We all gather there to start the day, end the day, break bread, sip some tea, read the mail, drink some wine, and check in and out with each other. Without a doubt, the kitchen is the busiest room in the home.
Kitchens, on the one hand, haven’t changed; we still load them up with dry foods, perishable foods, and various products. A kitchen’s primary function is to safely store goods and to prepare and serve them in a convenient manner — that’s what hasn’t changed.
What’s changed is that we like our kitchens to make a statement, just like our car does, and we like our kitchens to be more than just a convenient place to serve food. We would like our kitchens to be a convenient, stylized, personalized, fun, and gourmet place to prepare food and gather.
Some kitchens today have even loftier goals, such as room for two cooks, double dishwashers, two sinks, baking centers, entertainment areas, and a slew of other fun amenities and must-haves. Kitchens have gotten larger, and they have been joined more openly to all of the other rooms in the home.
So let’s start here: what can be done during a kitchen makeover to update a kitchen that’s about 25 years old?
Renovating an Old Kitchen
First, you’ll notice older kitchens might be self-contained rooms, usually flanked by a dining room. Most of those dining rooms are filled with old, dated furniture and are too small to even use. There are many homes where the dining room is only used one or two times a year, yet it’s heated, furnished, and has taxes due on it each year.
Updating Structure
If your kitchen is small and joined by a dining room, consider taking the wall down between the two and designing a kitchen that’s open and re-titled “country kitchen.” This kind of home no longer has a wasted dining room and a small kitchen — instead, it has a more cohesive kitchen and dining room space.
Lighting
You could further enhance the structural change by lighting the kitchen and new eating area on separate switches so that you can create semi-formal dining by lowering the cooking area lights.
Flooring
The two floors, if dissimilar, should be made the same. It’s an undesirable look if one is hardwood and the other tile has a long metal demising strip. Consider making them hardwood or tile if possible, so the rooms join and flow.
Cabinets
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Wondering whether your cabinets can be painted, can be given new doors and drawer fronts, or should be replaced? First, look at the cabinet door shape and style. If the doors are raised panels or flat panels with simple trim around them, then painted cabinets are an option. Also, it’s okay to paint cherry, maple, and oak cabinets. However, if they have a really strange shape with pulls in the center of the doors, doors are broken, doors have vertical design lines and are not a style you want to keep, consider replacing them.
Let’s say you want to add an island and make some of the doors glass. You could remove all of the doors and drawer faces and toss them out. Install new island cabinets, order additional door and drawer faces, and paint them all to match.
That could be a good cost-saving makeover. However, keep in mind that this is a large undertaking, and the time required to switch out these components, make the alignment adjustments, replace hinges and hardware and add moldings is quite large. Sometimes, when you do the math, it’s better to replace the entire cabinet — even if it’s in good shape!
Replacing Kitchen Cabinets
Don’t be fooled by the temptation to do a makeover, thinking you’ll save loads of money because you’re just replacing the fronts of the cabinets. Those fronts are the most expensive part. Also, keep in mind that if you opt for the facelift, you’ll still have those 25-year-old cabinet boxes, the same layout, and the same old drawer boxes.
If you replace the doors, then you’ll have to do the drawer faces as well. See if the faces are removable or if they are an integral part of the drawer assembly. Also, check the drawer action: are the glides okay, are they under-mount or side-mount glides, and are the drawers dove-tailed construction? Let’s face it: if the drawers are falling apart, the glides are shot, and the cabinets are 30 or 40 years old, it may be time to tear them out and replace them with new ones.
New Layout
Transforming an old kitchen with a new layout can dramatically enhance both its functionality and style. For example, one common issue in old kitchen makeovers is an awkward layout that limits counter space and prep space. By reconfiguring the space, you can maximize square footage and create an open space that’s easier to maneuver.
This not only improves the flow of the kitchen but also makes it a more inviting area for cooking and entertaining. Planning a kitchen renovation involves careful consideration of how to update an old kitchen to meet modern needs, but it will ensure that the new layout addresses its past limitations.
Banquette Seating
Adding banquette seating is a brilliant way to transition from an old kitchen to a new space. Banquette seating transforms a cramped kitchen corner into a cozy breakfast bar and space for meals any time of the day. Furthermore, a banquette can be used as a place for reading, remote working, and other activities — turning your kitchen into a multipurpose space that will give your family room a run for its money.
When planning a kitchen remodel, incorporating banquette seating will give you the chance to create additional storage space beneath the seats. This solution is perfect for those looking to enhance both the functionality and charm of their kitchen during an old kitchen renovation.
Decorative Moulding
One of the many things to consider when remodeling a kitchen is moulding. Incorporating decorative moulding is a great method of elevating the aesthetic of an old kitchen. This detail adds a sophisticated touch that can seamlessly blend with the existing walls and features.
Decorative moulding can enhance the architectural interest of a dated kitchen and give it a polished appearance. When planning a kitchen renovation, consider how moulding can tie together various elements of your design.
Tile Backsplash
Updating your old kitchen with a tile backsplash is a practical and stylish change that breathes new life into the room. Not only is tile backsplash an opportunity to introduce more color and texture to the kitchen, but it helps protect the walls from spills and splatters.
When planning a kitchen remodel, choosing a tile backsplash can complement your custom cabinets and enhance the overall look and feel of the space. With endless design options, a tile backsplash can make a significant impact and turn a dated kitchen into a modern masterpiece.
To Schedule a Kitchen Makeover in NJ, Call All Trades Contracting Today!
These are just a few of the considerations for a kitchen makeover, and if you have any questions or need any advice, please reach out to All Trades Contracting! We know how to plan a kitchen remodel and will work closely with you to make your project a success. Let’s talk about creating the comfortable cooking and gathering space you’ve always wanted.
In addition to kitchen remodeling projects, we also offer bathroom remodeling, door and window services, and other home improvement assistance. To see before and after photos of our previous projects and learn more about how to plan a kitchen renovation, give us a call today.