24 Kitchen Remodeling Tips for a Successful Renovation

"The most important advice I can give for a kitchen remodel is planning," says Delia Kenza of Delia Kenza Interiors. "Planning is essential to make sure you can stay on budget and get everything that you want. So take the time to think it through." Every kitchen and each family is unique in its must-haves so spend some time determining your ideal space that can still be achieved within your budget.

Think about how and where you use kitchen items. Store breakfast foods and bowls near the breakfast table. Keep wraps and containers in one handy spot near a work surface for wrapping leftovers. Locate dishware and flatware near the dishwasher to ease the process of unloading.

Contemplate a ground-floor kitchen that incorporates the oven, drawers, and shelves at an accessible height. Different countertop heights and adequate space for walkways allow ease of movement for wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers. A home should be a place "where people of all abilities can be welcomed, respected and included," says Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi founder of RespectAbility, a national disability nonprofit organization. A remodel is the perfect time to design an accessible kitchen, especially if your home was not initially built that way.

"From installing smart taps in your kitchen to having a smart trash can, it is important to have a modern kitchen if you are remodeling," says David Mason, owner of The Knobs Company. He suggests adding Alexa or other smart home consoles to your kitchen as well as smart lighting. "In 2022, remodeled kitchens should be convenient for you," he says.

Paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Paths within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly.

Related: Fundamental Kitchen Design Guidelines to Know Before You Remodel

When designing a kitchen, it's important to adhere to standard clearances for fridges, ovens, cooktops, sinks, and more. Always allow 15 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop and refrigerator. Landing space is also important near the microwave; create a 15-inch landing zone above, beside, or below your microwave.

Not ready to knock down walls? As more and more families desire private spaces within their homes, closed kitchens are now winning out over the open-concept floor plans that have been popular for years. Cooking, eating, and even working in the kitchen are seen as ideally separate and apart from the home's entertainment rooms. Consider a pass-through window for a space that's still bright and airy.

Those who cook frequently require more counter space—ideally between the range and sink—than those who cook infrequently or who prepare simple meals. Incorporating two countertop heights makes baking easy and helps kids who are involved in meal preparation. If your countertop is an island, form follows function. If you want to cook and eat at a kitchen island, make space for a safe separation between the cooktop and the dining area.

Dark color schemes shrink an already small space and make it less inviting. Use soft shades on kitchen cabinets and neutral walls to visually expand a small room. Pastels are also making a comeback, and yellows and soothing blues lighten tight spaces. Use natural light to your advantage by forgoing kitchen window treatments.

Place a shelf beside or behind the range to keep cooking oils, utensils, and spices handy. Place S hooks on the side of the range hood to hang frequently used pots and pans. For an extra pop, use metal with warm tones, like brass or copper.    

Whether you decide to go all black on kitchen cabinets or just want a splash of tranquil blue or soothing mint green, color is in for kitchens. Just make sure not to overwhelm the space with too many shades. "Yes, colorful kitchens look good but do not overdo the color scheme and maintain its subtlety," says Mason. Instead choose a focal point, like the counters or cabinets, for the main dose of color. Stick to one main color, then add small complementary color touches on the backsplash or kitchen accessories.

The best height and location for a microwave oven depends on the chef and the degree of kid-friendliness desired in the kitchen. For adults, 15 inches above countertop level is a good microwave height. For kids, a below-countertop setup might be safer and more suitable.

To make cabinet and appliance doors fully functional, plan space for the door's clearance and swing direction in your kitchen design. Keep appliances away from corners, and make sure doors won't bang into each other if open at the same time.

Utilize an empty corner, add a partition, or accommodate an office nook in your kitchen. Families in need of extra workspace can incorporate both dinner and homework in the same room. Whether tucked away in a corner or in the middle of your countertop, a kitchen office should include comfy seating, shelving, and storage.

Tired of lugging water-filled pots from the sink to the cooktop? A swing-out tap, also called a pot filler,  installed near the cooktop fills pots near where you heat them. Or you can install an extra-long hose attachment on your main faucet to fill pots on the cooktop.

Avoid boring, heavy blocks of doors and drawers by adding interesting details. Try glass doors or open shelving to display favorite crockery or glassware. Even food storage can be out in the open with glass pantry doors that showcase organized, labeled food choices.

Splashy tile, fancy floors, sizable range hoods, bright kitchen cabinets, and busy countertop patterns can be overwhelming. Pick one focal point in your kitchen design and complement that area with a few quieter, eye-pleasing details. Keep the remaining surfaces simple.

Careful design decisions make cleaning easy. Glass refrigerator shelves catch spills that wire shelves let through. Flush-set or undermount sinks don't have a crumb-catching rim to worry about. Matte finishes don't show dirt as much as glossy ones do. Always consider the cleaning implications of your kitchen remodel materials before purchasing.

Sustainability is especially important in the kitchen. Buy long-lasting cookware, use energy-efficient appliances, and invest in recycling and compost bins that can be stored out of sight. One kitchen cabinet can be dedicated to storing reusable containers, bags, and paper.  Also, consider eco-friendly paints, and place floor mats made from 100% recycled plastics at the entryway or at the base of the stove or sink.

Install multiple outlets along the backsplash and on the island so you'll have electricity wherever you need it. Replace older sockets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), especially near water sources. With so many high-tech appliances in use at the same time nowadays, plan for multiple plugs and USB sockets too.

When planning a kitchen remodel, create a designated spot for knives. This makes it easy to spot the right knife for a job and keeps dangerous items out of children's reach. A knife drawer such as this one has slots that hold knives in place and sheath the sharp blades.

Get creative when it comes to kitchen floors. Try textured tiles or bamboo to complement warm kitchen tones. "Bamboo is a tough, dense, moisture-resistant flooring material, which makes it ideal for kitchens," says Andrew Johnston of Ambient Building Products. "It can withstand higher foot traffic than traditional hardwoods while breathing the same life into the room."

One popular hardwood pattern is herringbone. "It can give a modern touch to your kitchen while changing its whole appearance," says Jordan Scarpino of West Coast Real Estate Hub."They come in different sizes, finishes, and configurations." Engineered woods are often a more affordable option and heated flooring is a luxurious kitchen flooring upgrade. Just remember to opt for flooring with a waterproof finish.

Lighting can sometimes be an afterthought, but it should be a top design consideration. Hang pendants over countertops for task lighting and wall sconces near the range for ambiance. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight open shelving or under cabinets to brighten dark corners.

Gone are the days of cold, all-white kitchens. Today's kitchen designs are more in tune with nature, with eco-friendly, organic materials especially popular. Incorporate wood, bamboo, linen, marble, and other natural materials. Mix and match textures to create a layered look that adds warmth, depth, and style.