If your kitchen is badly in need of a complete makeover, but your budget just won’t allow one, don’t despair. There are steps you can take to give an outdated or neglected kitchen a whole new look at a budget-friendly price. Consider hiring an experienced kitchen design and renovation company to help you give your kitchen a mini makeover today.
Take a good, hard look at the kitchen & how you use it:
- Are you a gourmet cook, an enthusiastic baker, or do you rely on your extensive collection of take-out menus? Each of these types of cooks will have different needs and wants for their kitchen.
- Is there enough storage? There are a confusing array of storage solutions available. A kitchen expert can help you make the right choices for your kitchen.
- Does the layout work for you? Do you need more counter space?
- Is the sink big enough for the kind of washing-up you do?
- Is the lighting adequate?
- Are there enough electrical outlets?
- Are there things you’d like to change, and if so, what?
These are questions a kitchen designer and renovation expert can help you with. You may think four outlets are enough; they know better and will make sure you don’t regret your decision every time you need to plug in your Instant Pot. The company will also ensure your electrical panel can handle the load of a modern kitchen with all of its electrical appliances.
Your kitchen designer will help you prioritize the 8 main components of your kitchen:
- walls
- flooring
- lighting
- appliances
- sink, faucet, and disposal
- countertops
- cabinetry
- hardware
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at two of those components: cabinetry and hardware.
Reface Rather Than Replace
If your existing cabinets are in good condition and the layout is generally acceptable, don’t just rip them out. Consider refacing them instead. Refacing is a viable option that gives you the look of new cabinetry at substantial savings over complete replacement.
The simplest method of refacing cabinets involves paint. A fresh coat of paint can change the entire look of your kitchen. Of course, your cabinets need to be in good shape for a simple coat of paint to make them look like new. Choosing paint with a scrubbable finish makes future cleaning easier.
If you hate the style of your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you may want to opt for modern replacements. If you go this route, the face frames and sides of your cabinet boxes will show. Your renovation company will make sure the new blends with the old.
The third refacing method involves installing laminate veneer. This is the most difficult option and one people often choose to leave to an expert. Applying veneer to the braces and stiles (the horizontal and vertical cabinet supports) while they’re in place is tricky. It can cause even experienced DIYers to regret not hiring that professional kitchen renovation company in the end.
Replace as Needed
You may want to replace cabinets that are in bad shape or cheaply made. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your money putting lipstick on the proverbial pig. Other potential replacements include awkwardly placed or inconvenient cabinets. Fixing these issues at the time of the refacing allows you to maintain a seamless look in your ‘new’ kitchen. This is where the right kitchen designer can really help. They have the expertise to recognize potential problems and recommend solutions that fit your needs and your budget.
Mix & Match
In certain circumstances, it may not be possible to maintain that fluid look. An example might be an older kitchen with metal cabinets. If they’re in good shape and you love their vintage style, work around them. You can still have your dream island—even though it’s probably not available in vintage metal. Your designer can help you choose a style that complements what you already have or help you design a kitchen island that’s uniquely yours.
Add the ‘Kitchen Jewelry’
We’re talking about the hardware on your refaced cabinetry. It’s the first thing most people notice about cabinetry and it showcases your design aesthetic. Picking hardware that fits your personality and the style of your kitchen adds the exclamation point to your budget-friendly kitchen renovation.
Replacing the hardware is a relatively simple job that makes a substantial impact. Ask your designer to help you choose the hardware. They’ll also make sure you know what you’re doing and have everything you need for the job. There are a fair number of steps, so don’t try to rush it. Plan to spend several evenings on it for a well-done job you’ll be proud to claim as your own.
Choosing the right company to help you design and renovate your outdated kitchen allows you to experience the joys of a new kitchen at a price you can actually afford. Hiring an experienced, reliable kitchen renovation company is a relatively small investment that pays off big with a kitchen that will fit your needs now and add resale value to your home in the future.
