Kitchen remodels create opportunities to redefine space to make it more functional. Ideas for the renovation may involve changing where appliances are placed or taking down walls to enlarge the space. While these ideas may improve the flow and functionality of the kitchen, they can also add significant cost to the project when plumbing, ventilation, and electrical work are added in. Fortunately, there are some clever ways to update a kitchen without making major changes to the footprint.
Goodbye Landline, Hello Coffee Bar
Up until the early 2000s, landline telephones installed in kitchens were so common that having dedicated space for the phone was a sought-after feature. Counter space was set aside for the phone and answering machine, while cabinets and drawers stored address books and yellow pages books. Although recent studies show that only 34% of homeowners in the United States have a landline phone today, a much higher percentage of homes still have kitchen space dedicated to support this outdated feature.
Repurposing the landline space to become a coffee bar or beverage station is a smart way to elevate the kitchen and improve functionality. Use upper cabinets for glass storage and lower cabinets for coffee, tea, and other supplies. Installing a small beverage fridge or wine fridge creates an ideal spot for guests to gather and make drinks while freeing up the rest of the kitchen for food preparation and cooking when entertaining.
More Drawers
Keeping the layout of the kitchen doesn’t mean that designers can’t make significant updates to the layout of the cabinetry. Improving the functionality of the storage space gives homeowners a feature that never goes out of style. Simple modifications like replacing lower standard cabinets with roomy drawers allows for much easier access to stored items. When doors are used for lower cabinets, pull-out drawers are a must-have feature to provide maximum functionality.
Storage with Purpose
When renovating a kitchen, it is common to find features of the existing kitchen were a result of addressing an issue rather than making a design choice. A common feature in many kitchens is the small, narrow cabinet commonly called a “filler cabinet.” These are typically found at the end of a run of cabinets, often next to an appliance. While visually the cabinet aligns with the overall layout of the kitchen, filler cabinets have limited functionality due to the space limitations and difficult access.
The “No Wiggle” Base Filler Pullout organizer from Hardware Resources is designed to make the most of filler spaces. Designed to match the height of the adjacent cabinet, the “No Wiggle” Base Filler easily mounts to the door with patented six-way adjustable door mounting brackets. Hardware Resources has a comprehensive line of patented “No Wiggle” cabinet organizers to address a wide range of challenges and help make the most of cabinet space while keeping the footprint of the original cabinets.
Light Show & Hidden Power
Lighting upgrades are one of the most dramatic ways to update a kitchen without changing the layout. Under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting add style and functionality to any kitchen. Innovations like Tunable White Tandem LED lighting from Task Lighting and Power can be easily connected to smart home devices and operated by voice command, in addition to having the option to connect to a hand-held or wall-controller. Tunable White Lighting allows the homeowner to control not only the dimming level of the light, but also the warmth level from warm 2700 Kelvin to daylight bright 5000 Kelvin and all shades of white in between.
The need to have easy access to power in the kitchen for small appliances and personal electronic devices has grown significantly in the past decade and this trend is expected to continue. However, traditional power is usually installed on the backsplash of the kitchen, marring the tile work and offering suboptimal power access with only two outlets. Task Lighting and Power’s patented Angle Power Strips are installed under the cabinet and provide multiple outlets without creating visual clutter on the backsplash. Angle Power Strips are available in standard and custom lengths and in a range of finishes to complement any decor.
Developing a plan to upgrade lighting and power in a kitchen renovation is made easy with the help of Task Lighting and Power Design Services Team. The Design Services Team works with designers to develop a comprehensive lighting and power plan free of charge. Simply send in your kitchen layout, and the team will provide you with a plan and product list that will showcase your design in its best light. The Task Lighting and Power Design Services Team can be reached at email DesignAndSupport@TaskLighting.com, phone (866) 848-9094.
Approaching a kitchen remodel with an eye to redefining existing spaces can not only keep costs in check but also creates an opportunity for designers to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge. By redefining space, organizing cabinets, upgrading lighting, and adding power without changing the original footprint of the kitchen, clients can maximize their budget and get the kitchen of their dreams.