Eating meals as a family is a great way to bond with loved ones. As the place where food is prepared, the kitchen can be considered as the heart of a home. It is therefore essential to keep its components up to date. If you have plans on renovating your kitchen, take a look at some of these tips.
Keep the Kitchen Triangle in Mind
Apply the kitchen triangle concept to ensure a smooth cooking experience. It states that the cook should be able to move freely between three key points: the refrigerator, the stove and oven, and the sink. Too much distance between these points makes it inconvenient to go from one place to another. But be careful with placing them too close to one another as well. You do not want to run the risk of the refrigerator opening directly onto the oven or other similar instances.
In addition, there should be an ample amount of space on both sides of the sink, which can be used preparing food. When it comes to the stove and oven, if the two are not combined, they should be no more than three feet apart. As for the refrigerator, place it a bit farther away from the two points so as not to block access.
Install Flooring
This part is usually included in the final stages of the renovation. It is advisable to do this to avoid getting scuff marks on the new installation. The amount of money and time that will be spent will depend on the type you choose, so choose wisely. The common types are the following:
- Tile (ceramic, porcelain, stone). This is a popular choice for kitchens because it is made of tough material. Also, it is water-resistant and easy to clean.
- Linoleum. This one is another popular option because it is budget-friendly and easy to install. The work can usually be done within a day.
- Laminate. It is known to be resistant to scratches.
- Hardwood (solid and engineered). It is a long-lasting type. For kitchens, it would be better to choose engineered wood because it is more moisture-resilient. Although with proper care, solid hardwood would also be a good choice.
If you live in Orange County, check out nearby service providers that would suit your flooring needs.
Install Countertops
You are going to need the help of professionals because the material tends to be heavy, and installing a countertop requires accuracy. There are plenty of materials to choose from. Here are some common ones:
- Quartz. This one is heat-resistant. If you prefer something with consistent color and pattern, go for engineered stone. But if you opt for natural rock, expect some changes in color and pattern on a huge slab because it is variable by nature.
- Granite. It is the hardest natural stone next to diamonds. As such, it is scratch- and stain-resistant.
- Slate. This one is available in many colors. It is known to be cracking- and chipping-resistant as well.
Replace the Plumbing
When you do this, you must have a stack of pails nearby because the old plumbing can be prone to leakage. Consider replacing the shutoff valves and all the plumbing under the sink if it has been in use for years.
Give Concealed Storage a Try
Concealed storage can give an area a polished look instead of seeing an assortment of pans and bowls the moment you lay eyes on the kitchen. Aside from this, kitchenware kept in open shelves tends to gather dust more easily.
What are you waiting for? Put your thinking cap on and start noting the improvements and changes that you would like to implement on the new look of your kitchen.