Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? I’ve shared before that it has quickly become one of my favorite spaces to design. It’s a game of Tetris to get cabinets just right, appliances fit just so, and all the functionality that a kitchen needs. Plus – it really does have to be beautiful. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, here are a couple of tips to consider!
Don’t go it alone…
Whether it is a great contractor, seasoned designer, or custom cabinet maker – bring in some help. In my first couple of kitchens, I was shocked at the level of detail required. And I made my fair share of screw ups. Knowing where to put appliances, appropriate spacing, the scale of lighting and furniture; it’s a lot. Even with a great eye and design intuition, you’ll want guidance, or at the very least, a good edit from someone who has been there and made mistakes before you do.
Understand your desires and correlating lead times.
Renovation projects take time. And LOTS of patience. Some appliances will be 9-12 months before arrival. And cabinet packages vary tremendously by vendor as well. Some are as fast as 4 weeks, others up to 4 months. Knowing what you want and how long it will take is critical in planning. I recommend dialing in appliances and cabinets first – and letting those lead times guide your construction schedule.
Be prepared for a lot of decision making.
You’ll make so many decisions in the process of designing a new kitchen. When I work with clients we move through a “kitchen design checklist” which includes everything from cabinet layout, plumbing fixtures, electrical plans, countertops, backsplash, paint colors, shelving, mechanical needs, hardware, and on and on and on and on….ha! If you want to avoid “decision making fatigue” revisit my first tip; don’t go it alone. You will want someone to step in and make decisions for you when you are unsure.
The unexpected will occur.
Are you a great problem solver? You’ll need to be. Despite the best planning and execution, mistakes will happen. It’s crucial to approach these instances with patience and flexibility. Ensure you partner with someone that will work diligently to rectify any issues, ensuring that the final product exceeds your expectations; regardless of what may have come up along the way.
Roll with it.
Renovation projects are overwhelming. Seeing your home in disarray during the process (especially if you’re living through it!) can be stressful, but it’s a necessary part of the transformation. Remember, the temporary discomfort will lead to long-term satisfaction and joy in a space that you will love.
Is a kitchen renovation in your plans for 2024? Reach out and schedule a discovery call to learn more about working together.