Kitchen Remodel MUSTS

When you're ready to redo your kitchen, there are a number of things you should consider so your investment in cost and time is done right.  It's worthwhile to meet with a kitchen designer so you can maximize your space, your budget, and get enduring changes without skimping on what's important to you.   If you do a remodel and don't include a feature that you didn't think about, you'll regret it. Understanding materials, care and maintenance, technology and even trends are important both short and long term.

In a typical kitchen remodel, regardless of whether the budget is small or large, your percentages for spending will look something like this:

8-10% Electrical & Plumbing
14-16% Appliances
16% Walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows
29-30% Cabinets and hardware
10% Counters
22% Planning, design and installation

You should visit showcase homes, model homes, showrooms, and think about the pros and cons of your existing kitchen.  You might find that you love specialty appliances like wine centers and pot fillers, but when you consider the cost, amount of use, and space required, they may not be worth the splurge.  Some things that you might think are over-the-top but are value added in the long run are second sinks, finished cabinet ends and shelves and drawers on full extension glides. In the Carlsbad kitchen above, I was able to include a host of useful appliances, carefully placed and concealed for a luxurious end result. Every cabinet was detailed to provide maximum use of space and finished so they blended seamlessly with the furnishings in the adjacent rooms.

Appliances can be tricky to select. Sure stainless is cool, but can you get features you like without the up-charge?  If you're  planning to conceal them, Do you need a professional grade appliance and the changes in counter depth, venting and ductwork that are required?  Is a dishwasher or refrigerator drawer a pro or a con? What refrigerator style works best for you and do you need to sacrifice interior space for an in-door water dispenser?  New cooktops offer fabulous features so be sure to check out options like induction.

Counter top materials get better every year. Granite is NOT the luxury surface it used to be. Quartz has many PROS and few CONS over stone, and the appearance is often more beautiful. Solid surfaces have new styles and benefits and the costs are often more reasonable than stone. Integrating sinks into counters is a huge plus. Combining counter materials like Cynthia Ryan did in this modern space is stylish and functional.

Don't forget to add space for recycling and composting.  Most areas of the country are actively participating in programs now, and more will make it mandatory for household food waste. 

Good lighting is KEY in every kitchen. Know local codes for lighting and be smart in using good, correctly lamped (the right bulb) fixtures. Understand the value of LED, florescent and even incandescent lighting and which works best in specific places in your kitchen.  Technology is your friend in lighting design and control, and a small investment enables a money savings and aesthetically fabulous long-term results. These Arts & Crafts fixtures are all warm LED and toe kick lighting accents the cabinetry around the peninsula serving as guide lights.

Know that there are  many flooring options and learn which is best for you. Wood, porcelain, vinyl, cork, ceramic and even linoleum have PROS and CONS for performance, durability, cost to purchase, install and maintain.  Wood is $8-40 per square foot installed but has performance and care drawbacks. Porcelain is $11-25 per square foot installed but colder underfoot. Cork is warm and $10-20 installed but does need occasional to coating. Linoleum has the best value at $4-8 installed, with beauty and design like never before, but seams are a must in large spaces.

Cabinetry is the usually the most expensive part of a remodel. Is wood better than laminate? Can you upgrade your look yet lower costs with veneers? Should use a custom fabricator or buy manufactured?  Understand the finishes and what will be more durable for your type of use. Antiquing and distressing is beautiful but not always worth the splurge. Consider that open shelves may be easier and better than closed door cabinets.  Be SURE that your interior fittings work for your lifestyle.

Plan a layout BEFORE you buy anything or demolish what you have. It may be better to change the position of your plumbing, gas lines and dedicated oven and fridge receptacles. It was key in this Coronado kitchen for me to relocate the gas line  for ideal work flow and a balanced kitchen. 

 Don't start without having all of your products in hand. Finding a sink you love only to find that it's back-ordered for weeks can wreak havoc with your life and the rest of the kitchen project. 

Think GREEN when you update or re-design.

When you're thinking of re-doing your sofa, updating your bathroom, installing a new carpet, or doing other home improvements, consider being kind to the environment - and the inside of your home as well.  The smell that we associate with new (cars and carpeting are most notable) is the result of toxic chemical off-gassing.  It's best to reduce and even eliminate the use of chemicals in your home.  Here are some ideas and resources:

FSC certified woods in transitional bedroom furnishings.

1. New furniture: Be sure the woods used in your furnishings are made without urea-formaldehyde and are sustainable or from harvested forests (display the Forest Stewardship Council - FSC - certified label).  This is especially important in painted and self-assembled pieces made from medium density fiberboard or particle board. Many companies are manufacturing 'green' furniture that is made from recycled materials and the pieces are stunning.

Soy foam is soft and durable with no
petroleum used.

2. Fabrics and re-upholstery:  Using natural fibers like silk, cotton, hemp, wool and linen, and their blends is ideal.  Many fabric mills are producing recycled content fabrics and softening them with aloe vera and beeswax in lieu of harsh chemicals. Try to use soy-based foam for seating like chairs and sofas made by Lee Industries, or recycle the foam you have, adding a down envelope for padding and softness. For bedding I recommend bamboo sheets and towels, that are soft, absorbent and naturally anti-microbial. Indika uses plant-based dyes on their cotton sheets.

Rich color from no VOC paints.

3. Stains and paints:  Sherwin Williams has no and low volatile organic (VOC) compound paints that don't off-gas and have low odor. The color hues are stunning, they deliver maximum performance, and their impact on your internal environment isn't negative.  Finishes on ready-made furniture should be low-VOC like those from Lorts, and you might consider beeswax for cabinetry and tables.

Recycled content carpeting is durable
 and gorgeous.

4. Carpeting: Some of the most durable carpets are made from recycled materials and are no-VOC, stain and traffic resistant and gorgeous. Natural dyes and fibers (wool) are another green option. Mohawk has recycled content and 'green' carpet options in hundreds of textures and styles. Recycle your old pad and carpeting rather than dump into a landfill; request that your installer do this when they haul away what they remove.

Not your typical bamboo floor - strand
bamboo is beautiful and different.

5. Wood Flooring: There are many options in sustainable wood flooring. From engineered wood products like strand bamboo, to harvested woods with FSC certification, the products available are durable with beautiful style. New water-based stains and finishes allow for color options and protective coatings without toxic off-gassing. Locally harvested woods are ideal when you desire a solid hardwood floor. Look for a list of FCS certified companies in your area.


6. Plumbing fixtures.  WaterSense-certified fixtures will conserve water usage and still provide excellent function.  Kohler has some fabulous shower heads, faucets and toilets whose performance is stellar despite adhering to the EPA's flow rate restrictions. 


7. Surface materials: Quartz counter tops are an ideal material as they require no chemical sealants and are often Green Guard certified.  Cosentino has gone the extra mile and developed a gorgeous, durable and recycled content product called Eco. Other eco-friendly surfaces include glass, porcelain, ceramic and even wood.  During a remodel, you can often dispose of old ceramic and porcelain debris at local recycling center, and salvage centers often take solid surfaces and stone that is in reasonable condition for re-use.