Everything to Know About Kitchen Remodeling [Complete Guide]

a luxurious kitchen with white and black cabinets, an island, and a beautiful backsplash

Kitchens may have started off utilitarian, but today, they are truly the heart of the home for guests and family to congregate and connect. Food not only nourishes us, but it also allows people to bond and share stories while eating. For those reasons alone, the kitchen is possibly the most important room in the house. And as such, it needs to set the tone and inspire those to feel welcome and at home.

Goals for Your Kitchen Remodel

Before you hire a contractor to do a kitchen facelift, it’s a good practice to lay out your goals first. There are many reasons people remodel their kitchens. It could be to improve the appearance, aesthetic, or functionality. As one of the most used rooms in your home, it is good to define what parts work and what don’t, so your new design can make better use of your space. 

For instance, if you are a foodie who loves to cook and spend lots of time in the kitchen with guests watching on while you slice and dice, you are going to need plenty of space for all the activity. Defining what you truly want to accomplish with your kitchen remodel and working with a builder who can make your dreams come to life will make the project much less overwhelming.

Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel

A major kitchen remodel should be approximately 15 to 20% of your home’s value. So if you own a $700,000 to $1 million home, your kitchen renovation budget would start at a minimum of $100,000 and go up. When you eventually resell your home, you can expect to see up to an 85% return on your investment. 

A luxury kitchen remodel includes the following:

  • New cabinets
  • Professional appliances
  • High quality countertops
  • New sink and faucet
  • New flooring
  • Lighting

When looking for a contractor to upgrade your kitchen, consider that a badly done remodel can cost you more money in the long run to fix, and poor construction will reduce the selling price of your home. For instance, using materials that don’t match or making the kitchen too convoluted can be off-putting to some potential homebuyers. This is why it’s important to consult with your designer to pick out the best improvements to make.

Design, Layout and Kitchen Remodel Planning

a drawing of a kitchen remodel

When planning your design and layout, consider what kind of kitchen you will need based on the kind of cook or entertainer you are. For the more serious cook who loves cooking from scratch and experimenting with recipes, custom cabinets with luxurious kitchen design to meet your exact standards are going to be necessities. Things like a pot filler faucet, cookware storage, wood flooring, good ventilation, bright lights and a spacious pantry can add a nice touch to your kitchen.

Even occasional cooks want a space that flows well for family and guests with areas to prep food and still allow guests to relax and mingle. Many kitchens in older Portland homes lack light and can be cut off from the main room. Working with an architect to open up the space to the rest of the house and adding windows brings new life to the heart of your home – one that is a joy to entertain in. 

Design and layout of a kitchen are interlinked. With the help of an independent architect or designer, they can help you properly measure your kitchen to help you design the best layout for your existing space. However, if you need additional room, a kitchen bump out is a good option. Whatever you do, a top design consideration is workflow. Get your workflow right by considering either a work triangle or work zones. Zones add greater flexibility to your kitchen so you have an effortless cooking experience. 

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

beautiful kitchen with lots of white cabinets, gold hardware, and a kitchen island

Every kitchen remodel proves that even the ugly duckling can be transformed into a swan. It could be that your tastes have changed or that the kitchen design in your home never really worked well. Here are some ideas for making your kitchen the best room in the house. 

Countertops for Your Kitchen

Countertops make a big impact in a room. As a focal point in the design of your kitchen, they need to be both beautiful and functional. Choose countertops based on your budget and preferability for maintenance and durability. Quartz and granite are classic choices that are designed for busy kitchens, whereas other materials like soapstone, limestone and marble have a timeless, high-end appeal. 

Kitchen Flooring Ideas 

Kitchens need a durable flooring to withstand the constant foot traffic. Also, keep in mind that if you are cooking a lot you will also be standing a lot. Water spills onto floors can also be an issue; but fortunately, there are a lot of excellent options to choose from. Ceramic tile and hardwood are classic options, while stone like slate and travertine are easy to clean and are good for high traffic areas. Cork can be an eco-friendly and sustainable choice that is easy on your joints. Bamboo is another flooring option that is becoming popular for its earthy colors and versatility. 

More Luxury Kitchen Designs Ideas

Luxury kitchens, which typically are larger, have an island, and use more expensive materials, are ideal for anything from an intimate meal with friends to a family reunion. Adding charming features like vintage-looking appliances and hidden features adds a jolt of personality. Two islands is a current kitchen trend that many homeowners are incorporating to have space for both dining and food prep in the kitchen. Under-the-counter wine cellars and coffee bars welcome guests and allow you to entertain seamlessly. 

Hire an Experienced Contractor for Your Portland Kitchen Remodel

The skilled Hamish Murray team are experts in building or remodeling signature homes that are just right for you. We put your dreams and priorities first so that your new home exceeds your expectations. As collaborative planners and detailed executors we work with architects, trade partners, and other construction professionals to keep your project going smoothly and on schedule. 

Hamish Murray works with you to build a kitchen that is the heart of your home, a beautiful space that is built to last. We would love to hear about your kitchen remodel project. Contact us or reach us at (503) 460-7203 with any questions you may have and let us help you make your kitchen dreams come true.