When you’re looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, the most important thing, other than how well it works, is that your investment lasts. Every time period seems to have its own dos and don’ts in the kitchen, and many of them don’t last more than a decade.
That is a huge waste of your money and a big disappointment. So how do you invest in a kitchen that will look as beautiful in ten years as it does today? Choose simple, classic styles, and don’t pay attention to trends, no matter how popular they are right now.
Here are a few tips on how to get a kitchen remodeled that will last:
#1: Give priority to white appliances
Stainless steel has been all the rage for a while, and it is a classic in professional kitchens. You could say that stainless steel will never go out of style, and it’s certainly easy to keep looking great. But history hasn’t turned out that way so far.
White is the color that has really stood the test of time, and that’s true by a long shot. The National Kitchen and Bath Survey found that white is the most popular color for kitchens. It has also been at the top of the list every other year.
This is good news for people who own their homes. Stainless appliances are much more expensive than white ones, so you can buy a better range and refrigerator in this ultra-classic color than you could in stainless.
#2: When choosing the floor, keep long-term wear in mind.
Vinyl has been around for a long time, and there are a lot of beautiful options. But vinyl has a life span, too, and it’s not a very long one. Think about how long something will last as well as how pretty it is, and you’ll be happier.
Wood is probably never going to go out of style, and it’s also more comfortable to walk on than tile. Even after years of hard use, it can be stained and refinished and still look beautiful. If you break a tile, you’ll need to replace it.
MSN Lifestyle also suggests wood because it gives off a sense of history, even when it’s brand new. It can give the room a sense of stability in a way that few other things can.
#3: Don’t use granite counters
Like stainless steel, granite is definitely in its prime. But if you think about how granite looks, you’ll see how quickly this expensive and beautiful material can look old. Marble might be a better and more time-tested choice.
Most granite has colors and patterns that are easy to see. But are they something you’d still want to live within 15 years? Maybe, but maybe not. And it’s a risk that costs a lot.
Carrara marble is a classic option for a countertop. This stone is very different from Calacatta marble, which has bright whites and dramatic gray veining. Carrara marble has grays that are lighter and whites that are softer, so it doesn’t have that bold fashion statement look. It will never go out of style, and it’s not as pricey as granite. It gets stained, but so does granite, and sealants take care of that.
#4: Storage, storage, storage
Shaker-style cabinets are popular because their simple, clean lines go with a wide range of decor styles, from modern minimalism to cozy rustic. They are a good choice for almost any home. But storage is more important than style.
There are lots of clever ways to decorate your kitchen, from open shelves and freestanding cabinets to traditional built-ins, that you can find in home decor magazines and on the Internet. Built-ins with a lot of good storage space should win.
Instead of old-fashioned boxy cabinets with nothing but hollows and shelves inside, look for smart storage like pull-out organizers that use every inch of space. You don’t need a lazy Susan in the corner if those cupboards are easy to reach without it.
#5: Keep an eye on the small things
No matter what you’re buying, always choose quality over looks. It’s the little things that make a kitchen beautiful and last for years.
Check the joints on your faucet and the way your wood cabinets are put together. Are they perfect, or can you find flaws in them? Both can be done perfectly, which you’ll appreciate as you use these fixtures every day. When there is a flaw, there is a chance that the parts will come apart.
It can be tempting to choose a fixture that looks nice but isn’t well made. Most of the time, these choices don’t last. So spend a little more to get quality where it counts.
A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive things you can do, but This Old House says it’s also one of the best ways to get your money’s worth. You can make big changes to your home’s value and your quality of life, so be smart and think classic instead of trendy.
