A kitchen renovation is a major undertaking for any family. There are limitless possibilities on design ideas and the only real constraint is your budget and how much time you have to do it. Many homeowners make simple renovations that can update the look of the current kitchen. Others can do a major renovation that requires not only planning but also a lot of time and effort during construction.
Space Issues
Many times the biggest problem with kitchens is not having enough space. If you have a small kitchen or if it feels cramped, consider having deeper countertops and having the cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling. This will allow for more work space and storage space. One big sink instead of two will allow for more space to do the dishes. Also if space is at a premium, consider using spaces that would seem useless, such as the space underneath the sink or in the corner. There are many different shelves and drawers for organizing odd spaces that will make these spaces more functional.
Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked when doing a kitchen remodel. Yet it can be the key element that will make a kitchen look great. A poorly lit kitchen not only does not read very well but it also affects how useful the kitchen can be used. A well lit kitchen combines task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting that are layered and blended together. Many times lighting can help make the kitchen look bigger then it actually is. Place task lighting underneath the upper cabinets to help light up the dark space between them. Place accent lighting above the upper cabinets and have them point down toward some of the open shelves or cabinets with glass doors to help light them up. Ambient lighting can be placed above the upper cabinets to light the space between them and the ceiling creating a glow that surrounds the perimeter.
Finishes and Patterns
Many times the finishes of the room will help make a kitchen feel good and comfortable. Dark colors will make a small