In most households the kitchen is a revolving door of activity. It has to be functional or chaos will reign. Before you begin your kitchen renovation, consider each element separately and as a whole.
Kitchen Remodeling: The Heart of Your Home
The kitchen tends to be the heart of the home - where people gather for special occasions and parties, where you nourish your family, and where your family checks in with each other.
Think of your kitchen renovation in layers. Let's start at the bottom and work up.
Kitchen Floor
Who uses your kitchen and how you use it helps determine the kitchen floor that is right for you. If you have small children or elderly people living with you, the smoothness of linoleum or wood floors might be the best choice for you. Glass has a chance of staying intact when it drops on linoleum much more so than on kitchen tile flooring.
If your home is full of grown children and adults, kitchen tile flooring may be much more long-lasting and adds character to any kitchen renovation.
Countertops and Faucets
These days countertops are available in a variety of materials. Granite and marble are popular choices, as are concrete and stainless steel. Each has its advantages, but stone and granite tend to be more expensive. Using expensive materials sparingly--think backsplash--is one way to get the look of luxury on a budget. Also consider how your faucets match your countertop material
Cabinet Choices
Few things are more important to a kitchen than cabinets, both for storage and for style. You should consider both cabinet placement and shape as you design your kitchen. Cabinets should be deep enough for large items and located near central appliances like sinks and stoves. Make sure form meets function as you chose stylish but usable cabinets.
