Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA is an exciting way to create the home you’ve always wanted. It’s also an opportunity to make practical upgrades to save money and prevent unnecessary frustrations.

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is one example. Professional remodelers can also advise you on how to expand your space by knocking through partitions and walls or moving closets.

Countertops are the workhorses of the kitchen and they must be durable, withstand abrasions and maintain their shape for long periods of time. They’re also one of the most visible elements in a kitchen, providing an opportunity to express your style. Today’s proposals for countertops satisfy a wide variety of tastes from technological materials like Fenix NTM and NTA, industrially inspired stainless steel, classic quartzes, marbles and stones to coloured glass and hard-wearing laminates.

The most popular countertop is quartz, which is both durable and affordable. Its seams blend well and it’s heat, scratch and stain resistant. It comes in a wide array of colors and textures so that homeowners can create their dream kitchen. Other common choices include butcher block, solid surface and granite.

If you prefer a dramatic look, consider a natural stone countertop with deep veining, such as honed black or white marble. If you opt for a dramatic pattern, your remodeling contractor should work carefully with the installers to ensure that the veining of adjoining slabs lines up – otherwise you’ll have a patchwork of patterns in your kitchen.

For a more contemporary style, consider the use of concrete as a countertop. It’s inexpensive and can be colored with a range of tints to match your decor. It’s also durable and easy to wipe down. You can even add a layer of resin to protect the concrete from water damage and give it a smooth finish.

If you don’t have the budget for a new countertop, why not refresh your existing countertops by covering them with epoxy? It’s a cost-effective way to transform your kitchen and there are many different colours and patterns to choose from. It’s important that your remodeler understands the chemistry of this material so that they can properly prepare and cure it so that it’s strong and long-lasting. A good kitchen remodeler should also have the necessary tools and training to carry out this type of project safely and professionally. They should also be able to advise on the best type of concrete for your particular situation and budget.

Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the biggest ticket items in any kitchen remodeling project and they aren’t something you can replace easily, so it pays to spend as much as your budget will allow on units that will look good and last for decades. As the foundation of your kitchen, cabinets need to be able to stand up to frequent use and handle heavy loads without becoming saggy or warped over time. The right materials will make a difference in the longevity of your kitchen cabinets, as well as their functionality.

A new trend in kitchen design is to incorporate more cabinets, both below and above the countertop. This is a great way to add storage space without increasing the size of your kitchen, and it can also create a more cohesive look by matching the cabinets to the countertops and other surfaces in the room. A clever way to do this is to add a recessed panel between the counter and the bottom of a cabinet, which can be filled with glass or another material for visual interest and added functionality.

Kitchen cabinets can be built of a variety of materials, but the most durable and attractive are solid wood. They are available in a wide range of styles and stains, from light oak to rich mahogany. Oak cabinets tend to work best with darker stains, which will highlight and amplify their natural beauty. While they require more regular maintenance, including cleaning and sanding to prevent nicks and scratches, solid-wood cabinets are sturdy and will withstand years of use.

Other options include face-frame cabinets, which feature a box frame that the doors and drawer fronts attach to. These are more traditional than frameless cabinets, which have no visible face frames and are more modern in style. Frameless cabinets are more expensive, but they offer greater flexibility in design and are easier to clean because they have no corners.

For a sleek, contemporary finish, you can choose to have your cabinets custom-made. Companies like Form Kitchens are taking the industry by storm by offering a direct-to-consumer model, similar to Casper mattresses or Warby Parker eyeglasses, to deliver high-end European-style cabinets at an affordable price.

Backsplash

Backsplashes are a great place to play with color, material and style. These slick surfaces protect walls from grease, food and water stains while providing a focal point for your kitchen design. A backsplash can run from a few inches to as high as the ceiling, and today’s options are nearly limitless. Whether it’s a tile backsplash that coordinates with your countertops or a more unique backsplash idea like the one in this Nantucket-inspired kitchen designed by Nicola McLaughlin, the right backsplash can help pull the whole room together.

There are many backsplash materials, with some being more budget friendly than others. A popular option is to use the same countertop material as your backsplash for an inexpensive but attractive look that is easy to maintain.

Other more decorative choices include glass and mirrored tiles, stone, and metals including bronze, copper and tin. Many homeowners also choose to mix and match materials, especially in the kitchen. This allows the homeowner to add a little bit of their own personality and style into their kitchen remodel.

Geometric shapes and patterns are a popular choice, such as hexagons and herringbone’s. Angling the tiles is another way to create visual interest. Other more modern backsplash ideas are to use different colors or to make a statement with a unique pattern, such as the diamonds in this red and white kitchen by Covenant Kitchens & Baths.

A backsplash can also be a great opportunity to add a bit of contrast in a kitchen, such as the blue accents used in this Nantucket-inspired home by OHi Designs. Another contrasting option is to use a dark color for the backsplash, with lighter colored counters. This can instantly make a room feel larger and more airy.

During your kitchen remodeling process, be sure to take into account the regular cleanup and maintenance that will be needed for the material you choose for your backsplash. You may want to consider a more durable material like tile, stone or stainless steel, and you will need to make sure the backsplash is caulked properly to prevent water damage behind the cabinets.

Flooring

The flooring material in a kitchen is a major design element that can add personality and comfort to this busy area of the home. The ideal material should be resistant to heat, moisture, staining and impact damage.

Concrete is an option that offers a sleek appearance that can be customized to fit modern or traditional decor. This low-cost and durable material is easy to clean and can be sealed for additional protection against water and other fluids.

Another great choice is wood flooring, which can complement cabinetry or add a warm touch to the room. Wood floors can be refinished to extend their lifespan, and can be stained or painted to match other décor elements. Wood flooring is also an eco-friendly choice, as it is harvested sustainably. However, this material is susceptible to scratches and denting if dropped or exposed to too much moisture.

Tile continues to be a popular kitchen flooring choice, especially those that look like natural stone or hardwood. Larger tile sizes, such as 8” x 48”, are trending, and decorative mosaic tiles are making a comeback. For 2021, cork is a newer addition to the market that has gained popularity due to its durability and sustainability. This eco-friendly material feels soft underfoot and is able to absorb sound.

In a minor kitchen remodel, the main goal is to refresh the aesthetic of the space without the expense and hassle of tearing out all the existing materials and starting from scratch. This type of remodel typically includes painting or replacing the cabinets, backsplash and countertops. It may also involve upgrading appliances with energy- or space-saving models, and adding or relocating electrical outlets and lighting fixtures.

A major kitchen remodel is a significant project that can include gutting the entire space and putting it back together again, as well as changing the layout and installing new cabinets, counters and flooring. This project is more expensive than a minor renovation, and generally requires the help of a general contractor to manage subcontractors and coordinate the work.

The best way to determine whether a kitchen remodel is right for your home is to consult with a professional. A remodeling specialist can provide design suggestions and estimates for your project. They can also help you determine if your project falls within the scope of your home’s structural warranty, which should cover any repairs or replacements that are necessary during the remodel.

Stephen Pena