Are you about to embark on a kitchen remodel and you are considering installing an island?
When installing an island in your kitchen renovation, one great idea is to actually build a full scale model out of plywood and live with it for a couple of days. This way you can discover what it really feels like to have that island in your space. You’ll notice how that dishwasher and cabinet door gets a little close or how limiting the traffic can be, getting in and around the kitchen while others are working.

How do you get extra storage space in your kitchen?
Even a simple kitchen renovation is better when finding more storage solutions as part of the project. We always need a new spot for that awesome smoothie mixer we just bought. Consider pull out racks instead of standard cabinets. Swap out an existing two door cabinet with a three drawer combination. Studies have shown that drawers are better for storage of plates and bowls, pots and pans. Many kitchens designed in the last 30 years have that weird gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. Why not fill that space with an extra row of small cabinets that can house those items you don’t need to reach down very often? They can have solid doors for storage, glass doors for display or a combination of both.

Working from home requires space to do so. Why not build an office ‘nook’ right into your new kitchen renovation?
The recent pandemic has taught us all how to work from home more efficiently. If you’re getting ready to do a brand new kitchen renovation, why not consider fitting an office space into your design? You can easily match the cabinetry but have a slightly lower countertop with space to recess your chair. You can then leave your laptop or tablet open without spilling the spaghetti sauce all over it.

Countertops and clutter. How do we make more space in our kitchen and de-clutter the worktops?
Sometimes it takes a little bit of creativity to make things work. Installing a deeper double sink set will provide options for less pile up on the countertop after a big family meal. Got a microwave hogging a huge corner? Consider installing a built-in by reconfiguring your cabinetry just a little bit, so you can reclaim a new spot for chopping the carrots and celery. Deep drawers in base cabinets or island cabinets work great for large pot and pan storage as well as some small countertop appliances.

What’s the best tip for redesigning a kitchen? In my opinion there’s actually two top tips.
First of all, make space for a bigger fridge. Our culture seems to be embracing organic and natural produce more and more. This means we will be using less pantry space, dry storage and other areas for boxed and canned foods, and we will be storing more natural produce. This also means our refrigerators will continue to get bigger. Be sure your new cabinet set up includes a way to fit a larger fridge. Even if you don’t buy it right away, you will regret not having enough space for the fridge that you really want down the road.
Secondly, get a kitchen renovation expert to help you with the ‘flow’ from the refrigerator — to the work top — to the sink. Design your kitchen remodel using triangles of movement based on how you most often work and move around your kitchen. Spend more time loading the dishwasher and putting things away? Make sure that’s at least one point on your triangle. You get the idea… think before you design, design before you test, and test before you build.

Every good kitchen remodel has a plan. Sometimes we are good doers but not great planners. The kitchen deserves respected and long time home improvement contractors. Seek out the reliable home builders in your area. If you live in north Georgia, consider Riverstone Homes as your consultant on planning out the best kitchen renovation possible. Contact us for a free on-site visit and quote.