We started our kitchen remodel at the beginning of November, and were given a 2 week timeline from our contractor. It was completely finished by the end of March. And was at least $1000 over budget.
That's my fair warning to those who want to undertake a kitchen renovation. And that goes for if you are doing it yourself, or are hiring it out. We did a combination of both, because my husband is very capable of doing most of the work, but he works full time, and I didn't think it would be healthy for our relationship if he did all of the work. Looking back, he would have been faster, and it could have saved us a good chunk of change. But hey, it's done, and I love it!
It's hard to really blog about a kitchen reno because it's such a crazy process, and most of the decisions in tile, granite, etc, are made at local vendors, but I think there are some decisions that can be universal.
That's my fair warning to those who want to undertake a kitchen renovation. And that goes for if you are doing it yourself, or are hiring it out. We did a combination of both, because my husband is very capable of doing most of the work, but he works full time, and I didn't think it would be healthy for our relationship if he did all of the work. Looking back, he would have been faster, and it could have saved us a good chunk of change. But hey, it's done, and I love it!
It's hard to really blog about a kitchen reno because it's such a crazy process, and most of the decisions in tile, granite, etc, are made at local vendors, but I think there are some decisions that can be universal.
1) Layout- The rule of thumb is that you want to have your sink, refrigerator, and oven create a triangle, with nothing in the way. This is is key for the transportation of items from the fridge to the oven/stove, from the oven/stove to the fridge, and from the oven to the sink. I stand by this rule, and suggest really thinking about that when you are working on your layout. Also- think about dividing your kitchen into areas for baking, prep work, and serving, if you have the space. And in the middle- goes your trash. If I were to redo it, I might have 2 trashes in the kitchen, just because I hate hauling garbage around.
2) Storage- There is a perfect balance of drawers to cabinets for each family. Besides silverware, spatulas, knives, etc, drawers are best used for towels, storage bags/foil, and my biggest favorite- pots and pans. I love having my pots in one big drawer, and my pans in another. Beyond that, drawers are expensive, and can be harder to use all of the space in a smart way. Cabinets are great for the obvious items, but it's also nice to create a floor to ceiling pantry, if you have the space.
3) Socialness- For some odd reason, kitchens are always the go to hang out space in a house when guests are over. So seating, openness, and connectivity to the rest of the house is a must. The connectivity might be an issue, but try to may the kitchen feel like a part of the rest of the house. We decided to knock down the wall between our dining room to help with this, but understand that we just lost a formal dining room by doing so. I didn't care. Others might. No matter what, when planning your kitchen, ask yourself, "Where will people stand, where will they sit, and what could be a bottle neck"
2) Storage- There is a perfect balance of drawers to cabinets for each family. Besides silverware, spatulas, knives, etc, drawers are best used for towels, storage bags/foil, and my biggest favorite- pots and pans. I love having my pots in one big drawer, and my pans in another. Beyond that, drawers are expensive, and can be harder to use all of the space in a smart way. Cabinets are great for the obvious items, but it's also nice to create a floor to ceiling pantry, if you have the space.
3) Socialness- For some odd reason, kitchens are always the go to hang out space in a house when guests are over. So seating, openness, and connectivity to the rest of the house is a must. The connectivity might be an issue, but try to may the kitchen feel like a part of the rest of the house. We decided to knock down the wall between our dining room to help with this, but understand that we just lost a formal dining room by doing so. I didn't care. Others might. No matter what, when planning your kitchen, ask yourself, "Where will people stand, where will they sit, and what could be a bottle neck"
Design choices:
We opted for a contemporary look with the dark cabinets and lots of greys. We really like having the granite counter, because it doesn't show messes easily. The floors are the same way. They have a lot of texture, so you don't see dirty paw prints or spills. The only downside is that you don't see much of a difference after you clean.
I love my island/peninsula. It's probably my favorite part of the kitchen. This used to be a wall to the dining room, and now it is open and creates a 2nd place to sit or to use as a buffet.
Purchases:
Faucet- Danz Parma Single Handle Pre Rinse in Stainless Steel
Frigidaire appliances in Stainless Steel
Pendant lighting- Kichler 42878 with Edison Style bulbs
Hardware- Cosmas Euro Style Bar Handle Pulls (we did 10in on uppers and 5 on lowers)
Tile, Granite, and Cabinets- all purchased locally
Have a great day!
*knowgirl Jessica
We opted for a contemporary look with the dark cabinets and lots of greys. We really like having the granite counter, because it doesn't show messes easily. The floors are the same way. They have a lot of texture, so you don't see dirty paw prints or spills. The only downside is that you don't see much of a difference after you clean.
I love my island/peninsula. It's probably my favorite part of the kitchen. This used to be a wall to the dining room, and now it is open and creates a 2nd place to sit or to use as a buffet.
Purchases:
Faucet- Danz Parma Single Handle Pre Rinse in Stainless Steel
Frigidaire appliances in Stainless Steel
Pendant lighting- Kichler 42878 with Edison Style bulbs
Hardware- Cosmas Euro Style Bar Handle Pulls (we did 10in on uppers and 5 on lowers)
Tile, Granite, and Cabinets- all purchased locally
Have a great day!
*knowgirl Jessica