Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to improve home value. It’s also one of the most complex renovation projects you can take on. If you don’t plan accordingly, you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed and unsure where to go next. Careful kitchen remodel planning is essential to completing projects successfully and on your timeline. With Jaeger Lumber, get useful tips on how to plan your kitchen remodel around the cabinets, windows, doors, and trim.
Key Takeaways
- Start planning your kitchen remodel by defining your goals.
- Plan your cabinet layout to maximize storage and functionality.
- Place windows and doors to ensure natural air and traffic patterns.
- Define the space with a trendy or timeless cabinet finish and fixtures.
- Coordinate your trim and moulding with your cabinets.
Start With Your Goals
To plan a successful remodeling project, start by defining your goals. There are many reasons to remodel your kitchen, each one resulting in a slightly different project with its own scope and focus. Potential outcomes you might pursue may include:
- Improve functional layout
- Maximize storage
- Increase natural lighting
- Boost energy efficiency
- Update the style
Your goals will inform your project plan. A remodeling project focused on layout and storage, for example, will be more extensive. A style and finish update, meanwhile, may preserve your kitchen’s existing layout with some new fixtures, a modern countertop, and a repaint. While you can accomplish multiple goals at once, be wary of overcommitting. Keep your goals reasonable to avoid a project that will take months to complete.
Plan the Cabinets First
Once you know your goals, it’s time to think about the cabinets. They are the most important feature when it comes to layout and style. They will influence your appliance placement, natural lighting, light fixtures, and counter space. Consider the following designs:
- U shape: Three walls of countertops and cabinets help to maximize your counter space.
- L shape: Perpendicular countertops fit comfortably in a small to medium-sized kitchen.
- Galley: Parallel countertops help you make the most of a small space.
- Island: An island provides extra storage and an anchor for socialization in large kitchens.
After you have designed your kitchen layout, you can choose your finish and hardware. Because cabinets take up so much space, they define the overall look of your kitchen.
Evaluate Windows and Doors
While planning your cabinets, consider the windows and doors. For the former, you want a large enough opening to bring in fresh air. This will help reduce food smells and keep your kitchen fresh. For the latter, you want to encourage a natural traffic flow through the kitchen. Make sure the pathway isn’t blocked by an island or appliances.
If your kitchen doesn’t receive enough natural light or air, then it may be time to get a bigger window. Keep in mind, however, that large windows also reduce your available cabinet space. Window size and storage are a balancing act to ensure a comfortable kitchen with plenty of room for your dishes.
Coordinate Trim and Moulding With the Cabinet Design
Trim and moulding are the final decisions to explore for your remodel. In general, you’ll want to coordinate your trim choices with the cabinet design. You might pick a trim that matches the cabinet finish. You may also consider a contrasting color, especially if the cabinets are dark. Other trim choices to consider include:
- Crown moulding raises the eye to make the room feel larger
- Baseboards define the space and protect your walls against wear
- Casing frames the windows and doors to highlight the architecture
- Wainscoting or beadboard may provide extra protection
While trim should be your final consideration, it does a lot to finish your space. Don’t neglect this step just because it’s decorative. With the right trim and moulding, you can finish your kitchen into something truly impressive.
Get Kitchen Remodel Planning Advice and Supplies
Finally, you don’t have to plan your remodel alone. Jaeger Lumber offers professional tips, advice, and resources to make the process easy. We also provide all the supplies you need to complete the project, from custom cabinets to trim and more. We’re found at locations across New Jersey. Contact us today to get started with kitchen remodel planning and fill out your shopping list.
FAQs about Kitchen Remodels
What should you plan first in a kitchen remodel?
Your first planning step in any remodeling project should be to define your goals. Know your desired outcome before you start looking at any one feature or detail.
When should kitchen windows be replaced during a remodel?
Kitchen windows should be replaced during the cabinet stage to help you make strategic decisions about natural light and storage space.
How can homeowners avoid delays during a kitchen renovation?
Homeowners can avoid delays by planning the renovation in advance, planning each phase of the remodel, and ordering materials ahead of time so they can start working as soon as possible.