A kitchen remodel is one of the most satisfying home improvement projects you can pursue, but it doesn’t need to be a reaction to the latest trends or styles. Homeowners, particularly those who live in century homes in Lakewood, Rocky River and Shaker Heights, often prefer a kitchen that’s timeless in style.
Timeless design doesn’t chase fads but instead creates a space that’s functional and flexible based on your lifestyle, daily needs and the style of your home. In this article, we’ll cover the most important steps to planning a kitchen remodel that looks beautiful and will serve your home and family for years to come.
Kitchen Design: Define What Timeless Means to You
Timeless design is often associated with natural materials such as wood and stone, neutral color palettes, classic tile patterns and cabinetry styles that have been around for decades. Timeless design, however, doesn’t just mean playing it safe. A timeless kitchen is one where you won’t regret aspects of the remodel a few years down the road. Timeless design is about choosing elements that will hold up and stand the test of time, both in materials and function.
Planning Your Remodel: Evaluate Your Lifestyle and Daily Needs
A kitchen should also reflect how you live and how you use the space. If you’re in the kitchen cooking every night, then that will impact what you design. Lifestyle impacts everything from storage to workflow to desired features. Evaluate your habits and preferences and write them down, including any pain points in your current kitchen. A kitchen remodel is the ideal opportunity to make your life easier by building a space that truly fits your family and cooking habits. Considerations could include:
- An oversized pantry for big families
- Double ovens if you entertain often
- A built-in beverage station or coffee nook
- Open shelving for everyday items and spices
Focus on the way you live now and design around your daily life.
Consider Flow, Function, and Storage
Flow, function, and storage are key design elements when building a kitchen that will last. All the beautiful finishes in the world won’t matter if the kitchen doesn’t work for your family or lacks storage space. Similarly, a well-designed kitchen will make the space more comfortable and enjoyable by improving traffic flow, eliminating clutter, and creating a natural transition through the home.
Pay close attention to storage options as well. Deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and custom cabinetry will make your kitchen more functional and usable while creating a home for all your stuff.
Select Materials and Features That Last
Once you know how your kitchen will function and flow, you can start to nail down the finishes. In a timeless kitchen, quality materials are key and natural materials are common. That doesn’t necessarily mean neutral colors, either. Consider how the kitchen ties in with the rest of your home. Will natural stone countertops, durable flooring, and classic tile work throughout your house?
Timeless materials and features may include:
- Shaker-style or inset cabinetry
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Neutral-toned backsplashes like subway tile
- Hardwood flooring
- Stainless steel appliances
The right materials and features should last, and allow the room to evolve as your family’s needs change.
Don’t Skip the Design Phase of a Kitchen Remodel
It’s tempting for homeowners to skip, or try to DIY the design phase of a kitchen remodel. After all, you can look online and easily find inspiration for how to build a kitchen, right?
Wrong!
Design isn’t just choosing the countertops or picking out the fixtures. Design is the entire foundation for your new kitchen. A great design accounts for your needs, flow, storage, desired features, and, of course, your budget. The right design plan sets your remodel up for success and will avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes.
A Design-Build remodeling contractor provides you with access to professional designers who understand how to best translate your goals and needs into an actionable construction plan. The right kitchen design combines all these elements to give you a cohesive and well-thought-out plan from day one.
Kitchen Remodeling Contractors and the Design-Build Process
A professional kitchen remodeling contractor and Design-Build team can help the entire process go more smoothly and successfully. An experienced team that works together from start to finish will be your single source for the entire project, from planning and design to permitting and construction.
Your team will:
- Help you define priorities and budget
- Show you options for layout and materials
- Prepare construction drawings
- Coordinate with all the necessary trades and suppliers
- Navigate building codes and permit requirements
- Manage the schedule and quality of the project
Working with one team for the whole project means better communication, a higher level of quality, and fewer surprises.
Next Steps for Your Kitchen Remodel
A timeless kitchen remodel is achieved through a careful planning process., By knowing what you want and need in a kitchen and working with a professional remodeling contractor, you’ll set your project up for success. Whether you’re building the kitchen of your dreams or simply a functional kitchen for everyday family life, your space should be designed around how you live. With a focus on function, quality materials, and craftsmanship, you can design and build a kitchen that will last for years to come and be the true heart of your home.
Interested in discussing your upcoming home remodeling project near Cleveland? Contact Advance Design and Remodel to request a consultation.