Kitchen Remodel Ideas | What to Add Now & What to Skip

Most homeowners only remodel their kitchen once in a lifetime. For this very reason, it’s important to get it right the first time. The fact is that some upgrades are more beneficial than others. Some ‘fluffy’ upgrades are expensive with not as much pay off and others are more economical while solving basic functional problems.

Of course, every homeowner would love to get every upgrade within budget, but that’s not always realistic. That’s why we are going over which upgrades to keep and what to skip. These upgrades will still give you an amazing transformation long-term while staying within a reasonable budget.

Large refrigerators are attractive because they offer more cubic feet of storage space. What most people miss though, is that the larger size sticks out well past your base cabinets and even refrigerator paneling. To get the most custom look, invest in a counter-depth refrigerator. The difference in cubic feet is minimal and your new kitchen will benefit from the built-in look making it more streamlined.

Basic kitchen storage and functions should be a priority. Although spice pull-out accessories sound like an upgrade, they provide much needed organization in a kitchen. By using a spice pull-out, you get adjustable shelves that fit large and small spice bottles, cooking oils and more without having to put thought into it.

Regardless of whether you add roll-out trays, pantry storage is essential. This is where you store all your dry goods and canned food. If there is no pantry, these food items are taking up valuable space for pots and pans elsewhere. This is the perfect opportunity to improve on basic needs and create your dream kitchen on a reasonable budget. Throw in roll-out trays for added convenience and a great age-in-place feature.

When it comes to a kitchen remodel, most people don’t think about their sink base. As one of the busiest and hardest-working features of your kitchen, you will want upgrades that make life easier while protecting your investment. Super sink bases come with a waterproof mat that sits under your sink drain to catch potential water leaks, pull-out racks for cleaning supplies and a door-mounted towel drying rack. Super sink bases are a smart investment that will improve the function of your new kitchen and prevent potential water damage in the future.

Like pantry cabinets, lazy susans take on a similar job. Spinning trays on the inside of this corner cabinet are simply a better use of space, making it easier to access your canned food and dry goods. Rather than having to reach into the depths of a dark corner cabinet, lazy susans bring every item you need to the front of the cabinet.

There is nothing quite like a stinky trash can in a brand-new kitchen remodel to ruin the ambiance. Invest a little more in a pull-out trash cabinet to seamlessly conceal unwanted sights and smells. Most cabinets come with two 35-quart containers and heavy-duty glides making it accessible and easy to use.

Kitchen islands are almost non-negotiable in most kitchen remodels today. If space allows, add an island with enough overhang for seating. The extra storage space will make a large impact on kitchen workflow along with the extra countertop space. Additionally, having a casual space to eat cereal or have kids do homework is a bonus.

Every new kitchen remodel needs proper lighting. This includes task, ambient, and accent lighting. Include a mixture of all three for a safe and elevated kitchen design. All these types of lighting could consist of recessed can fixtures, pendant lights, under cabinet lighting and others. Each are needed to create a dream kitchen that’s safe and beautiful.

New kitchens are incomplete until they have a kitchen hood. Although this may sound unnecessary, kitchen hoods benefit you and protect your cabinets. This appliance creates a gorgeous focal point while filtering cooking smells, oils and grease from the air. Fresh air is pumped back into your space leaving you with less cleaning to do. By using this appliance, your cabinets will have less build-up from cooking over time.

Whether you’re concerned about resale, cost or a timeless design, clean woodwork is the way to go. This means instead of going with an ornate crown molding and baseboard trim, use something with little or no detail. In the long run, you will thank yourself for not going overboard and more home buyers will be drawn to your house.

It’s a fact that gas ranges heat faster than electric. Not only that, but they tend to have a high-end aesthetic with versatile color options. Even if you choose a 30–inch gas range, overall, your kitchen design will look more professional and put-together while also allowing you to cook faster.

Faucets and cabinet hardware are the jewelry of the kitchen. However, jewelry can also be over-priced. Stick to nice, high-quality brands found in local stores like Moen and Kohler. Designer brands from specialty showrooms have a great assortment of finishes and styles, but with that comes large upcharges. Do your research first. With every high-end brand, there is always a similar, less expensive option elsewhere.

Most cabinet companies including CliqStudios have stunning trendy color options at a basic price point. On average, designer finishes will range from 5 – 15% more which could be used to upgrade cabinet accessories or countertops. Choose something timeless in a standard color instead and you will be happy for decades to come.

Extra kitchen sinks are nice to have, but not a necessity. The nice thing about this kitchen upgrade is it can always be installed later. Sinks are also an expensive add-on. This will require hiring a plumber to connect a new rough-in, purchase a sink and additional faucet which adds up quickly. Unless you are a professional chef or avid baker, it’s best to skip this upgrade.

It's a well-known fact that appliances don’t last as long as they used to. Don’t overspend on the most trendy or high-tech appliances because more than likely, you will need to replace them in 5 – 10 years. Use this money toward other upgrades and features that will make a difference in the function and style of your kitchen renovation instead.

Step one of your kitchen remodel is to figure out what your kitchen needs. Is it lacking in storage space and style? Have you been dreaming of floating shelves for the last five years? Which upgrades will serve your family best and improve your life? Come up with a project outline and budget that you can bring to your designer and contractor for more accurate quotes.

Share your vision and goals with a CliqStudios designer. They are here to help you get your dream kitchen within your budget, on your timeline. If you find yourself going over budget, talk to your designer. They are constantly coming up with creative solutions to get the same look and function for less. Follow these tips for a show-stopping kitchen remodel on a budget. 
 
Ready to plan your kitchen remodel? Get started on your budget now!