In most cases, renovating your kitchen is an enormous project. Often your kitchen is the most extensive reno you'll ever see (besides possibly putting up an addition).
So don't you want to do it right?
There is plenty of talk about interior design and home dècor. Much of it is helpful if not downright entertaining. But it also brings design trends to the forefront of the average person's knowledge and that is what may get you into trouble.
The Dangerous Nature of a Trend
Trends, by their very nature, change. If that didn't happen they would be considered classics and not trends. In the kitchen there are new design and decorating trends sprouting up every year. The hottest styles, latest finishes and freshest materials pop up in kitchen design guides and showrooms across the country.
And therein lies the problem.
Since you will be spending a good amount of time and money planning and building this kitchen, it would be unfortunate if you wanted to do it all again within a relatively short period of time. When you renovate your kitchen based on the latest trends that can happen easily.
You will love your kitchen with the crackle painted cabinets and old world marble sconces and trim, at least for a little while. Then when the trends lean more towards the minimalist, contemporary feel your kitchen feels stuffy and overbearing. You'll want to renovate again.
Even DIY Experts Get Tired Of Repeat Renos
Let's assume that you are handy and that you love to take on renovating projects around your home. By the time you have to rip out and replace the counters or sand down and re-stain the cabinet doors a few times, the idea will have lost its luster and you'll be tired of even thinking about renovation.
Certain trends are easily spruced up, like a coat of paint (even specially applied brands) or rugs and furniture layout. Those are fun and even profitable to follow. If your home includes the latest decorating and you're keen to sell, that sort of updated feel can get you a higher sales price.
Let your DIY kitchen fever get into projects like those. Paint a fresh new color on the walls or hang a few pictures and even some shelving. Smaller things can make a big impact in your kitchen space.
Today's Trends | The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Let's start with the GOOD.
Personal Style and Expression - There is a move in the kitchen renovation industry towards letting that inner you out during the redesigning stage. This can work very well and make you very happy for years, as long as you take the time truly listen to yourself. And swallow your fear if that personality tells you to build something off the wall and strange.
Now for the BAD.
Professional Chef's Kitchen - Understand that there are some people in the world who are excellent chefs and will know what all of the gadgets at the local kitchen store are. But there are so many of us who do not. Is it really a good idea to build a large stainless steel range into the island while also including a built in baker's over for when that mood strikes? Think about how much cooking you actually do and whether or not you truly enjoy it before you build one that looks like you do.
And then there's the UGLY.
Lounging in the Kitchen - Although it sounds really nice at first, including a fireplace, couches and loungers in the kitchen is not the best idea. It does allow you to rest and create a social gathering while you're working. But when does the cook actually get to relax and take a few steps away from her or his station? Stick with the open concept, but leave the living room furniture and features where they should be.
Posted by: TrustedPros