Fact or Fiction?
Preparing for your kitchen renovation can be overwhelming. With a surplus of information from a wide variety of sources at our fingertips, it is hard to know what information is accurate. We are here to clear things up and help you separate fact from fiction by debunking some common kitchen myths.
1. Kitchen Renos Are a DIY Job
If you are a handy person, you may feel that you can tackle a full kitchen renovation. Maybe you are not that handy and are just feeling very confident after going down a YouTube DIY rabbit hole. Either way, we advise you to put down the hammer and think again! Sure, if the project is smaller and of a cosmetic nature, like replacing your cabinet hardware or a touchup of paint, it may be able to be done yourself, but you will find for a full kitchen overhaul an expert hand is needed. Properly installed cabinetry, shelving, countertops, and appliances are imperative for the function and safety of your home. A job done DIY may pose a source of frustration (unlevel shelving, crooked cabinet doors, improperly spaced tile, oh my!) and may even become a safety hazard. A professional sales consultant on your design team will not only help in product selection, but will remind you of the safety aspects of the project as well. Injuries or emergency room visits do not go well with the timeline of a renovation.
2. You Have to Change Your Cabinets with Your Counters
Picture this: You have just purchased your first home, or maybe it is the one you have lived in for decades. The kitchen cabinets are a gorgeous solid wood you would love to keep, but the counters are chipped, outdated laminate. Sound familiar?
It is often assumed that when removing and replacing countertops, it is impossible to keep the existing cabinetry. This assumption would be incorrect. It may take a gentler approach when removing the preexisting countertops, but it is entirely possible and a cost-effective solution to updating the look and feel of your kitchen.
There are a few things to consider before going this route. Are you happy with the layout and flow of your kitchen cabinets? Will the countertops you are looking at pair well with your current cabinetry?
It is also important to check with the showroom professionals you are working with that your current cabinets can handle the weight of the countertops you are considering, especially heavy natural stone. For a lightweight option, laminate countertops have come a long way and offer a wide variety of colors, finishes, and edge profiles to update and modernize your kitchen.
3. Keep Up with The Current Trends
When looking to update your kitchen, you may be advised to implement current trends to up the resell-value of your house. If you are not planning to stay in your current home forever, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your consultant, but your kitchen remodel really should be centered around your needs.
Be honest with yourself and examine what design choices really suit your likes and lifestyle. If you have a hard time keeping up with dusting, open shelving may not be a good fit for your kitchen. Will you be able to keep up with the maintenance of butcher block countertops? Do you really like that cabinet color finish, or is it just what is trending in your social media feed?
The thing about trends is that they come and go. Implement trends that really speak to you, but do not feel pressured to keep up with what is current.
4. Bigger is Better
The thought of a spacious kitchen with sprawling countertops and a giant island (that might be better called a continent) sounds like a dream to most. The idea is that the larger your kitchen is, the more efficient and comfortable it will be for cooking and entertaining. The truth is that more square footage is not always the solution.
The true practical value of a kitchen is found in its layout. Proper placement of appliances, fixtures, and cabinet storage is key to making a kitchen comfortable and easy to navigate. Avoid unnecessary walking between appliances by taking time when mapping out your kitchen to consider the placement of your fixtures and appliances.
5. Kitchen Remodels Are Too Expensive
If you’ve been putting off renovating your kitchen because you’re worried it will break the bank, fear no more! Sure, a full kitchen renovation with all new cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures may run for a higher price, but it’s unfair to assume that all kitchen renovations are out of your budget. No two projects are the same, and there are plenty of ways to update your kitchen and stay within your means.
The key is to know exactly how much you are willing to spend, and to work with showroom professionals to select the highest quality materials and fixtures for your budget.
Tackling smaller projects like upgrading your countertops, installing a new faucet, switching out your cabinet hardware, or updating your appliances are all budget-friendly upgrades you can make to your kitchen without deviating from your budget.
Take things one step at a time and plan ahead. What projects are you wanting to complete and in what order? Establishing a clear course of action and budget will help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.
We hope that this list has helped clear up the myths surrounding kitchen renovations. Do you have more questions, or are you ready to get started on your remodel? Get in contact with your local DKB Designer Kitchens & Baths showroom to plan the kitchen of your dreams!
