Many kitchen remodeling projects center around the fancy cabinet design or the shiny new kitchen appliances. But, while these are important features, don’t forget to focus on a kitchen design that fits your lifestyle. Here’s a look at a few common scenarios:

The Busy Family Kitchen Design

Busy families need kitchen cabinets and appliance layouts that make it easy to feed kids efficiently. Use kitchen remodeling to reconfigure your space for:

• The kids area: Perhaps an island with refrigerated drawers for snacks and a bread warmer for keeping dinner warm.
• The microwave station: Build it into a drawer near the island for quick dinners.
• Multiple work stations: To suit different schedules, meal preferences, and cooking tastes–here’s more from Hometime.com on kitchen layouts and different work stations.

The Entertaining Family Kitchen Design

If you like to entertain, you’ll want a large island with seating. Try curving it to encourage conversation. You might also consider putting a double wall oven near the island for ease when serving.

Warming drawers and a wine cooler on the island also fit with this lifestyle. Just make sure the kitchen appliances are configured with enough space for opening cabinet doors and walking through the area. You might want aisles that are 48-inches wide to allow for guests to wander comfortably. For more functional tips, try the project planner from KraftMaid Cabinetry.

The Accessible Kitchen Design

Those wider aisles can also create space for wheelchair use. If you’re designing for the present, but also thinking about accessibility in the future, try these tips from Star Mark Cabinetry.

In the end, your lifestyle drives how you use your kitchen. So, think through your typical routine before committing to a kitchen cabinets and appliances layout.

Kitchen cabinets are highly visible design features and represent an important investment in your home. To avoid buyer’s remorse when kitchen remodeling, avoid these common mistakes when selecting kitchen cabinets.

• Skimping on the cost: Yes, you want a good value, but don’t buy the cheapest kitchen cabinets around. You’ll notice it every day in the way the doors hang on the frames, how the hinges operate, and many other functional areas.
• Hiring the wrong contractor: The installation is also important, so make sure the contractor you hire has experience in this area. Look at the contractor’s previous kitchen remodeling projects for clues. Make sure he or she knows how to:
  • Level the floor and the cabinets for a good fit
  • Measure exactly to avoid any gaps in the cabinetry line
  • Troubleshoot any problems with the order to expedite any returns or exchanges
• Overlooking the island kitchen cabinets: Many kitchen islands take on a life of their own, so pay attention to the design and function when selecting those cabinets. Some people just add up the number of cabinets and put some on the island, but that can lead to incorrect sizing for the use. Don’t make these mistakes with island kitchen cabinets or it will show.

Kitchen Cabinets: The Right Way

Selecting kitchen cabinets is a process with many steps. Look through magazines and websites for ideas, visit stores, and ask friends about brands they recommend. Then, do some research into how kitchen cabinets are made, so you can judge quality.

Don’t rush through this important decision, as you’ll be living with the results for years to come!

All it takes is a sink full of dirty dishes to make you realize the importance of your dishwasher. Our dishwasher broke one evening, and it took a few weeks to find a new one and have it delivered–paper plates, anyone?

A Primer on Kitchen Appliances

If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project or looking to revamp your space with new kitchen appliances, consider a few tips:

Your cooking style:If you eat out a lot, put more money into a fancy microwave rather than double wall ovens. If you entertain kids at the kitchen island, try a refrigerated drawer for snacks. If you don’t always have a full load of dishes, check out dishwashing drawers, says dishwasherguru.com.

High tech kitchen appliances are everywhere: From induction cooking to refrigerators with sophisticated temperature sensors for food storage, technology is driving many kitchen appliances. The good news: many of these features are trickling down to moderately-priced appliances. Here are some high tech kitchen appliances to consider.

Don’t forget function: Look beyond the glitz of stainless steel appliances to how the kitchen appliances will function. If it’s a dishwasher, do you need the jet spray to remove caked on food? With a range, do you want a few high BTU burners for added sizzle? Also, consider the size of the refrigerator and range as you plan your kitchen remodeling project, as it’s tough to make extra room for large appliances later.

Compare prices: The Internet makes it easy to comparison shop, whether you’re looking for stainless steel appliances or one high performing range. Just make sure you’re comparing appliances with the same features. Also, think about your priorities–consider spending more on features you’ll use every day versus those that are great for show.

When planning your kitchen remodeling project, remember: function is as important as style, especially when it comes to appliances.

Have you taken a cold, hard look at the inside of your kitchen cabinets? Do you have to dig through stacks of Tupperware to get to the cat food? Do bags of potato chips fall out each time you open the door? If so, help is on the way.

Kitchen Organization Know-How

Kitchen organization is all about weeding out, sorting, and creating a new way to store things. Make a list of which areas drive you crazy. Often, it’s the kitchen cabinets you use most. Then, figure out what you need:

• Cleaning out: An afternoon of decluttering can go a long way. Decluttering also forces you to wipe out your cabinets and remove any dirt or crumbs.
• Rethink where you put things: According to The Container Store, your kitchen design can suffer because you don’t use the space efficiently. Try these tips:
  • Buy items specifically designed for kitchen organization, like a spice rack with tiered shelves, so you can see which spice is where
  • Make sure spices and cooking utensils are close to your cooking and meal prep area. Sounds obvious, right? You’d be amazed how many people wander around their kitchen looking for frequently used items.
  • Move infrequently-used pans and dishes to the back of a base cabinet or even an adjacent laundry room closet.
• Vertical or horizontal dividers (great for coffee cups and small plates): As part of your kitchen organization, don’t forget to look upward and take advantage of all the wall space.
• A portable or built-in pantry for canned goods and paper supplies: While it’s great to have a four-foot by six-foot space, you can even add one in a much smaller space along a wall, as shown on HGTV. Now that’s a great addition to any kitchen design.

Use these tips, stop rummaging around, and start enjoying your kitchen!

Want kitchen flooring that goes beyond the traditional oak wood flooring? If you think outside the box, you’ll find many options, including painted wood flooring, a great option for older floors that have seen better days. The beauty of this approach is that you can use your inner artistic talent!

Kitchen Flooring Styles

When selecting unique kitchen flooring, start with a style check. Do you want:

• A rustic look? Try a wide plank knotty pine floor. Yes, it’s wood, but it’s a long way from the traditional look of oak.
• A crisp, clean look? Try a porcelain or ceramic tile. Porcelain is stronger than ceramic tile, but often costs more. Many ceramic tile patterns mirror the look of natural stones such as marble and granite–at a fraction of the cost.
• Muted colors? If you like blue-greens and grays, you’ll find plenty of slate floors that fit the bill.

If you really want to make a statement, try concrete, cork, or brick for your kitchen flooring. Each has a unique look and different qualities. For example:

• Concrete is easy to stain, which is great when you want to create a fun color. But, if you drink (and spill!) lots of red wine, wood may be a better choice.
• Cork is a newer flooring option that has some natural give to it. This is ideal for those who spend hours cooking and dislike the hardness of tile.
• Brick adds an old world look and is highly durable. Add mortar in-between the bricks, as opposed to leaving a small opening, as some people do on patios. You don’t want dirt hanging around in those cracks!

It’s tempting to want to save money on home improvement, but consider all the variables before jumping on the DIY bandwagon. Sure, you can save money–sometimes–but, most home improvement projects require some contractor skills. Here’s how to know if DIY home improvement is right for you.

Home Improvement Skills

Home improvement is a job. So, you need to understand what’s involved and whether you have the appropriate skills. Do some research, and talk to people who have done the same type of project. Kitchen remodeling involves:

• Demolition
• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Design and cabinet layout
• Scheduling finesse

Do you have all those skills, or are you better off hiring a contractor? Take electrical work, for example. This is one remodeling project that takes a lot of skill and the ability to identify how wiring should flow through the house. Otherwise, you could create serious safety issues.

Home Improvement: It’s All About Time

A remodeling project also takes time, so sketch out the various steps and estimate how much time is involved. For example, it may sound like a breeze to paint a room, but here’s an example of timing:

• One to three hours for wall prep for a room with minor cracks
• One to three hours for caulking around windows and baseboards
• Two to four hours for priming
• Four to six hours for painting, including trim and detail work

Understanding the Contractor’s Role

If you decide to hire a contractor, understand the various steps in the project. This will make hiring a contractor much easier.

DIY or not? Sometimes it’s straightforward–you want to stain the deck, and have the time and skills to do it. A kitchen remodeling or a roofing project? That’s where you may need to draw the line.

New granite countertops, a bathroom vanity and floor, or hardwood floors in the foyer can make a world of difference in your home. The good news is that you can complete each of these remodeling projects for $5,000 or less, depending on the materials and size of the project. Here are a few options with a very reasonable price tag:

• A new kitchen countertop: Everyone loves granite, but there’s also tile, laminate, and quartz to consider. Think about how you use the space, as laminate is great for busy households. Granite countertops require a little maintenance, but they’re ideal for those who want a stunning entertainment space. Quartz gives you the best of both worlds–a nice look with less maintenance than granite countertops.
• Hardwood floors: Oak is a mainstay, but there’s also cherry, mahogany, or rustic pine. Look for wide plank floors to make an impact. Or, combine marble with a wood border for a unique look.
• Paint, light fixtures, or new door and cabinet hardware: While these changes appear tame, they can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Try faux painting or a textured finish to make a big splash. Or, in your playroom, add stencils of your kids’ favorite movie.

You can also streamline your dream remodeling projects and get the functionality you want. Instead of a large media center with built in cabinets, try nice wall shelves and a fresh coat of paint. The result can be powerful. These types of remodeling projects can add functionality without breaking the bank.

Kitchen cabinets are the backbone of the kitchen, so it pays to take your time when selecting new ones. With all the kitchen styles and cabinet designs on the market, where do you start?

Kitchen designers often focus on overall style, first. How much fuss do you want? Do you like traditional kitchen cabinets with raised panels, arches, and crown molding or a sleek style with flat panels and no ornamentation?

Kitchen Cabinets: Which Wood?

Next, narrow down the type of wood. Maple and cherry are popular kitchen cabinet selections today because they add an upscale look. Maple is great for making a space appear larger, while cherry adds a more rich, intimate look. Other kitchen styles to consider include:

• Pine: A rustic look with lots of knots
• Oak: A traditional favorite with a visible grain pattern
• Mahogany: A deep color for the upscale kitchen suited for entertaining

A Look at Cabinet Refacing

If you’re not buying new kitchen cabinets right now, consider a cabinet refacing project to bring in an updated kitchen style. You’ll still want to narrow down the style and type of wood so you can get the look you want.

When planning a cabinet refacing, follow a similar thought process. What’s your cabinet refacing style? Do you like the Shaker style (recessed door panels) or Old World (three layers of crown molding and a nice cabinet glaze)?

In the end, your kitchen’s focus often comes down to your kitchen cabinets. They are a big focal point, so make sure the style and wood reflect your personality! If you need help visualizing the right kitchen cabinets, check out these style layouts from Kraftmaid.com.

One way to prioritize your home improvement list is to think about the weather. Ask yourself–are some projects sensitive to heat or cold?

In colder climates, now is the time to start thinking about:

• Adding insulation: Try it in the attic, walls, or even floors. The energy savings are big, so try adding insulation before the cold air comes.
• Adding replacement windows: You’ll be more comfortable with replacement windows in place by November in most cold weather areas. You’ll also benefit financially with the federal tax credit that runs through December. See the Energy Star site for more.
• Checking your chimney: Have your chimney checked for blockage, leaks, and a properly secured cap at the top. Don’t invite critters to come calling.
• Getting your garden ready for the winter: That means thinking about bulbs to plant and any transplanting.

In warmer climates, you have the luxury of time. Look ahead to next year’s home improvement projects, and start them this fall. Some home improvement projects can take four to six months to plan and build.

Heat sensitive projects include:

• Major landscaping work: Whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself, don’t install a patio when it’s 100 degrees. Do it now. And, complete the project far enough in advance, so you can use it in the warm (but not too hot) months.
• Pool repairs or replacements: You want it ready when you are. So, sometimes, winter can be a good time.
• A room addition: While you can do this almost anytime, it’s a big home improvement project, and you’ll want to get it air conditioned before the heat hits. Here’s a step by step on this home improvement project.

Have you ever walked through a friend’s house and said, “Wow!?”

Wouldn’t it be nice to have that type of reaction when walking through your own house? Think back to what drew your attention–was it a beautiful front porch or a large patio with nice landscaping? Why not add a similar interior design boost to your own home?

Putting the Wow in Interior Design

As you decide what to change, consider interior design projects people tacklebefore selling. Some hire “stagers” who move furniture around, add art work, and spruce up the interiors. Even if you’re not planning to sell, follow these tips:

• Create a “WOW” area in each room: It might be bold pillows or a watercolor above the fireplace– something to catch a person’s eye. Here are more interior design tips from Spruce Staging.
• Declutter: This is a good strategy for everyday life, whether selling or just doing some home improvement. It makes the house seem cleaner.
• Add a few bold colors: Neutrals and earth tones are great, but you need a little color pop here and there. People will remember this type of home improvement splurge. Take this advice from helium.com, and try brown and blue together.
• Spend a little extra on a few home improvement items: People will remember a few rows of nice Italian tile or a fancy wooden vent hood over the range.

When debating where to add emphasis, look for areas along your home’s natural traffic flow. Can you add a chandelier to highlight a decorative arch going into the dining room? How about a tray ceiling with rope lighting in the dining room? The home improvement list goes on and on.

Sprucing up your interior design can be fun. Approach it like a designer would–start from the front door, and add a little pop in several key places.