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.