Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Whether you’re a Master of Takeout or the Host(ess) with the Mostest, arguably the most sacred room in your home is the kitchen.
So a kitchen remodel is perhaps one of the most valuable steps you can take to keep your home the envy of anyone who steps through your door. But with endless kitchen remodeling ideas out there, it can be hard to choose which ones to integrate. If you are thinking about renovating your Manhattan kitchen, NYKB – experts in NYC renovations – have collated the ultimate list of kitchen upgrades that are sure to be enjoyed by all New York City homeowners.
OUR 5 TOP KITCHEN REMODELING IDEAS
Be inspired by these highly recommended kitchen update ideas and transform your kitchen into your own culinary oasis.
UPGRADE KITCHEN CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS
Living in New York, your kitchen cabinets and countertops are sure to be more than just storage for silverware and appliances. They’re also a way to show off your unique style without cluttering your home. Cabinets offer endless options for modernizing your kitchen, whether you choose to go bold and colorful, dark and sleek, or bright and white. Mix and match your cabinets with different accent handles and the perfect kitchen countertop style to suit your needs.
There are many countertop materials to pick from, but it’s important to pick and upgrade your countertops according to your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a more durable and timeless material, quartz is heat-resistant and fairly scratch-resistant. If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, but don’t mind upkeep, marble could be what you’re looking for. Stainless steel is an unexpected choice, but it’s extremely durable, impossible to stain, and a great choice for modern kitchens!
We’d encourage you to walk through as many kitchen showrooms as you can – to touch, feel, and experience the differences between countertop brands. The brands NYKB carries are Ultracraft Cabinets, Bauformat Premium European Cabinets, and Showplace Cabinetry.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN UPGRADING KITCHEN CABINETRY
- Your wants and needs
- Your preferred pricing
- Your kitchen layout and what will work best for your home
KITCHEN KNOBS AND PULLS
One idea for inexpensive and easy kitchen updates is swapping out your kitchen knobs and pulls. Be aware of lightweight knobs, they’re mostly hollow in the middle and made with cheap materials – they won’t last! Look for a higher-quality knob, so you don’t have to replace them the following year.
KITCHEN SINK UPGRADES
Perhaps the top of all kitchen ideas for remodeling is your kitchen sink. It’s essential to choose the right kitchen sink. The size, width, and style of your sink all matter, and many depend on your kitchen. When considering a sink, remember it needs to be able to handle your family’s needs while also serving as a focal point in kitchen design.
Think about the size (double or single), style, and material. There are countless options when choosing a kitchen sink. Take all different options into account as much as you can to be able to choose the most ideal one for your home.
KITCHEN FAUCET UPGRADES
If you’re updating your kitchen sink, it’s ideal to update your kitchen faucet too. The new faucet will need to fit into the existing sink and this may limit your choices.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR NEW KITCHEN FAUCET:
- Spout height and reach
- Pull-down vs. conventional sprayers
- Single vs. multiple handles
- WiFi touch faucets
- Voice Activated Technology
BACKSPLASH UPGRADE
Kitchen backsplashes come in a variety of patterns and colors. They can also add a luxurious while functional edge to your kitchen by protecting your walls from grime and water damage. The most popular kitchen backsplashes are made from tiles of porcelain, ceramic, and stone, but you don’t have to limit yourself. Look around and you will find that there are endless other options including glass, metal, marble, and limestone that can give your kitchen a sleek and futuristic look. To create a seamless, luxurious feel, consider using the same material on your backsplash as on your countertops!
We’ve found a lot of success having our clients choose their kitchen countertop first, then move on to choose their backsplash. Once you select the material, (and if it’s tile, don’t forget to choose the right color for your grout) you’ll want to showcase your kitchen backsplash.
Kitchen backsplash quick tip:
If you decide to choose tiles for your kitchen backsplash, we recommend purchasing 25% more tiles than you think you need. This will cover for if tiles need to be cut and have the potential for breakage.
UPDATING KITCHEN FLOORS
A list of kitchen redo ideas would not be complete without kitchen floors. They have a big task to do: they need to stand up to a lot of foot traffic, shrug off spills and stains, while looking fabulous throughout. Fortunately, you’ve got a lot of choices. The materials we’d recommend for kitchen floors include:
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring combines warmth and beauty and is comfortable underfoot. It’s a good choice if you have an open floor plan and want a single type of flooring that extends beyond your kitchen. Hardwood combines durability with low maintenance.
Cork
Cork is waterproof and resilient, which makes it a comfortable, moisture-resistant choice for kitchen floors. Cork comes in 12″ x 12″ tiles and 1′ x 3′ planks, each with grain patterns. Cork is made from tree bark that grows back, so it’s a sustainable material too! It comes prefinished, but keep in mind this material needs to be resealed every 3 to 4 years to help prevent scratches and stains.
Porcelain Tile
An excellent choice for kitchens where spills are likely and looks are important, porcelain kitchen tile flooring is the champ. It’s an upgraded version of regular ceramic tile because of a manufacturing process that makes it harder and less porous. Porcelain tile comes either glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles come with a glass-like coating that can be finished in any color. Unglazed porcelain tiles have the naturally earthy color of the clays used to make them.
BUILD IN SOME HIDDEN KITCHEN UPDATES
Gone are the days of protruding yellow fridges and microwaves on the countertop! Now, you can opt to create more space while maintaining the functionality and luxurious look of a kitchen by installing hidden or recessed appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves that do double duty as stove vents, and hidden dishwashers that blend in with your cabinetry. Many apt kitchen ideas can be hidden in your kitchen.
Even your cabinets can get their own revamp with extra under-cabinet lights so you can shine the spotlight on your sparkling dishes. Under Cabinet Lighting can be considered both task AND accent lighting, creating a well-illuminated space to work, while also providing a highlight for intricate and impressive backsplashes and countertops. Light strips, and puck lights are the most common styles of under-cabinet lighting.
YES, YOUR KITCHEN CAN BE SMART!
A kitchen remodel in 2023 wouldn’t be a kitchen remodel without smart appliances. With endless smart kitchen update ideas, you can control almost your entire kitchen with the click of an app on your phone. Virtual assistants and apps can help you turn off your stove, restock your refrigerator, turn your lights on and off, and much more from practically enywhere!
MAKE YOUR KITCHEN REMODELING IDEAS A REALITY
Have any of these kitchen remodel ideas sparked your imagination? Confused, or still have more questions on how to upgrade your kitchen best? Contact NYKB to book a free consultation and discuss how our remodeling experts can make your kitchen the divine oasis of your home that you’ve been dreaming of. With over 20 years of experience improving kitchens in New York, we at NYKB have what it takes to make your kitchen perfect.
