From worn-out flooring to outdated counter tops and cabinets, a kitchen desperately in need of a remodel can bring down both the look and the value of any home. Whether you just moved in or you’re getting ready to sell, deciding how, when, and how to pay for a complete kitchen remodel can be a true source of stress.
So, if you’ve found yourself in either of these situations, take a deep breath and read on. We’ve gathered some of the most common kitchen problems and tackled them head-on to bring you some easy, money-saving solutions. And while these are merely a small handful of suggestions, we hope you can find some design advice that will inspire you and help give you a few ideas to pursue once you’re ready to start remodeling.
Problem: Worn out, outdated flooring
Solution: Once upon a time, linoleum flooring was all the rage. These days tile and hardwood are preferred. If neither is in your present budget, you can still get the look of either with laminate flooring. More cost effective and easy to maintain, today’s laminates shame yesterday’s faux flooring in quality and diversity of selection. Warm up the look and add a little give to work areas by adding cotton rugs, braided rugs, or sisal rugs where you need them. They are also a great way to finish out the décor in your kitchen. You can mix and match colors, textures and styles to add easy, durable, and inexpensive design elements to your kitchen’s overall look.
Problem: Outdated or damaged counter-tops
Solution: When your counter-tops have significant damage like warping or water damage, there’s no real way around fixing them other than to have them replaced. Many homeowners go into sticker shock over counter-tops when starting a remodel and the truth is that counter-tops are a major investment. That’s not to say that can’t find a bargain. If you want granite, shop around for remnants that granite dealers have cut for bigger jobs and can’t use. You can often get them to sell you that piece for a fraction of what a larger granite piece would cost. You can also save by installing a less expensive type of counter-top such as a laminate in one part of your kitchen and then going with granite in a smaller area like an island or a breakfast bar. You’ll still get that granite look and create a focal point at the same time.
Problem: Not enough cabinet space
Solution: A lack of cabinet space is a common complaint among homeowners, especially since cabinets can be expensive. If you find yourself in this position, you might benefit from installing shelving. Hung over your stove, sink, or anywhere with a bare wall, clear glass shelving can help conquer your storage dilemma and provide a nice visual backdrop at the same time. With glass, you also get the added benefit of maintaining the wall’s open and unobstructed look. Stack favorite dishes, often-used cookware, and cookbooks to make the shelves both appealing and functional.
Problem: Outdated cabinets
Solution: Outdated cabinets needn’t keep your kitchen behind the times. We all know that new cabinets can be another very expensive commitment, but virtually any type of cabinet can be painted, and those that can’t can often be refaced. If you like the look of glass-front cabinets, you may even be able to have part of your door fronts cut out and replaced with glass panels. Don’t forget the final step to modernizing your cabinets: new hardware. An easy and inexpensive fix, new door and drawer pulls are one of the quickest ways you can update the look of your kitchen without spending a lot.
Problem: Dead space
Solution: Dead space above your counter-tops can make your whole kitchen look unfinished. The best solution is to add crown molding. While this can often be an expensive addition, adding it to your existing cabinets rather than replacing them with taller cabinets will help cut costs. Choose a color to match your existing cabinet finish and seek out the help of a carpenter. The finished look will maximize the space and add to the perceived value of the kitchen for potential buyers.