Moderate
Lifestyle and budget are key factors that should moderate the renovation project. Ask yourself some basic questions: How do you use your kitchen? How much time will you spend in the kitchen every day? How many of you will be using the kitchen at a time? Will you all be dining there as well? How much storage do you need and most importantly, what kind of storage? Let a clear understanding of your lifestyle guide your choices. Your choices and the extent of your renovation should be limited to your budget.
Rejuvenate
Getting a new look for the kitchen need not entail a complete overhaul. At times, a revamp of a surface or interesting additions such as accessories can bring in a much-needed lease of life. The wall surface can be the most obvious place to begin. Retiling the walls can be a start.
Light, especially natural, adds exceptional warmth to the kitchen. Planning for a window in the kitchen adds value, preferably away from the cooking area. Even if the natural light can be filtered in through a window or overhead openings, these should be accommodated in the renovation plan.
For a kitchen, color is vital. be it through paints or stains of the wooden furniture or the modular cabinetry, colors can revivify a space. Cool colors like white, off-white, cream and peach are appropriate choices for any kitchen. They make the space look airy and conductive to work. A contrast color at times adds interest and warmth. A balance of the two has to be carefully negotiated.
Innovate
Most often we tend to create a predictable kitchen. Segregating pantry and breakfast areas from the core cooking area, exploring lighting fixtures as accessories, placing planters, integrating a music system in the kitchen these are some 'out-of-the-ordinary' ways of setting up a kitchen. However, maintaining the work triangle is important for ease of work.
Contemplate
Certain parameters have to be contemplated for any kitchen renovation. Ease of maintenance, quality and durability of material and hardware used, ease of operation and most importantly, ergonomics are principal factors. ,All these have set standards but it is advisable to determine the based on one's requirement, especially the height of the countertops and overhead cabinetry
With all components in place ,aesthetically, the style adopted for the kitchen has to blend and compliment the rest of the house. The search for exclusiveness and identity reigns in every section of the building industry today. Everyone wants to make a mark with their designs. Base your kitchen renovation on personal choices rather than being driven by the market. Make smart picks that give your kitchen the right ambience it needs.