A well-executed Kitchen Remodel Atlanta can add value to your home. But it’s also a significant project. Keep in mind that some walls are structural and cannot be removed; other lines, like plumbing and electrical, may need to stay where they are, which could save you a lot of money on rewiring and new construction.

Cabinets are built-in pieces of furniture that conveniently hold items like dishware, cutlery, or bottled hygienic products. They can be anchored to the wall or float above other furniture like a counter or sink. Depending on their size, they can have a variety of doors or drawers. They can also be a specific type of furniture like a wardrobe, a bureau, or a china cabinet. Cabinets are often used for storage in kitchens and bathrooms but can be found throughout the house.

The construction of cabinets varies significantly in terms of quality, price, and style. The materials used to construct the box and shelves are the most significant cost factor. Most cabinets are made of wood, which can be finished with a wide variety of paints and finishes to create different styles. They can also be made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, or plywood. Some cabinets are even made of metal or plastic.

There are three main types of base cabinets: door-and-shelf, door-and-drawer, and drawer-only. Door-and-shelf cabinets have one or more shelves hidden behind a set of doors, making them ideal for storing pots and pans and other lightweight kitchen equipment. Door-and-drawer cabinets have inner storage drawers stacked on top of each other, giving them an open look while providing easy access to frequently-used items. Drawer cabinets have exposed storage drawers without any door coverings, making them an excellent place to store small portable appliances and tools.

Most stock cabinets are built with simple slab door designs that offer a minimalist look and are suitable for modern or contemporary styles. Framed doors and drawer fronts, on the other hand, offer classic paneling and can work well with traditional or older home styles. In addition to these basic styles, there are a number of unique storage solutions available for cabinets including roll-out cutting boards, trash can pull-outs, and pots and pans organizers.

Countertops

Countertops are a major kitchen element that can be used to express personality and style. The most popular countertop choices are granite and quartz, both of which can be customized with a wide variety of color and pattern options. Granite is a natural stone that’s strong and durable. It’s also resistant to heat and comes in a broad spectrum of colors and undertones. The seams on this material blend well, and it’s easy to clean. However, it’s more porous than other options and is susceptible to stains and abrasions.

Kitchen countertops are often made of marble or granite, but they can also be constructed from a range of other materials, including laminate, ceramic tile, solid-surface acrylic, and stainless steel. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider laminate, which is constructed from particleboard, resins, plastics, and pattern paper that’s seared together using heat and pressure. This material is not as sturdy as other countertop options, but it’s inexpensive and simple to install.

For a more luxurious look, opt for quartz countertops. This popular choice is manufactured by binding crushed quartz crystals with a resin-based product, and it offers an almost endless selection of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. This nonporous material doesn’t need to be sealed, and its seams blend seamlessly. It’s also stain-resistant, but like other countertop materials, it can be damaged by abrasions and heat.

Flooring

If you want a fresh look and feel for your kitchen remodel, consider updating the floor. A new floor adds color and texture to a room, and it also helps create a focal point.

The flooring should ideally be finished before the cabinets, since a mismatched finish can steal the show. It’s possible to repaint surfaces in the middle of a kitchen renovation, but it’s best to leave that to last. This way, you can be certain that the new color will be exactly what you want and avoid mistakes.

For a budget-friendly update, try painting your existing floors. This is a quick way to change the vibe of your kitchen, and it works with almost any home style. Depending on your taste, you can even get creative with stencils and painterly patterns.

Cork is another low-cost option for kitchen floors that looks like tile but feels more comfortable on your feet than concrete or wood. It is a great choice for kitchens that receive heavy traffic. It also has natural shock absorption, which can make it less noisy than many other floors.

If you want something a bit more durable, look at ceramic tile or stone products. These are beautiful, timeless options that will stand the test of time. But be sure to check the resale value of these materials before you commit. In general, natural stones like granite and quartzite are high-end, expensive options that may not pay off at resale. On the other hand, solid surface products and laminates are less expensive but may have limitations on durability and resale value.

Lighting

Whether you’re scrolling through social media for design inspiration or browsing home improvement stores to find new fixtures, it’s clear that lighting is one of the most popular kitchen remodel trends. From show-stopping pendants that hang above a grand island to sleek wall sconces that illuminate shelving, these fixtures bring personality and style to the space.

A well-designed kitchen should be layered with ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient light (such as ceiling-mounted fixtures) helps set the tone for the room, while task lighting focuses on work areas to make food prep safer and easier. Accent lighting, on the other hand, brings a dramatic touch to the space and can be used to highlight decor and architecture.

Choosing the right kitchen lighting requires careful consideration of style and function. For example, a flush mount fixture with an ornate design will look best in a traditional kitchen with other decorative elements, while pendants are a great choice for illuminating modern or contemporary spaces.

For under cabinet lighting, consider surface mount puck or modular linear fixtures that allow you to add additional lights as your needs change. These types of fixtures also require less electrical wiring and can be installed in an existing kitchen.

Lastly, recessed downlights or “can” lights are a good option for ambient lighting. They are recessed into the ceiling and emit a downward light to help illuminate your workspace. They are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes to complement any kitchen.

Appliances

A major component of kitchen remodels involves upgrading or replacing appliances like ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves. Modern appliance models tend to be more energy-efficient and offer smart features for easier use. They also help reduce home energy consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainability goals.

Energy-efficient appliances are built with high quality materials and manufacturing processes that make them durable and reliable. They last longer and require fewer repairs than their traditional counterparts, helping you save money on replacement costs. Many of them have multiple functions, such as toasters with automatic settings and blenders with food processors, reducing the number of appliances needed for your kitchen.

These appliances help reduce energy consumption, which in turn, lowers your home energy bill. They also contribute to the preservation of natural resources, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

When it comes to choosing an appliance, look for one with an Energy Star label. This indicates that it meets energy efficiency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The more efficient your appliances are, the lower your utility bills will be.

If you decide to purchase an energy-efficient appliance, be sure to consider its features and functionality as well as its design. It should fit your lifestyle, while also making the most of your kitchen space and meeting your specific needs.

While it’s tempting to incorporate a few personal touches in your kitchen, remember that this type of project is intended to improve the value of your home. Over-customizing your kitchen can limit its appeal to future home-buyers, so choose features that are both functional and attractive.

San Diego Kitchen Remodel is a major project that requires the help of professionals. It’s important to choose a kitchen designer or building supplier that is trustworthy and capable of managing multiple people working on the project.

Start with a clear idea of what you want to achieve. This will give you focus and clarity throughout the process.

Cabinets are the biggest ticket item in a kitchen remodel, so getting them right is important. They affect the look and function of the space and tend to stick around for decades. That’s why the decision process is more involved than simply choosing a new color or stain.

Aside from determining the material and finish, there are myriad other options to consider for each cabinet. A cabinet door style, for example, can change the entire look of the room. It might be a raised panel to give the cabinets a more traditional feel or a push-to-open system to make it easier to access contents. Special hardware can also make it easier to reach items in corner or blind cabinets. This might be in the form of lazy susans that rotate a full circle or tray slides to slide forwards and backwards.

Several construction methods are available for cabinets, but wood is still the most popular. It’s sturdy, versatile and comes in a wide array of finishes and grain patterns. It’s also fairly affordable, making it a staple in most homes.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most prominent features in your kitchen. They set the tone for your whole space and, as such, play a significant role in determining overall style. Beyond aesthetics, however, you must consider several other factors when choosing the perfect work surface, including the material, stain resistance and ease of maintenance.

Light-hued natural materials like marble and quartz are popular choices, while dramatic veining can be found on a variety of other materials, such as quartzite, which has similar qualities to quartz but boasts added strength and durability at a lower cost. For a more rustic look, consider river rock countertops. These unique pieces of natural stone create a striking accent in any cook space while also providing a textural contrast to smooth wood cabinetry and backsplashes.

Concrete is another customizable countertop option that works well in kitchens from farmhouses to industrial chic. It can be dyed any color, poured into custom shapes, and inlaid with materials such as broken tiles or sea shells to add visual interest.

If you’re looking for something even more durable, consider a solid-surface counter. This man-made alternative to natural stones is highly versatile and available in a wide array of styles, with the added benefit of being nonporous and resistant to bacteria. It’s important to note, though, that while these countertops are extremely durable, they’re not impervious to damage from hot pans or impact.

Backsplash

The backsplash is a crucial element in any kitchen. It serves both functional and decorative purposes, keeping walls protected from food residue and preventing moisture build-up behind the sink and stove. Moisture and drywall don’t get along and can result in the formation of mold and mildew. A backsplash can also prevent wall damage caused by a hot pan or a splash of cooking oil.

Backsplashes come in a variety of colors, styles and materials. They can be as simple as a single color painted on a textured surface or as complex as a tiled mosaic. Depending on the design you want, it can even be an eye-catching statement piece.

The most popular type of backsplash is a ceramic or porcelain tile, which is very durable and easy to clean. Other options include glass, metals and other non-porous tiles.

A backsplash is also a great way to add a pop of color and pattern to the room. Tile patterns, such as herringbone and chevron, can be very effective. You can also use a more sculptural material, such as a handmade or unglazed ceramic tile, hand-painted paper, or even stainless steel for a unique touch to your kitchen design.

A good backsplash can elevate your kitchen for a reasonable cost and add resale value to your home. Just be sure to avoid anything too polarizing as it may alienate potential buyers.

Flooring

The flooring is a crucial factor in kitchen remodeling that can make or break the look and feel of the room. It is also a major component that will increase the cost of the remodel. However, it can be a bit tricky to determine which material is the best fit for your space. This is because there are so many different options available. It’s important to research and visit showrooms to find the right option for your needs.

One popular choice for a budget-friendly kitchen floor is laminate. It is water-resistant and durable, so it is a great option for the kitchen. It is also easy to install. Some laminate flooring even comes with molding to add a finished look to the space.

Another cost-friendly flooring option is cork. This natural material is available in tiles and planks, making it a versatile option for any kitchen. It is a good choice for absorbing sound and has a soft, comfortable feel. It is also easy to sand and refinish, which means it can last for years.

Vinyl is also an inexpensive flooring option that can be made to look like wood or tile. It is also easy to clean and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It can be a great alternative to hardwood flooring, which is expensive. Vinyl is also available in a variety of colors and styles, so it can suit any design.

Appliances

A kitchen remodel is the perfect time to upgrade your appliances. You can choose from a wide range of styles and sizes that complement your kitchen’s design. For instance, sleeker, more compact versions work well in small spaces. You can also choose from appliance finishes that blend in with your décor or even mimic the look of cabinetry panels for a seamless finish.

When shopping for a new appliance suite, keep in mind how often you’ll use each item and what your specific cooking habits are like. For example, do you bake a lot or do you prefer to reheat leftovers from the fridge? Do you enjoy high-tech features or are simple functions more important to you?

Consider your budget, too. Choosing more luxurious models with a range of special features may be tempting, but they can add up quickly and make your remodel over-budget. Alternatively, you can opt for more basic models with more classic lines that suit a wide range of kitchen styles and are still highly functional.

Another consideration is energy efficiency. New appliances and electrical upgrades can decrease your energy usage significantly, saving you money in both the short and long term. Energy efficient options include LED lights, low-flow faucets, and tankless water heaters. You can also make your home more green by installing energy efficient insulation to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing your heating and cooling costs.

Lighting

If you want your kitchen remodel to be both functional and beautiful, you will need a layered lighting design. This is achieved by combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to light the room in a way that fulfills different functions and highlights important design features.

Ambient lighting, or general illumination, is typically provided by recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling. These provide a soft, warm glow that sets the tone for the room and can be very effective in a kitchen. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding track or monorail systems that are able to move lights around the room for more control over your kitchen’s lighting.

The next layer is task lighting, which brightens up countertops and other workspaces to help you perform tasks like food prep, cooking, and cleaning. To help you avoid shadows or glare, choose lights with a beam spread that is appropriate for the task at hand. For example, a standard flood-type light bulb casts a wide beam, while a spotlight confines its light to a narrower area and is better for task lighting.

Accent lighting, which falls between ambient and task lighting in brightness, can highlight architectural elements or decor to create a focal point. It is also the best way to draw attention to a special feature, such as a stained glass fixture. Its intricate patterns and vibrant hues will illuminate the space with a captivating display of color.