% less energy than a conventional oven. That’s why expert kitchen remodelers in Round Rock suggest that you look into energy-efficient versions.
Toaster
Unfortunately, much like all of these other appliances, your toaster wasn’t made to last forever. You may start noticing that your toaster isn’t treating your bread products as effectively as it could be. When the electrical and mechanical components start to experience wear, the quality of toasting is going to decline. But that isn’t the only reason why you would want to get a new one. There are versions of toaster ovens out there with convection features and multiple racks that may be calling your name. It could be a good idea if you have gone from a single person using it to several.
Blender
You don’t have to use blenders solely for mixing drinks. When you move outside of the standard blenders to higher-powered ones, they also allow you to emulsify or crush foods, and actually may do so better than a food processor. A blender is a great addition to your kitchen arsenal when you are making something alone or entertaining. You just have to ensure that you are taking care of it so that it doesn’t need replacing early on. Note whether or not its parts are dishwasher-safe before you put it in to clean, for example.
Refrigerator
Last but not least… Your fridge. It’s one of the most necessary appliances on account of the fact that it’s where you store all of your cold food items. There are many types to choose from, depending on your preference of where the freezer is and whether it has two doors or one. The French door model, in particular, is good for minimizing the escape of cool air. If your fridge has lasted for longer than a decade, you should pat yourself on the back for maintaining it. However, this isn’t the case for everyone, considering some refrigerators go out long before then.
Kitchen Features to Consider
There are so many fun options to incorporate into your kitchen remodel with a design-build team. It could be a coffee bar, smart home technology, or a grow room for your herb garden. The possibilities are endless when you work with a design-build company that specializes in custom homes. But in order to build your dream kitchen, you need to first focus on the main features that every kitchen requires. As you work on a kitchen remodeling in Round Rock, make sure that you are improving these six necessary parts.
Sink
You may be surprised to find what an impact upgrading your sink will make. Expert designers can help you choose which type will work best with the aesthetics you are going for. One of the most common types is a top-mount, otherwise known as a drop-in, that is able to be installed from above. There are no special skills that are needed to install it, and the cost is relatively low. Another popular type of kitchen sink is the undermount, which is attached in the exact opposite way. Your remodeler will use special clips to hook it to the bottom of the counter. Or maybe a farmhouse sink with a large single basin will suit your needs more! Do your research on the many kinds available.
Lighting
When you are preparing meals in your kitchen, you want to be able to see what you are doing. There are four layers of light that you must make sure to include in your kitchen remodel. These consist of task, accent, decorative, and ambient. Task lighting illuminates the shelves on your pantry and workspaces for when you are prepping food. Accent lighting adds depth to the kitchen through adjustable fixtures. Decorative lighting includes creative, architectural ways to light the space. And, last but not least, ambient lighting is what fills the room. Each of these works together to keep your kitchen out of the shadows.
Cabinets
You shouldn’t skimp when it comes to cabinets. Don’t let them stay squeaky and worn down. They are a focal point of the room and, because of that, can actually increase your home’s value. During your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock, go with custom cabinets to bring a unique style in. It’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade their look with materials and colors that mean something to you. As comfortable as it can be to get, well, comfortable in your surroundings, break out of the box that you have put your kitchen in for however many years since you first designed it.
Countertops
The reason why you would want to update your countertops may not simply be due to them looking outdated. They might actually be damaged. This could be due to being scratched, stained, or chipped. If you want a material that is more futureproofed, go with quartz. It has greater durability than granite. Not only that, but it has a fantastic water absorption rate so that you won’t have to stress about bacterial infestation. Because it’s a material that doesn’t even require a sealant, it’s easy to maintain.
Backsplash
Design-builders can bring your kitchen to life with a fresh backsplash that ties together the design of the room. Go retro with glossy tiles. Use an accent color that really stands out. Or consider faux brick to make the space look rustic. You shouldn’t be afraid to play around with the idea of patterns or angles. The backsplash is, in part, meant to draw the eye of a visitor to either your sink or your cooking area. If you aren’t sold on a backsplash though, you can always go with a wall of windows to bring in more natural lighting.
Storage
Have you been shoving your pots, pans, utensils, and smaller appliances just wherever you can? What about all of your dry food? Things are piling up and making it difficult for you to reach what you actually need. In a kitchen remodeling in Round Rock, you will be required to take inventory of the room. Figure out which pieces of kitchenware you barely touch. This will help you get rid of certain items, as well as organize the ones that you want to keep. The same goes for food. Start with a clean slate! Then, figure out how to best utilize the door of your pantry and organize the zones inside. Get everything situated properly within your cabinets and on your countertops, too.
If you want the job done right, you should go to the professionals. And Bat City Builders is ready to take on your kitchen remodeling in Round Rock. As a proud NARI-certified contractor, our design-build team is highly knowledgeable about the best practices for construction work in the kitchen. Let’s get in touch to talk about how we can transform your space.
Photos, in order of appearance, by:
- Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
- Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
- Alex Lam on Unsplash
- Cleyder Duque on Pexels
- Sidekix Media on Unsplash