Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY is an opportunity to bring the room into a new, contemporary style. Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models will save space and reduce utility bills.

It’s important to determine a budget for the project before beginning work. Renovating your kitchen can be expensive, and adding extras or features can quickly inflate costs.

Cabinets form the backbone of the kitchen and can add beauty, function and value to your home. The type of cabinets you choose will depend on your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. A gourmet cook may justify a splurge on a professional range, while a family chef needs ample storage space and durable work surfaces. Whatever your priorities, you can find the right cabinets to fit your budget and style preferences.

Cabinet design can take on a number of styles, from sleek slab door fronts to classic raised panel detail. Even plain door and drawer faces can be spiced up with a unique paint color or stain, oversized hardware or a dramatic finish. The kitchen remodel experts at Red House can help you navigate the options to ensure that your new cabinets perfectly match your vision and reflect the way you live.

A kitchen remodel can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to a complete overhaul of the entire room’s layout and footprint. The first step is to determine a budget and decide how much of the work you can do yourself. For example, if you want to install new countertops and replace appliances, you’ll likely need to hire a contractor. This will be a bigger project that may require plumbing, electrical and gas line relocation or drywall installation.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your existing cabinets. Using a degreaser like trisodium phosphate will get rid of any grime that has built up over time. You should also sand the cabinets down with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen them up for better adhesion.

Once the basics are in place, you can have fun adding your personal touches to the room. This could include glossy backsplashes with playful patterns, eye-catching sink faucets or even decorative hardware that ties the whole kitchen together. While this isn’t a kitchen remodel that should be attempted by the do-it-yourselfer, the finished product will be well worth the investment of hiring professionals to do the larger tasks. Ultimately, the end result should be a beautiful new kitchen that complements your style and suits your needs.

Countertops

Countertops are an important part of the kitchen and are often the first thing people notice. They must be both functional and attractive. They can also add a lot of value to your home when it comes time to sell. During kitchen remodeling, countertops should be the primary focus. There are many different materials to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Some are more durable and resistant to heat, liquids, and scratches than others. In addition, some are easier to clean than others.

Laminate is an inexpensive countertop material that can give your kitchen a new look. It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It is also very easy to install and requires little maintenance. However, it can be susceptible to damage from hot pans and can easily become stained by spills.

Tile is another popular countertop option. It can be made of ceramic, stone, or other types of material and is usually installed with grout. Depending on the type of tile, it can be extremely durable and water-resistant. It is often easier to clean than other countertop options, but it can be brittle and may crack over time.

Granite is a natural stone that can be very durable and beautiful. It is highly stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It is relatively expensive, but it can add a significant amount of value to your home.

Quartz surfacing is a manmade material that is similar to granite but is more durable and stain-resistant. It is also less expensive than granite and offers a vast array of color options.

Other natural stones that can be used as countertops include travertine, slate, and soapstone. Each has its own pros and cons, so be sure to research each before making a decision.

Stainless steel is an option for kitchens that are heavily used by cooks. It is durable and hygienic, and it will develop an attractive patina over time. It is not as aesthetically pleasing as other types of countertops, but it can be an excellent choice for high-use kitchens.

Flooring

The type of flooring you choose is an important part of a kitchen remodel, especially when it comes to functionality and style. This area of the home often sees a lot of foot traffic and a fair share of spills, so durable materials are essential. It’s also important that the flooring can withstand moisture and be cleaned quickly.

The good news is that there are a lot of options to choose from. From upscale, wood floors to budget-friendly vinyl, there’s something for everyone.

A complete kitchen remodel involves a major renovation, which may mean dropping walls, re-routing plumbing lines, and changing the overall layout of the space. This kind of transformation is complex, and it’s usually best left to professionals. Licensed general contractors can handle everything from design services to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work to make sure that your project is done correctly, on time, and within budget.

A new kitchen can be a big investment, but it can also add a lot of value to your home. To help you save for a kitchen remodel, consider applying for a home equity line of credit (HELOC). These loans are secured by your home and can be used for anything from home improvements to paying off debt.

The most popular flooring choice for kitchens is hardwood. Whether you opt for solid wood or engineered wood, these floors are warm and inviting underfoot. They’re also easy to clean, as they only require sweeping and occasional mopping to stay looking great. They can even be refinished when they begin to show signs of wear and tear. If you’re a fan of classic patterns, try out a delicate parquet or herringbone floor. These patterns can be woven into the floor as individual blocks or copied by using engineered wood planks that are easier to fit together. They’re a bit more expensive than traditional laminate flooring, but they’re an affordable way to get the look of natural wood for your kitchen remodel.

Appliances

Whether you choose a glossy backsplash or stainless steel refrigerator, new appliances make the most of your kitchen space and provide an instant style upgrade. When selecting your major appliances, consider color and design as well as quality, size and features like energy efficiency, hinge styles (we love a soft-close hinge) and knobs/drawer pulls. Today’s compact dishwashers, range hoods and microwave ovens work harder than ever while providing stylish good looks with smart capabilities.

If you opt to keep your existing appliances, upgrading their style and performance can still dramatically improve your kitchen. This is especially true when you upgrade to a high-end appliance brand that offers more contemporary color, finish or design options. And while a fresh coat of paint or new flooring can add some punch to your old appliances, don’t overdo it with scene-stealing accents that can distract from their functionality.

Lighting is another easy way to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. Swap out pendant lights for a modern update, swap in track lighting for a more functional option or add under-cabinet or task lights to enhance the function of your space.

Kitchen remodeling can be a disruptive process, and it can be challenging to cook or eat at home for weeks at a time. Planning ahead for how you’ll prepare and eat meals while your kitchen is under construction can make the renovation go more smoothly, and reduce the risk of overspending or eating out too much.

A full-on kitchen overhaul requires demolition, construction and sometimes floor plan rearrangement. This is where the real fun begins and it’s where you can really transform your living space. Experts generally divide these types of remodels into two categories: minor and major. Minor remodels are purely cosmetic, while major rework can require plumbing and electrical changes and could change the flow of your room.

If you’re taking on a major kitchen remodel, it’s wise to set aside 20 percent of your budget for unexpected costs like water damage, electrical upgrades or structural surprises. It’s also a good idea to establish a rough timeline and discuss alternative dining or cooking arrangements with friends and family.