Kitchen Remodeling Advice From Our Experts!

We are spending more time in our homes. That means more time in the kitchen! Some of you are fed up and are ready to buy a home with a floor plan, size, and location that is better suited to your lifestyle. We can help with that!  But some of you want or need to stay right where you are.  So, we asked our favorite Remodeling Experts for their advice:

Kitchen Cabinet Tips

Knobs are easier to replace than pulls when you want to switch them out because the pulls aren’t a standardized width.

Buy cabinet handles the are large enough to get your fingers under so your fingernails don’t scratch the cabinets!

Under-cabinet lighting is an absolute must.  Install semi-hidden outlets (like inside a cabinet) so that you can attach something like Light strips. Built-in lights are less flexible, less smart, more expensive, and harder to install and replace. Light strips are the way to go for under-cabinet lighting now! Voice control, color control, brightness control, and if something better comes out next year you just replace it!

Say no to built-in cutting boards. One word: Germs

Deep drawers instead of cabinets in lower cabinets

Deep sturdy drawers are better than pull-out shelves because of the sides.

For corners, get a system that pulls a shelf system out from the back, not a 3/4 lazy Susan.”

Get a knife drawer - it takes the block off the counter.

Have a drawer with plugs so instead of charging phones and tablets on the countertop, they are all in an electronics drawer.

Make sure your cabinets go to the ceiling! They may seem too high, but it gives you storage for infrequently used items and keeps the kitchen cleaner.

Always have electrical outlets on the island, if you have one. I like the outlets that pop up out of the surface when needed.

Countertops and Backsplash

Engineered Quartz was the most recommended countertop material

 Grout behind a hard-working stove is tough to clean.  Yes, to stainless steel back for your stove - this was mentioned by everyone - must be a really good idea!

Counter sections with large replaceable cutting board insets.

Remodel The Kitchen Layout

The kitchen triangle is a common thing we hear designers talk about — the idea that your fridge/sink/stove should be in close proximity to maximize efficiency. But it doesn’t include your pantry space, which is where you’re at when gathering things like flour/sugar/salt etc, and it doesn’t include a separate spot for spices.  

Instead, ensure that you have counter space near the pantry; space for measuring cups near the pantry; your stovetop on the same countertop where the sink is (i.e., not stovetop against a wall and sink on an island), so that you can carry items from there to the sink without going across the floor.

Clearance. So understated. Can you open the dishwasher and oven at the same time?

Workstations and Prep Areas:  Baking is so much easier if you can just grab everything you need from one dedicated section. Prep areas where you aren’t in front of flatware and spice drawers make it hard for anyone else to help in the kitchen.

Don’t place your spice drawer near the stovetop or ovens. Heat makes the herbs and spice oils either prematurely dry up or go rancid. Place where you prep your food and away from heat if possible.”

Appliances

Never ever get the refrigerator that doesn’t open wide enough to accept large platters

Put in an extra deep sink that can accommodate large platters and pans.

When choosing a dishwasher - and this sounds nuts – but take some plates and your most used pots and pans along to see if they fit better in some dishwashers.

The best overall tip:  Your remodel will never look dated if you match it to the style of your house.