Five Reasons You Need a Kitchen Renovation

You’ve set money aside, poured over kitchen design magazines, and maybe ventured into a home show, or two, or three. Still, you aren’t quite sure you want to attempt that kitchen renovation just yet.

To help you along, we’ve compiled five scenarios to help you decide if a kitchen renovation should be in your near future.

1. You and your family eat in shifts because your counter or kitchen table can only accommodate a few diners at a time.

Image source: istockphoto-640957946-612x612.jpg?1635370273

---

With our frenetic schedules, it’s imperative that available family dinner time is comfortable and safe. If you find that space constraints are limiting cooking or dining, it's time for a kitchen renovation or an expansion.    

And, with increased sensitivity to COVID and other infectious diseases, more homeowners are hosting guests, instead of eating out, thus requiring more space for them.
​
The space requirements need not be exorbitant. Forty-two percent of people who plan to increase their kitchen’s size intend to expand it by 25 percent or less, while 40 percent plan to increase size by between 25 to 49 percent, according to a recent National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) designer survey.

If space constraints are limiting cooking or dining, it's time for a kitchen renovation or an expansion.    

Increasing the square feet of a kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean building out into your yard. Your kitchen may be hemmed in by a breakfast area, an underutilized laundry room or a closet.  These areas could be repurposed into additional kitchen space. 

2. You’ve got a new member of the family.

Image Source: https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3382/3338124183_52c40c0d98_z.jpg?zz=1

Whether it’s a new baby or elderly parent(s), a new person in the house requires a review of your kitchen.  It might be time to update your appliances and lighting.

While the microwave over the range has served YOU well, a small child or a mature person with less mobility risks a scalding injury if their hands are unsteady.

Today’s drawer microwaves permit easy operation with large displays and controls and ease of inserting or removing food from the drawer. Some models can be installed at a height slightly above the counter, in a tall cabinet, in case bending forward is an issue.  

Yesterday’s puck lights can create poorly illuminated areas on the counter leading to issues of cleanliness and visibility when chopping or cutting.  LED strip lights illuminate the entire countertop, are brighter and operate cooler, meaning they do not contribute to ambient temperature when they are on.

Image source: https://www.dwell.com/search/Lighting/photos/6244516717211176960

3. You store your Costco purchases in the hallway coat closet, or the basement.

Image source: https://www.cliqstudios.com/images/cliqstudios-mendota-caramel-tall-pantry-cabinet-open-400x600.jpg

Most of my clients are removing the builder’s grade, static shelf, pantry closets, in favor of cabinet built-in pantries that feature soft-close, roll-out shelves and efficient storage. 
Depending on your ceiling height, your cabinet pantry should feature at least two shelves above the roll-out drawers to store those Costco items you just couldn’t resist.

4. You like to socialize with guest while you cook, and your children like to do homework in the kitchen.

Image source: Food photo created by Racool_studio - www.freepik.com

Seemingly two separate functions, this indicator means you need a versatile island.  Charging stations or pop-up outlets for the family’s electronic devices, a structure that encourages conversation but keeps guests and small children at safe distances, and space for a second dishwasher, under counter drawer fridge or auxiliary sink are all features a sleek island can accommodate.
​
In fact, consumers often cite a desire to have an open concept, multi-function, top space and removing the traditional table as reasons to eliminate non-weight bearing walls, so they can have a large island that accommodates many needs, according to the NKBA survey.

Image source: editmysite.com/uploads/2/3/9/1/23919615/editor/doing-homework.jpg?1635370286

---

.5. You are tired of cleaning all the nooks and crannies on your beat-up cabinets.

​Perhaps in times past, people had time to dig out the dust and kitchen grime on their elaborate kitchen cabinetry.

Us?  Not so much

Even homeowners with traditional homes are opting for cabinetry with less details that can minimize everyday dirt build-up.  The “greening” of America means that today’s kitchen owners are seeking European, minimalist cabinetry.  It’s easier to clean.

​The most sought-after looks will incorporate toned-down detail, painted or laminated finishes, with natural accents in the cabinetry, backsplash or countertops. This is especially important if you are considering selling your home within the next three years or so.

Image source: http://www.theenglishroom.biz/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/plusmodo_1_07.jpg

Are you ready to jump in? 

Give me a call for a consultation; we’ll discuss your needs and how we can provide the solutions, including design services, and cabinetry products from USA-made stock, semi-stock and custom manufacturers. 

---

As Lyons-Archer Kitchen and Interior Design celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, I am proud to have created a design firm that offers an unique, curated kitchen design experience.

I carry River Run stock cabinetry, Prodigy and Woodland semi-stock cabinetry, and Prevo custom cabinetry--all products made in the United States.

Working with me is an  individualized design, purchase and specification experience for the discerning client.
 
Please contact me for other services, including bathroom and office design, space planning, couture draperies, window coverings and upholstery.  I can be reached at [email protected], or at 215-860-5059!