Kitchen Remodeling Tips and Tricks – We’ve all had the frustration – standing in our kitchen, staring at the worn out countertops, cabinets, and the outdated flooring. At one point, you must have wondered what to do about them. When this starts getting into your mind all the time, then probably it’s time for a complete kitchen remodeling for your Connecticut home. But where do you start from?
In this guide, we will show you exactly what you need to do. You will learn about the eco-friendly kitchen remodeling options, cost saving tips, and how to maximize your kitchen space during renovation. So, let’s get started.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodeling: Sustainable Materials and Energy-Efficient Appliances
When you are ready for a complete overhaul of your kitchen in Connecticut, why don’t you change things a little bit? The world is moving to more sustainable options with energy saving appliances that are equally or more efficient. If you are looking to save on energy consumption in your kitchen, this could be the way.
Reviving your kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing the environment. Apart from saving on energy, adopting a green mentality means reducing your carbon footprint.
Sustainable materials
When choosing materials for your kitchen remodeling project in Connecticut, a good rule of thumb is to select those that are renewable, can be recycled, and are non-toxic.
By doing this, you will promote a healthier environment by reducing waste pollution. Here are some sustainable materials you can opt for for your remodeling:
- Bamboo: Bamboo is quickly replacing hardwood as a better alternative. It grows quickly, it’s very durable, and will give your new kitchen a natural and warm appearance.
- Recycled glass: Why don’t you replace the ceramic tiles with recycled glass? They are not just available in different colors but also different styles to fit your needs and aesthetic.
- Quartz: They are not just a great option but also eco-friendly. They are a sustainable choice because of the mineral’s abundance on earth.
Energy-efficient appliances
Equipping your kitchen with energy efficient appliances during remodeling means less energy consumption, which in turn will reduce your electricity bills. If you want to go this way, here are some options to consider:
- Energy star refrigerator: The next time you are shopping for a refrigerator, look for the energy star label. These types of refrigerators are 9% higher in energy efficiency standards, and they are designed with performance in mind.
- Convection oven: These types of ovens cook food more evenly and faster than the traditional ovens, which means saving on energy.
- Induction cooktops: They reduce energy waste by using electromagnetic energy to directly heat the pots and pans.
Since we are talking about sustainability and environmental conservation here, you need to understand that the green products are the ones you already own. So, instead of throwing them to waste, why not reface them by painting or repairing them?
Another option is to donate them if you are considering purchasing new ones instead. This is a better option than disposing them to a landfill.
Maximizing Your Kitchen Space: Tips for Small Kitchens and Open Floor Plans
When you want to make the most of your existing kitchen space, then you need to have some ideas of how to do it. Here are some tips to maximize your kitchen during remodeling:
Make use of the vertical space
When the floor is limited, go upwards! Vertical space is often overlooked when organizing a kitchen. But there are a lot of ideas you can use to convert your kitchen’s appearance and maximize the space.
Why don’t you install stacked cabinets that go up to the ceiling? You will get more storage without sacrificing the ground space. Also, consider adding some hooks and hanging racks for pots and pans to help you free up more space in the cabinets.
Add multipurpose furniture and appliances
Things like kitchen islands can serve as prep areas, dining tables, and even as storage! When it comes to appliances, there are refrigerators that come with built-in water dispensers. We also have combination oven and microwave appliances in the market today. While this maximizes space, it also helps in keeping everything simple and within reach.
Go open floor
Walls will actually make your kitchen look small and crampy. But when you opt for an open floor plan, a sense of spaciousness is created within your kitchen, and it will instantly feel more welcoming and conducive for cooking.
Use light colors and reflective surfaces
Lastly, your choice of colors and materials will affect how spacious your kitchen feels. Make your kitchen spaces appear larger by adding light colors that reflect more light to surfaces.
Sticking to Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget: Cost-Saving Tips and Tricks
Embarking on kitchen remodeling in Connecticut can take a toll on your pocket if you don’t have a well planned budget. These cost-saving tips will help you remodel your kitchen without breaking the bank:
Plan before purchasing
Don’t just go shopping for materials and appliances without a plan at hand. Have an idea of what you want to achieve in terms of layout changes, appliance upgrades, and color schemes.
This detailed plan will help you purchase only the things that you will use, and in the right amount, without stopping midway and thinking about changing something.
Reuse or refurbish
While your kitchen looks outdated and worn out, it doesn’t mean that everything there feels the same. A simple painting can give a new look to your cabinets. This will help you cut down on costs along the way.
If possible, keep the layouts as it is
Always try to make things as simple as possible. Afterall, you are only seeking to change the appearance of your kitchen, not the entire home.
So, there’s no need to start interfering with structural elements of your home such as plumbing pipes and electrical outlets. If possible, keep these factors intact. You can still renovate your kitchen without touching the elements.
Shop around
Don’t just settle for the first price you see on appliances or the required materials, or even Connecticut general contractors. Take your time and compare different offerings. A good way to shop around is to look for sales and discounts, promotions, and coupons.
You can even go further by looking for second hand goods that still serve the same purpose. Online shopping platforms can be a great resource when it comes to this.
Do some work yourself
While some aspects will need a professional hand, this doesn’t mean you leave everything to them and let the total cost be much higher. With a simple tutorial, you can learn to install a backsplash, paint, or even assemble some furniture. Just make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing and have the required tools for the tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kitchen remodeling in Connecticut doesn’t mean spending a fortune. You can transform your kitchen and make it fully functional with some great, more affordable ideas. The above tips do not just offer sustainable options, but more efficient and cost-friendly solutions.