Your kitchen is probably the heart of your busy home. It is where countless meals are prepared and homework is done. It is where you host family and entertain friends and guests.
Ideally, a kitchen should be both functional and beautiful. You want to be able to meet her demands. However, you want it to also be visually stunning.
Any kitchen project should be done with thought and strategy. You want to be enhancing the space and making sure it best suits both your needs and preferences. There are a few tips to consider if you are thinking of extending or remodeling your kitchen.
1. Extension of your kitchen for a more functional space
A small kitchen can feel frustratingly cramped. Sometimes, there just isn’t enough space to make the room functional. Extending your kitchen can give you some extra and very valuable square footage.
Pushing your exterior walls out allows you to have a much more spacious kitchen.
Lease a renovation builder who will work with you to find a design that makes sense. They are also likely to be able to build your extension so that it looks like a natural part of the original construction of your home.
2. Create easy access to the dining room
Removing walls is another great way to make your kitchen feel more open. If you have a dining room that adjoins your kitchen, you may be able to create a unified space. This will open your floor plan and create more functional space.
An open kitchen and dining room set up allows you to host holiday meals and dinner. You can create a large space for both cooking and eating, and make the whole experience of gathering around food more enjoyable. It will also make serving food much easier.
3. Add a bar for seamless great room service
If your kitchen borders your great room, nothing screams ideal entertaining like a built-in bar. Removing the top of the wall and creating a bar between these two rooms will open up your space and increase your entertaining opportunities.
This allows you to both play host, make and serve drinks, while still being part of the socializing. It also makes having food to be served in your great room much quicker and easier.
Adding a beer tap and wine cooler to your bar makes the perfect beverage station. A bar top and stools allow guests to also be part of the bartending action. You can conveniently store your drinkware and cocktail plates in your bar storage so you can serve your guests right on the spot.
4. Large island for more counter space
An island is a a very good way to make a kitchen more functional. It is also different in its uses. Expanding your island just creates more great usable space.
The shape of your kitchen dictates how your island can be expanded. A kitchen or a narrow kitchen allows to lengthen the island. You can even extend the countertop to create a small seating area at the end.
Larger, more square kitchens can accommodate large islands such as a table. This is perfect for family cooking or adding bar stools to one side for breakfast seating. You can even add a sink to the island to simplify food preparation. Keep this in mind if you are extending your kitchen so you can create a space big enough for this design.
5. Add windows for a nicer look
Extending your kitchen is the perfect time to brighten up your space. Consider adding more and larger windows to let in maximum daylight. Fresh air in your kitchen it can boost your mood! You can even add a large storm door or French doors for maximum impact.
It may even be possible to add windows to your current kitchen. A bay or garden window in a box looks stunning over a kitchen sink and lets in a lot more additional light. Consider how you can add taller windows to take advantage of the often wasted space between your current windows and the ceiling.
6. Design an integrated seating area
A kitchen remodel is a great time to add a built-in seating area for a personalized look. Your kitchen can even be established that one can be added to the current layout. The trick is to be creative and make it work for your unique needs.
A long bench installed under a window provides the perfect seat for a long farmhouse table. A cozy corner booth can be a great way to add more seating with less footprint to smaller kitchens. You can even build in seating with hinged seat tops to create storage space inside.
7. Bring the outdoors in with a 4-season room
One of the best kitchen additions is a four season room. This allows you to add to your kitchen and dining space. It also gives you stunning views and an outdoor feel. Moreover, you can enjoy it throughout the year.
Adding a four-season room off your kitchen is a great way to designate a dining space. It can give you a bright and beautiful place to enjoy your meals. Building it outside the kitchen makes the service super accessible.
8. Add workspace for school and work
If you are planning to extend your kitchen, consider leaving room for a school or a built-in workstation. You may even be able to add one to your current kitchen. A designated workspace allows for both more function and more organized storage.
Many families gather in the kitchen at the end of the day. A workspace allows you to help with homework while you make dinner. It also provides a place to store papers and school supplies.
Adults can benefit from the convenience of a centralized workstation. Whether sorting mail or paying bills, it’s an ideal space to stay organized. In addition, when it is found in the kitchen, it makes it much easier to multitask or to get these things done quickly.
Creating a kitchen that is all yours
Your kitchen should be as unique as your family. It should reflect your life, style, and personalities. You should enjoy the time and be in your kitchen.
Consider your wishes for your next kitchen project. Are you looking to add beauty or just need a more functional space? Maybe you want both. Either way, plan your project thoughtfully and you’ll be well on your way to the kitchen of your dreams!