Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s a place to feed your family and friends, create delicious treats, and make memories.

Whether you’re upgrading for resale or simply ready for a change, there are many factors to consider during your Kitchen Remodel Atlanta GA. Here are some tips to help you get started.

The right kitchen layout is essential to your home’s overall comfort. This has nothing to do with the color of your cabinets or the material you choose for your countertop, but everything to do with how well your space functions and how easy it is to navigate.

There are many different kitchen floorplans you can choose from, and it depends on what kind of room you have and how you plan on using it. If you’re looking for a space that’s incredibly open and spacious, consider a U-shaped design. It provides storage and counters on three walls for a smooth work flow, as well as plenty of room to maneuver between your cooktop, sink and refrigerator.

If you have a more limited amount of space, a galley kitchen may be the best fit. This lean and efficient option offers workstations on two opposing walls with a walkway in the middle. The key is to ensure that you have enough counter space on each side of your appliances for meal preparation, and it’s also important to make sure there’s a landing spot nearby for hot items like pots and pans.

For large and open spaces, a double island layout is perfect for socializing while maintaining a clear workflow in the kitchen area. This layout allows multiple cooks to operate at once without getting in each other’s way. If you don’t have the luxury of an extra third wall, try a horseshoe or L-shaped layout with a moveable island to change up your kitchen layout as needed. You can also use a peninsula for added dining space, especially if your home has an open-concept living room.

Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the most prominent features in any kitchen. They can set the tone for a room, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. Cabinets are not something that can be easily swapped out, so you want to make sure you choose the right ones for your space and lifestyle.

Cabinet types include stock, semi-custom and custom options. Stock cabinets are pre-made and generally less expensive. They may be made from plywood or particle board. The latter is better for flat sections that do not need to be shaped, such as shelves or cabinet sides. Plywood is more durable than particle board and is less susceptible to rot from water or other liquids.

Base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep and 28 inches high (without a toe kick or skirting) or 31 inches for a corner cabinet. The height is determined for ease of access and facilitating an ergonomic design. Some wall cabinets are 12 inches deep and mounted to a soffit; others are full 36-inch-high (910 mm) walls that run straight to the ceiling.

Various accessories can be installed in cabinets. For example, a spice rack can be installed inside a cabinet door; a pull-out pantry is another option; and there are special hardware items for blind corners that enable the corner to be used with trays or lazy susans that spin, bringing stored items within reach.

Some cabinets are built with a specific purpose in mind, such as storing canned foods or a wine cellar. Other designs are more aesthetically pleasing, such as the use of glass-front cabinets to showcase decorative dishes or to provide a clear view of contents. Ergonomics are also considered in the design of cabinets, from the height at which materials are stored to the location of the work triangle. Universal design principles are incorporated for users of all ages and abilities, with innovations such as easy-to-manipulate handles, low switches and more.

Countertops

Countertops are a key kitchen remodel element that dramatically increases the appearance of your room. They’re also an affordable way to improve your space without overhauling the entire kitchen. A kitchen remodeling project can be a great opportunity to upgrade your countertops with a material that has the right combination of durability, functionality, hygienics and beauty for your family.

Natural stone is the most popular choice for modern kitchens, but there are many other options to choose from as well. For example, concrete can be a sleek and durable surface that adds a contemporary touch to your home. It is often paired with wood cabinets to create a warm and inviting feel. Marble is another classic option that adds a luxurious feel to your kitchen. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your home.

Soapstone is another durable natural material that has a milky, warm aesthetic. This type of countertop is typically gray in color, so it may not work with every kitchen design. Another option is granite, which has a rich and beautiful color that can match almost any style of kitchen.

A backsplash is an essential kitchen remodel element that prevents water, grease and other messes from staining walls behind the sink and countertops. It can also be a creative way to express your kitchen design style and create an eye-catching focal point in your kitchen.

When choosing a backsplash and countertop, be sure to consider how they will coordinate with the rest of your kitchen design. Avoid contrasting materials or colors that will clash or look too busy. For example, don’t install a glossy finished quartz countertop with matte black cabinets. Similarly, don’t pair a boldly printed backsplash with neutral lower cabinets.

Appliances

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, the appliances are a large part of what makes your space. While many people think that they should start with their cabinets, countertops, and backsplash, the best place to begin a kitchen remodel is with the appliances. This is because the cabinetry and other surfaces are often designed around these pieces to be both functional and visually appealing.

As you consider your options for a new appliance package, be sure to consider what is essential versus “nice-to-haves.” There are many different types and sizes of appliances to choose from. A product specialist can help you decide which pieces are right for your space. For example, you can choose between a side-by-side refrigerator, French door fridge, or bottom-freezer model as well as gas, electric, or induction ovens. You can also opt for a dishwasher drawer or even a built-in microwave to add functionality and save counter space.

Finally, a kitchen remodel is the perfect time to make energy-efficient upgrades. This can include LED lights to lower your electricity bills and low-flow faucets to decrease water usage as well as a tankless hot water system that heats water on demand.

A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to create a space that meets all of your needs and wants, but it can also be an excellent way to increase the value of your home. Potential homebuyers tend to prioritize properties with modernized kitchens, so this project can be a great investment for the long term. And if you ever do decide to sell your home, your upgraded kitchen will be a big selling point. Contact a kitchen remodeling company today to learn more about how you can transform your kitchen and make it the heart of your home.

Lighting

In the midst of planning your kitchen remodel, the lighting is often overlooked. This is a shame because it can help you make your vision a reality and highlight all of the other great elements you’ve chosen for the space.

Think about how you and your family use your kitchen to get an idea of the types of fixtures you’ll need. Then, look at other spaces in your home for inspiration. It’s important to create a cohesive look that connects the kitchen with other rooms, especially if your house has an open floor plan.

The right lighting can illuminate the work areas of the kitchen and keep it safe to navigate. It can also set the mood and highlight design elements that elevate the overall look of the room.

Recessed ceiling fixtures are a great option for ambient lighting and can be bright enough to light up your countertop or backsplash. Choose LED fixtures for the best performance and energy efficiency. Under-cabinet lighting is another option for task lighting. It’s ideal for illuminating your countertops and can even be bright enough to read by.

Pendant lights are another great way to illuminate a kitchen. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any style of kitchen. Decorative wall sconces are also a popular choice for accent lighting in the kitchen. These can be used to highlight a favorite artwork or a collection of glassware.

You can also use recessed and track lighting to spotlight pieces of art on the walls of your kitchen. As the kitchen becomes more of a gathering and living space for homeowners, it’s common to display framed photos and canvases. Recessed, adjustable low voltage fixtures can illuminate these works of art.