Kitchen Remodeling in Los Angeles
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. It is where you get the day started and where the family gathers. It can be a place of activity and chaos or a place of calm and tranquility.
The overall mood and energy of the home is often filtered through the kitchen: it can be warm and inviting, sleek and modern, rustic and old fashioned, a combination of the above, or something else entirely. Pacific Green Homes can help you design a kitchen that perfectly reflects the unique character of you and your home.
Kitchen Remodel Planning
The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, so a full or partial remodel should be carefully considered. You should think about how you are using your current kitchen, the kind of form and functionality you want in your new kitchen, and, of course, your budget. You should have contingencies in place for any unexpected expenses, such as structural, electrical, or plumbing problems.
Houses built over fifty years ago could have asbestos that needs to be removed or may have an electrical system that isn’t designed to support multiple, modern appliances. You should allocate some of your budget to cover unexpected costs. A smart option is to have less expensive backups to some of your initial choices when it comes to tiles, countertops, appliances, and so on. If you are flexible about your choices, then you will be able to roll with the punches if an unforeseen circumstance occurs.
Considerations of a Kitchen Remodel
These are the big picture factors you should work out when planning your kitchen remodel. Our designers can help you finalize the smaller details, but you should have a general framework that will allow them to help you more easily.
Size and Layout
The space in the kitchen should be utilized so that it is as efficient as possible, regardless of its size. For example, you should think about whether there is room for an island, or if you would be better off with a peninsula; that is a countertop attached to a wall that turns an L-shaped kitchen into a U-shaped kitchen.
If you need extra space, think about whether removing a wall is an option. Think about how you move in the kitchen, whether the outlets are conveniently located, and where the various appliances are located in relation to each other. Once you’ve determined how you want the room to flow, we can help you with the finer details.
Existing Infrastructure
You should check to see if the infrastructure can manage any of the renovations you have planned. This means checking the wiring, the walls, and the flooring, especially in older houses. Any repairs could add to your budget, so this is one of the first steps you should take.
Know your Lifestyle
Do you have a big family? Are you more of a host than a cook? Are you more of a cook than a host? Large families need lots of storage. Home chefs need space for appliances and preparation. Hosts may need wine fridges, wet bars, or warming drawers. Once you know how the kitchen will primarily be used, you can start planning.
Elements of a Kitchen Remodel
Countertops
There are affordable and expensive options for you to choose from, but no matter the choice, you should be cognizant of how the countertop will be used. Here are a few countertop options for various lifestyles:
- Quartz – this surface is great for families because it is scratch, stain, acid, and heat resistant, which makes it easy to maintain. It is also more shock absorbent than other surfaces, so glass, and other brittle materials, have a smaller chance of breaking.
- Stainless steel – a great option for avid cooks because it is easy to clean, heat resistant, and does not stain. Many restaurant kitchens use stainless steel because it does not harbor bacteria from raw food.
- Glass – a good option for entertaining because it is stylish and eye-catching, plus spills are easy to clean. Tempered glass is used in glass countertops, so there is little risk of it cracking or breaking. Recycled glass is also a viable, eco-friendly option.
- Laminate – a popular surface because it is affordable, practical, and comes in a wide variety of styles.
Cabinetry and Storage
With cabinets, there are features that are necessities, and those that are extravagances—if you have the budget for them. Plywood shelves and siding are a must because particleboard can sag under heavier weights. For the cabinet material, you can save money by going for veneer instead of solid wood. Soft close drawers are also essential to reducing impacts and noise. If you want a more lavish choice, you can opt for custom made cabinets instead of stock models.
As for storage, large families will find a separate pantry useful. Extending cabinets to the ceiling is another choice that can provide extra storage without using up too much space. Pullout trash bins and recycling centers are a good option for any home. If you have the budget, you can splurge on things like appliance garages or utensil drawers.
Appliances
You should always choose energy efficient appliances no matter your lifestyle since they save you money in the long run. Lifestyle does dictate the kind of appliances you will find useful. Large families need a large fridge and an efficient dishwasher. Home cooks may need larger cooktops and ovens with advanced features.
There are also smaller appliances to consider. Most homes can use a blender, toaster oven, and a food processor. Whereas, steam ovens, beverage centers, and warming drawers are more specialized options. As with every aspect of your kitchen remodel, your choice of appliance depends on your lifestyle and your budget.
Backsplash
This is not always considered a necessity, but it adds function and visual interest to any kitchen. They often serve as the finishing touch to any kitchen remodel, here are some of the materials you can choose from:
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles – one of the most common options because of its affordability and versatility.
- Decorative Vinyl – affordable, functional, and easy to install. A good choice for the budget-minded customer.
- Metal – available in various types like stainless steel, tin, and copper. They are stylish, but expensive to purchase and install.
- Wood – they give a nice natural look to any kitchen. They are a green choice since they are usually salvaged from old wooden structures.
- Stone – it gives a warm, elegant look to any kitchen but it can be quite high maintenance.
Flooring
Since the kitchen is typically a high traffic area, flooring options are usually durable and easy to clean, so the choice typically comes down to budget and style. Low budget options include linoleum and laminate flooring, the latter of which comes in styles that can look like other materials, such as hardwood or stone.
Some mid-range options are tile and hardwood floors, both of which can stand up to the wear and tear of regular kitchen traffic. If you have the budget, you can opt for high-end options like stone or wood, each of which will last for a long time.
Lighting
With kitchen lighting, you can focus on a single light, or set of lights, for the main preparation area. However, there are also specialized lights that add style and practicality to the kitchen, here are some of the lighting options available:
- Ambient Lighting – this is the light for the whole kitchen. You can choose pendant lighting, which is great for high ceilings, or a ceiling fixture, which is a pragmatic, affordable choice.
- Task Lighting – this type of light is located under the cabinets and is helpful when preparing food or reading recipes.
- Accent Lighting – recessed lights, toe kick lights and lights placed inside glass-fronted cabinets help to create a bright, inviting look to the kitchen.
Kitchen Remodel in Los Angeles
The kitchen should bring contentment to everyone who uses it, no matter how busy it gets. It is the heart and soul of the home, and its design should reflect that. Pacific Green Homes guarantees that your remodeled kitchen will be a true display of the character of you and your home.
