Kitchens are the place of family meals, comfort, and togethernessa space for gathering and enjoyment.

Integrate these kitchen remodeling tips to create a space that is easy to work in and enjoyable for living.

How much can I spend?

bar stools at island in renovated kitchen

Credit: Helen Norman

What can’t I live without?

So take the time to think it through."

For example, organizeyour cabinetryto store breakfast foods and bowls near the breakfast table.

kitchen grey-green cabinets pink backsplash

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Keep foil, plastic wrap, and containers near a work surface for wrapping leftovers.

Place dishware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading.

Always allow 15 inches of countertop on either side of a cooktop and refrigerator.

kitchen cabinets colorful dishes green tile

Credit: Adam Albright

He suggests adding Alexa or other smart home consoles to your kitchen, as well assmart lighting.

“Remodeled kitchens should be convenient for you,” he says.

The right technology can make your kitchen a well-oiled machine.

dark grey kitchen cabinets and oven

Credit: Werner Straube

Build an Accessible Kitchen

Ensureeveryonecan participate in the happy times.

Design Wide Walkways

You’ve probably thought about your refrigerator’s placement in relation to the stove.

But have you considered how you’ll get from one to the other?

kitchen with wooden cabinets and light green island

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly, giving yourself adequate space to move about easily.

To achieve a cohesive look, use the same material for multiple elements in the space.

Here, elegant slabs ofveined marbleserve as the kitchen’s backsplash, countertops, and sink material.

blue tiled kitchen

Credit: Edmund Barr

Consider a Closed Kitchen Layout

Not ready to knock down walls?

Consider a pass-through window for a space that’s still bright and airy.

Instead, usesoft shades on kitchen cabinetsand neutrals on walls to expand a small room visually.

black and white modern kitchen with scale tiles

Credit: Ryan Garvin

Pastels are also making a comeback, asdelicate yellowsand soothing blues can lighten tight spaces.

Use natural light to your advantage by forgoing kitchen window treatments.

Add DIY projects that are both doable and stylish.

Kitchen with blue cabinets and marble counters and backsplash

Credit:Matthew Kisiday

For example, build acustom plate rackto display serveware, cutting boards, and cookbooks.

Place S hooks on the side of the range hood to hang frequently usedpots and pans.

For visual interest, opt for metal with warm tones, like brass or copper.

tile teal white kitchen sink window

Credit: Nicole LaMotte

Just double-check not to overwhelm the space with too many shades.

“Yes, colorful kitchens look good, but do not overdo the color scheme,” says Mason.

Stick to one main hue, then add small doses ofcomplementary colorvia the backsplash or kitchen accessories.

small modern kitchen with light wood and white cabinets

Credit: Lincoln Barbour

Customize the Microwave Height

What’s the best height and location for a microwave?

It depends on the chef’s height and the degree of kid-friendliness desired in the kitchen.

For adults, 15 inches above countertop level is usually a good microwave height.

DIY storage wall in kitchen holding cutting boards and cookbooks

Credit:Nicole Pankopp

For kids, abelow-countertop setupmight be safer and more suitable.

A kitchen office should include comfy seating, shelving, and storage, regardless of location.

Include a Pot Filler

Tired of lugging water-filled pots from the sink to the cooktop?

spice rack by kitchen range

Credit: Werner Straube

Another option: Install an extra-long hose attachment on your main faucet to fill pots on the cooktop.

When planning your kitchen remodel, consider concealing storage behind pocket doors.

Here, two wood doors with herringbone patterns hide a well-stocked pantry.

kitchen IKEA cabinets green butcher block counters

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Break Up Cabinetry Blocks

Avoid boring, heavy blocks of doors and drawers by adding interesting details.

Try glass doors or open shelving to display your favorite crockery or glassware.

Food storage can even be out in the open with glass pantry doors that showcase organized, labeled essentials.

stainless streel built-in microwave

Credit: Helen Norman

Instead, pick one focal point in your kitchen design and complement that area with quieter, eye-pleasing details.

Keep the remaining surfaces simple.

Cut Cleaning Time

What to consider when deciding on kitchen remodeling ideas?

kitchen pantry storage with cabinet door shelves

Credit: Nicole LaMotte

Careful design decisions can make cleaning easier.

For example, glass refrigerator shelves will catch spills that wire shelves let through.

Flush-set or undermount sinks don’t have a crumb-catching rim to worry about.

colorful office storage calendar nook

Credit: Michael Partenio

Matte finishes don’t show dirt as much as glossy ones do.

Think about thecleaning implicationsof your kitchen remodel materials before purchasing.

One kitchen cabinet can be dedicated to storing reusable containers, bags, and paper.

white subway tile backsplash and pot filler

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Look into eco-friendly paints, and purchase floor mats made from 100% recycled plastics.

Replace older sockets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), especially near water sources.

Store Knives Wisely

When planning a kitchen remodel, designate a spot for knives.

Hidden pantry in kitchen with gray doors and a pink rug

Credit:Ryan Bent

This makes locating the right knife for a job easy and keeps dangerous items out of children’s reach.

Aknife drawerlike this one has recessed slots that hold knives in place and sheath thesharp blades.

Play with Floor Patterns and Materials

Think creatively when it comes to kitchen floors.

linoleum kitchen floor white glass pane cabinets

Credit: Edmund Barr

For example, try textured tiles or bamboo to complement warm kitchen tones.

“It can withstand higher foot traffic than traditional hardwoods while breathing the same life into the room.”

you might also play with hardwood floor patterns, like herringbone.

white kitchen with exposed wood shelves and patterned backsplash

Credit: Peter Molick

Consider engineered woods if you don’t want to spring for solid wood.

Just remember to look for flooring with a waterproof finish.

Accent lighting can highlight open shelving or under cabinets to brighten dark corners.

three windows above a kitchen sink

Credit: Werner Straube

Mix and Match Natural Finishes

Gone are the days of sterile kitchens.

Instead, current designs are more in tune with nature, with eco-friendly, organic materials taking precedence.

Incorporate wood, bamboo, linen, marble, and other natural materials.

separate recycling drawers

Credit: Kim Cornelison

Mix and match textures to create a layered look that adds warmth, depth, and style.

It’s best to paint the walls and ceiling first, then install flooring.

However, floors should be taken care of before cabinets are installed.

Green shelf with iPad plugged into outlet

Credit: Greg Scheidemann

Then you might finish off the remodel by adding backsplash, faucets, light fixtures, and appliances.

However, renovations with custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and new counters and floors will cost more.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?HomeAdvisor.

knives drawer kitchen storage

Credit: James Salomon

kitchen with wooden floor and island

Credit: Adam Albright

white farmhouse open kitchen with black pendant lighting and bar seating

Credit: Brie Williams

Polished Kitchen Concrete Countertop

Credit: Shaun Sullivan