Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma WA can transform your home’s most important space into an aesthetically appealing, functional area that aligns with your unique vision. Work with a reputable contractor to optimize your layout, increase storage, and create a welcoming ambiance.

Narrow down your list of contractors by evaluating their credentials, experience, and reputation. Conduct interviews and ask questions to determine whether their expertise matches your needs.

Your kitchen’s layout impacts how well your space works and how easy it is to navigate. This is especially true when it comes to the positioning of cabinets and appliances. A thoughtfully designed kitchen layout can help you streamline workflow, ensuring that essential items are within reach. When choosing a kitchen layout, consider your lifestyle and cooking habits to determine what type of workstations and storage are best for you.

For instance, frequent bakers might prioritize counter space for kneading dough, while passionate chefs may prefer an open-concept layout with plenty of room for multiple cooks to work simultaneously. Also, consider the amount of food you typically prepare, whether you often entertain guests in your kitchen, and how much space kids or other family members might need to move around.

A one-wall kitchen layout, which is also known as a linear kitchen, features all major components—countertops, cabinets, and appliances—arranged along a single wall. This is a great option for smaller spaces, as it is streamlined and efficient. A disadvantage of this kitchen design is that it can feel tight and cluttered, but can be enhanced by adding a dining area or kitchen island for extra functionality.

For larger kitchens, a U-shaped layout offers plenty of countertop space and surrounds the cook with storage on three sides. This is a versatile option for all kitchen sizes and is the most popular choice among homeowners. It also offers the most opportunity to incorporate classical kitchen features such as ornate moldings and a warm color palette. If you opt for this layout, we recommend maximizing natural light by installing windows or skylights in the ceiling or walls of your kitchen.

Cabinets

As the largest element of your kitchen, cabinets offer you a large canvas to explore design possibilities. New cabinetry can instantly transform the look of your room and add a significant amount of value to your home. Cabinet styles, colors, and hardware all play a role in the overall kitchen design. Many homeowners opt for a classic white finish, while others choose bolder options like navy blue or green. In terms of functionality, cabinets should be easy to open and close while providing plenty of storage space.

For a lighter update, consider a kitchen refresh instead of a full renovation or remodel. A refresh takes less time and costs significantly less than a full kitchen remodel, but will still have an impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. A refresh typically involves repainting or refinishing cabinets, replacing or updating hardware, installing a backsplash, and more.

If you decide on a remodel, it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. The last thing you want is to overspend and end up with a kitchen that’s not functional or up to your standards. To avoid overspending, work with your remodeling contractor to establish a list of priorities for your kitchen and make sure you’re clear on the expected costs before proceeding with any projects.

Another way to help with budgeting is to evaluate your plumbing setup and identify any necessary upgrades before beginning your kitchen remodel. This helps ensure your plumbing system will be compatible with your desired kitchen design and improves the overall functionality of your space. When it comes to fixtures, be sure to prioritize water-efficient and energy-saving options that contribute to your long-term savings on utility bills.

Countertops

The countertops are one of the most important kitchen design elements, influencing how functional and aesthetically pleasing your kitchen is. Choosing the right countertop material requires balancing practicality, style and cost.

Countertops are available in a variety of materials and styles, ranging from durable laminate to elegant marble. Some of the most popular options are quartz, granite and recycled countertops. Granite is a natural stone that offers durability and beauty and can be installed in a variety of patterns, while quartz is a manmade countertop option that mimics the appearance of marble but is more resistant to scratches and stains. Stainless steel countertops are another popular option for kitchens, offering a modern look that is easy to clean and hygienic.

A professional designer or contractor can help you with the countertop selection and design process by creating plans and blueprints for your new kitchen. They will ask you questions about how you use your kitchen, what works and doesn’t in your current space, and what kind of aesthetics you like. They will then create a variety of designs for you to choose from.

You’ll also need to decide whether to install the countertop yourself or hire a professional. Depending on your skill level and budget, DIY installation can save you money but may result in less precision and a higher likelihood of mistakes. Hiring a professional installer will cost more but can ensure a seamless installation process and a high-quality finish. If you’re planning to do the DIY route, make sure to take accurate measurements and purchase the correct amount of material for your countertop before starting the installation. It’s also a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen in a different part of your home while the work on your main kitchen is taking place.

Flooring

Depending on the nature of your kitchen remodel, you may have to install a new flooring. In addition to functionality, your floor should be attractive and easy to clean. For example, if you have kids and pets, vinyl flooring might be your best choice as it’s durable and shows spills and smudges less than tile or wood.

Your contractor will take out your existing floors, and depending on the type of flooring you’re installing, they might lay down a temporary subfloor before putting in your new floor. This will allow you to cook in the kitchen while the floor is being installed and also protect your home from dirt and dust.

This is the time to choose your flooring material and style. You can find inspiration online or visit cabinet and countertop material stores & suppliers to see samples in person before you make your decision. If you are considering installing a backsplash tile, this is also a good time to start researching and planning.

Once your walls are framed, your contractor can begin work on the kitchen flooring. This is one of the most time consuming parts of the remodel because there are many different choices and styles to consider. Some of the options include linoleum, laminate, vinyl, concrete, and hardwood. Each of these options has its own pros and cons.

If you’re using natural materials, like solid wood or bamboo, keep in mind that these materials can expand and contract as humidity and temperature levels change. Engineered wood, such as the engineered planks shown here, is a better option for kitchens because it is designed to resist moisture and humidity changes. It also has a higher level of durability than solid wood.

Lighting

Kitchens have become the center of home activity where families and friends gather. They’re also where children do their homework, and adults pay bills. As a result, many homeowners are opting for enlarging or adding windows to their kitchens to create a bright and airy atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining.

Lighting should be considered as a part of the design process and not an afterthought. A kitchen redesign that doesn’t incorporate the right type of lighting can leave the space feeling dark and drab. The best kitchen remodeling companies will have a variety of light fixtures in different styles and finishes to match the décor of your new kitchen.

The first step in kitchen remodeling is installing the infrastructure to support decorative lighting. This will include the wiring and electrical rough-in, as well as the removal of existing fixtures and any wall modifications needed for new lighting.

Your kitchen remodeling contractor will also install ambient lighting that bounces off the ceiling to illuminate the space. This is usually done by placing recessed or track lights throughout the room. This lighting will allow you to move around the kitchen and see where you are going.

For a more dramatic look, your kitchen remodel contractor may add accent lighting. This is done by using a fixture like a chandelier that will help define the space and create a focal point. These accent fixtures can be used to highlight specific elements of the kitchen like an architectural oven hood or some artwork.

As the kitchen becomes more of a gathering space, we are seeing more and more framed photographs and canvases on the walls. These can be highlighted with recessed, adjustable fixtures that come in a variety of beam spreads to accommodate the size of your art.