Most people embark on a kitchen remodel because they want a more contemporary style.

While there are ways to update your kitchen without renovating the entire room, after 10 to 15 years of the same fixtures, it is better to start afresh. You spend so much time in your kitchen that a remodel could uplift your mood and even encourage you to cook healthier meals.

But because you spend so much time there, a kitchen renovation can be stressful. You need to think through every decision so that you don’t look at the finished renovation and wish you’d chosen a different design.

Read on for a guide that will help you plan your modern kitchen remodel so that you enjoy the results for years and years.

Assess Your Kitchen Design Needs

To choose the right kitchen design, you need to understand your specific kitchen needs. For a few days, notice how you use your current kitchen and ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any cupboards you use more than others?
• Do you wish you had more cupboard/stove/floor space?
• Is the light too dark or too bright?
• Are there appliances you use more than others?

This will help you plan a more ergonomic kitchen remodel so your new kitchen fits your lifestyle better.

Next, create a mood board for your kitchen renovation ideas. Source pictures of different styles you love and want to incorporate into your own kitchen. And don’t forget to think about the color scheme, textures, and patterns you’d like for your kitchen, too.

Create a physical mood board using magazine pictures or a virtual one on Pinterest.

Calculate Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

The average mid-range kitchen remodel is around $22,500, so they are not cheap. If you are doing a complete home renovation, then the costs will soon stack up.

You can save yourself some money by splurging on certain parts of your kitchen remodel that need to last and scrimping on others. High-quality countertops and tiles are essential. But second-hand appliances and cheaper cabinets look no better or worse than the more expensive options.

Consider Your Plumbing, Heating, and Lighting Needs

The “bones” of your kitchen remodel are in the plumbing, heating, and lighting.

Your remodel will be much simpler (and cheaper) if you keep your sink and stove in the same place they are now. And if you don’t have a separate laundry room, designing your washer and dryer to be near the sink will help when it comes to plumbing.

Make a list of all your large appliances (refrigerator, etc.) and small appliances (toaster, microwave, etc.) and where you want them to go. This will help you figure out whether you need new electrical sockets or not.

And if you are building a new kitchen island, this may need electrical and/or plumbing hookups, too.

Spotlighting is a great lighting option for kitchens. If you only have one center light, you may block it out when you are cooking. Install separate lights above your stove, countertop, island, breakfast nook, and other main areas of the room.

Put them on individual light switches so you have full control over the lighting in your kitchen.

Choose Your Cupboards and Countertops

Next, think about your cupboards and countertops. Opt for wood cabinets with removable hardware so you can repaint them if you want to update your kitchen in a couple of years.

As stated earlier, countertops are not a fixture you should scrimp on. They are one of the most visible parts of your kitchen and they will need to survive under heavy use.

Granite is a popular choice for modern kitchens, as it is a solid, bold material. You could opt for pink granite countertops to make a strong style statement.

Pick Your Paint, Tile, and Flooring

When choosing kitchen flooring material, there are three main choices: tile, wood, and laminate. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are best for your backsplash, as they can crack when used as flooring. Opt for slate or granite tiles, which can survive almost anything you throw at them.

Don’t dismiss laminate as the token “cheap” option. High-quality laminate can be more water-resistant than wood and can mimic an authentic wood finish.

European, patterned tile and dark-colored tiles are trendy at the moment. They are both worthwhile considerations because both trends hide food mess, which is what a backsplash is for!

Opt to paint your kitchen walls because the steam from your stove and taps might peel off any wallpaper. Choose paint that is a lighter shade of your tile color for a cohesive color scheme. It will also help your kitchen look bigger.

Don’t Forget to Buy New Appliances

A new kitchen renovation means new appliances. Consider storing any appliance you do not use every day in a cabinet. Only keep your coffee machine and microwave out on top. 

You might also need a new oven, stovetop, sink, refrigerator, and freezer. Check that the size of your larger appliances will sit tight between your cabinets. Stainless steel sinks and porcelain farmer’s sinks are en vogue right now.

Have Fun With Finishing Touches

How you decorate your kitchen could make all the difference to the finished look. Here are some decor ideas for your new kitchen remodel:

• Houseplants or a small herb garden
• Copper, stainless steel, or rose gold handles
• Anti-slip and durable rug
• Your favorite recipe books on a floating shelf
• Gingham seat cushions for your kitchen table
• Curtains and/or blinds
• Bright and fun artwork

You might also consider investing in drawer separators and pots to keep your kitchen tools tidy. Depending on your budget, you could also spring for new napkins, silverware, and pots and pans so they have the same style as your new kitchen remodel. Why not big and go home?!

Plan a Kitchen Remodel That Will Last

Though you should plan a kitchen remodel every 10 or 15 years, many people only update their kitchen every 20 years. And if it is well-built with a timeless style, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy your kitchen for two decades either.

Buying a new home that needs renovating? Our website has tons of helpful real estate, decor, and construction advice to guide you through this process, so check out some of our other articles!