Designing kitchens and bathrooms requires a unique combination of skills. These spaces are often the most expensive to remodel but also present the greatest profit opportunities.
Neutral colors in kitchen and bathroom designs are more popular than ever. They provide a clean appearance and can easily be refreshed with accent pieces like backsplashes, sink accessories, art glass pendants, or shower walls.
Kitchen Remodeling
If you’re planning to change the layout of your kitchen or add custom features, it’s important to have a clear design and plan before beginning construction. This will help you avoid unexpected issues that can delay the project and add costs.
The key to a successful kitchen remodel is keeping the project on budget and schedule. This requires careful planning, communication with the contractor, and being flexible if you run into any problems that can’t be easily resolved.
Renovating your kitchen is a big investment that should last for years to come. It’s important to choose materials that will stand up to heavy use, and coordinate with your home’s style. For example, patterned backsplashes look great with modern grey cabinets. They also pair well with wood paneled flooring.
Bathroom Remodeling
The bathroom is a frequent place for homeowners to update their homes with cosmetic upgrades that can add value when the time comes to sell. This type of remodeling is also known as a renovation.
The most important consideration in a bathroom remodeling project is budgeting. A professional contractor will help you to understand what is possible within your existing space and will provide expert advice on the most cost-effective materials and design ideas.
Whether you are doing a limited refresh or a more expansive bathroom remodel, the first step will be to shut off the water and remove any existing fixtures like toilets, vanities, and tubs. This may involve wall demolition, flooring removal, and exposing plumbing and electrical wiring. Depending on the scope of the bathroom remodel, the next phase will include rough-in, which refers to running plumbing and electrical throughout the room.
Cabinets & Countertops
Cabinets and countertops are a major investment, and you need to choose the right materials to ensure they meet your needs and style preferences. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen layout for better efficiency or just updating cabinets and counters, there are a variety of options to consider.
For cabinets, look for styles that reflect light to make your room appear brighter. Glossy finishes on counters can highlight your dishes and glassware, but also may show scratches and fingerprints more easily.
Consider low-emitting materials for counters, including reclaimed wood or paper composite, and salvaged stone slabs. Avoid laminates, which contain phenol-formaldehyde glues.
Plumbing & Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures connect to a home’s water system to deliver and dispose of water. They can include faucets, sinks, toilets, and showerheads.
They have a variety of designs and styles to suit your style. Faucets are perhaps the most recognizable plumbing fixtures and control water flow for sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Sinks are basins connected to a drain for washing dishes or hands. Toilets and urinals are primarily used for waste disposal and provide a basic level of sanitation and hygiene for building occupants.
Old or outdated plumbing fixtures can clog or leak and require frequent repairs. Getting them replaced with newer fixtures that are more efficient can help reduce your water usage and save you money. The right fixtures can also add value to your home.
Flooring & Flooring Accessories
Flooring is no longer confined to wood planks (a good choice for living spaces where the look and feel of warmth underfoot are important) or tile (a great option in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms). Now even purists who refuse to consider anything but natural wood should reconsider linoleum, cork, or vinyl.
These products can also provide an affordable alternative to higher-end materials such as stone or porcelain tile, which cost significantly more per square foot. Many are also radiant-heat compatible and can be installed on or above grade in basements.
Trim and molding products such as baseboards, quarter rounds, T-pieces, and stair nosing help flooring projects look polished and professional and reduce tripping hazards. Retailers should consider creating merchandising areas that showcase these products along with flooring.
Lighting & Lighting Accessories
Proper lighting is a necessity in any kitchen or bathroom. Insufficient lighting can cause eyestrain, make it hard to see tasks, and even affect mood. Good lighting also creates a more open and inviting space.
A layered lighting plan often includes ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting comes from ceiling or overhead fixtures such as flush mounts. For a luxury bathroom, consider adding a chandelier or pendant light. For kitchens, you can choose recessed lights or under-cabinet lights to brighten countertops. These should be UL damp rated and use LED bulbs for low energy consumption.
Modern bath accessories can transform your throne room into a sleek and contemporary space. They can hold towels, toilet paper and more while adding humor and personality.