Start the Spring Season with a Contemporary Kitchen Makeover

With the rising spring temperatures, chirping birds and more frequent sunshine, you might be more motivated to accomplish those necessary home projects that you have put on the back burner since last summer. Remodeling your kitchen will not only help you prepare and stay organized throughout the warmer months, but also give your home added value in case you decide to put it on the market. With proper planning, a contemporary kitchen makeover can instantly add charm and elegance to your home.

Like any professional will tell you, before beginning any kitchen remodeling, you must properly map out what you would like to accomplish. This map should literally illustrate where you want what and if anything should be rearranged, in addition to smaller topics such as re-facing countertops, replacing window treatments and installing new cabinet hardware. This way, you’ll know ahead of time what your expected timeline of completion will be in as well as how much money the project will run you. Add an extra cushion of savings for any emergencies or last minute replacements that may occur.

Kitchen cabinet knobs are typically overlooked when it comes to redecorating—but they shouldn’t be. The proper knobs and pulls can help balance any theme or style that you wish to obtain. Cabinet hardware should compliment the material and finish of your cabinets and shelves themselves. Typical knobs are made of stainless steel, iron, copper, nickel glass or brass. Their finishes vary but are available burnished, polished, satin or weathered. You can mix and match the materials and finishes to create the look you’ve dreamed of; dark finishes can either illuminate lighter cabinetry units or compliment dark woods to create an elegant look. Contrarily, light satin or stainless steel knobs and pulls add brightness to darker, rich materials.

If you are replacing or renovating your cabinets, why not also replace your appliances? Choosing newer appliances will also help you create a cohesive contemporary feel for your kitchen. Ideally, appliances should match the finish of your cabinet hardware. While copper appliances are hard, if not impossible to find, you do not have to match them exactly; simply finding complimentary tones and colors will be sufficient. Additionally, newer, Energy Star approved appliances will help reduce costs and actually save you money over time—definitely a worthy investment! While considering appliances, do not forget other kitchen essentials such as the sink, backsplash and overhead hanging pot racks that should also be coordinated to maintain your contemporary kitchen design.

Like any busy home, your kitchen probably has a constant traffic pattern flowing in and out to eat, run out the door, do homework or chase the family pet. Establishing a traffic flow with your furniture will enable you to safely direct the foot path away from the stove, appliances and cooking areas—which will eliminate any hassles and prevent any potential injuries. Incorporating an island or central furniture piece will create a median between the chef and his appliances from the general chaos of your home. This traffic pattern will also enable you to throw large parties without the hassle of having too many people crowding your space!

What use is a glamorous, contemporary kitchen makeover if you do not show it off? By showing it off, it does not mean you have to invite all seventy of your closest family members, neighbors or friends, either. Simply installing the proper light fixtures will adequately illuminate your hard work without looking showy or over the top. Newly refurbished cabinets and shelves can be highlighted by installing lights on the walls behind the shelves. For glass shelves, lights underneath will not only create a soft, glowing look, but also is a great way to showcase your crystal glassware!