Category: Blog

There are a lot of factors that go into remodeling a kitchen in Rhode Island. Aside from how it will look, you’ll need to consider other aspects like functionality, storage, and more.

Of course, it’s fun to pick out a color scheme and style, but overlooking important questions before getting started could end up being a huge hassle in the long run.

To help you avoid a major headache (and possibly expenses), ask yourself these 5 questions before you start your next kitchen remodeling project…

WHAT DO I MAINLY USE MY KITCHEN FOR?

The main use of a kitchen is obvious, from grandma’s cookies to daily dinners. But you may also use it for other things as well. For example, if you use your kitchen as a hangout area or for company entertainment, you may want a space that is completely open and visible from other rooms in your Rhode Island home.

Enlarging the entrance and eliminating a door will create a more welcoming and friendly environment. However, if you mainly use your kitchen to cook and clean up, you will want to consider a more private and closed off room that can’t be seen from surrounding areas.

HOW MUCH STORAGE SPACE DO I NEED?

If you’re the type of person that likes clean, uncluttered countertops, then you may want to choose drawers that have a sliding 2 tiered option and tall, wall height cabinets. If you don’t mind having everyday appliances living on your countertop for easy access, then you may be able to skip the island and free up some walking space.

WHAT STYLE DO I WANT MY KITCHEN TO BE?

There are tons of different styles and themes that you can choose when remodeling your kitchen. But, your kitchen could end up looking like a chaotic mess if you don’t plan ahead. For example, if you prefer a modern kitchen, then you’re going to want to make sure that you choose high tech appliances and shiny, solid colored countertops.

If you prefer more of a contemporary style, then chances are that your kitchen is used for comfort. Contemporary kitchens tend to have more seating areas and a bigger kitchen table for family-friendly meals.

HOW MUCH DO I COOK?

If you are an avid chef, then chances are you need appliances and utensils that are easily accessible. If this is the case, then getting creative with visual storage is necessary. For example, implementing a peg board to hang pots, pans, and large utensils will eliminate your need for extra storage space. If you do cook a lot and your kitchen happens to be on the smaller side, you are probably going to want a fold-down table option for an extra prep surface.

HOW BIG IS MY KITCHEN?

If you happen to have a big kitchen, then you generally won’t have to worry about dark colors or bright lightening. On the other hand, if your kitchen is relatively small, then you’re going to want to consider options that make your kitchen appear bigger.

For example, neutral color schemes, extra lighting, and furniture that maximizes the amount of walking space you have.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Starting a kitchen remodel is an exciting prospect. But before diving in elbow deep, you’ll want to ask yourself some key questions outlined in this article. The answers of which will help you formulate a plan forward that will help result in the perfect outcome.

If you’re unsure of where to start, need advice, or contractors and designers that care about your project as much as you do, give the team at Northeast Kitchen & Flooring Center a call today. Our local Rhode Island kitchen remodeling professionals are ready to help!

It’s that time, again. Your kitchen is looking like it has been around since the early 1980s, and you are over it. From outdated cabinets and hardware, to dulled paint and inconvenient layouts, it’s time to consider your next move.

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But what exactly is the right move to make? Where is the best place to start and are there aspects you can consider early on in the planning process that might save you big later on?

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This short guide will help you quick start your kitchen remodel and get your wheels spinning with ideas that fit your style, budget and functional needs…

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Budget Your Plans

Budget for everything.

 

After you’ve budgeted for all the obvious costs, budget for the unexpected. Because as all of us who have gone through remodels and renovations know….nothing ever goes 100% according to plan. And when things go “off the reservation”, that typically means bigger associated costs.

 

By tucking away a little extra, you will be prepared for whatever unexpected costs come along.

 

The Devil Truly is in the Details as they Say

Know exactly what you want from the remodel/update.

 

Pick out your design choices and be decisive before the work begins. If something isn’t decided beforehand, it will have to be dealt with during the remodel. This can cause extra costs and a delay in completion. The last thing you want is to be the bottleneck in your own renovation.

 

Find a Trustworthy Contractor

It’s tempting to go with the lowest bidder or attempt to do the remodel yourself, but this can end up costing you more in the long run. You want to make sure that you’re employing a trustworthy professional, while not getting overcharged.

 

You don’t need to go with the highest bid, but bear in mind you often do get what you pay for. Find a reliable contractor with reasonable “middle of the road” rates that come recommended or has high ratings and a track record of successful kitchen updates under their belt.

 

Questions to Ask Before Beginning

There are a few important questions to consider before beginning your remodel:

 

1. What needs to be updated?
2. What issues need to be solved?
3. What kind of space do you need in your kitchen?
4. What theme will be a timeless influence in your house?
5. What are the most important aspects of a kitchen to you?

 

By answering these questions, you can determine what areas need to be a focal point of your remodel.

 

Preparing Your Old Kitchen

Before the remodel starts, there are a few steps you must take to prepare your kitchen:

 

• Turn off your electric, water, and gas
• Rent a dumpster for trash
• Remove all appliances and empty all cabinets
• Cover your floors with a drop cloth.

 

Once this has all been taken care of, your kitchen is ready for demolition.

 

Other Factors to Consider

Everyone loves new cabinets and a shiny countertop, but there is more to a remodel than that! It is important to update the following:

 

• Your cabinets’ inner structures
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Lighting
• Walls
• Flooring

 

This is your opportunity to get as much done as possible at the same time. Remember to stay within budget but remember that it will be cheaper to do while you are already in there.

 

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork

At Northeast Kitchen and Flooring, we will help you design the perfect kitchen remodel. Our expert designers know just the right products for your kitchen, and we can make suggestions to help you stay on budget.

 

Designing a kitchen remodel can be a fun experience, and the final product is amazing. Let’s work together to design the perfect kitchen for your life!

Today is a feel good day here at Northeast Kitchen and Flooring. We donated a truck load of building materials to Habitat for Humanity’s (Attleboro location) ReStore! As anyone that has been through a home renovation knows, there are typically building materials leftover. Those materials usually end up in a dumpster or in our case, a storage unit. Instead of sending our leftovers to a landfill, we decided to give back to our local community. Design Assistant & Social Media Manager Aliya coordinated this effort. Operations Manager Shannon (pictured with ReStore employees Tony & Jim) was on site today to make sure everything ran smoothly. As the materials were loaded in the truck, we couldn’t help but to feel a sense of joy with the thought of the many families these items would be helping.

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat ReStores are home improvement stores that accept small and large donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Proceeds from the sales of these items help Habitat’s work in your community and around the world.

Nearly 50 percent of homeowners changed or plan to change the layout of the kitchen as part of their remodeling plan. According to a recent Houzz.com survey, the most popular kitchen design trend among U.S. homeowners undertaking a kitchen renovation is L-shaped Kitchens. U-shaped kitchens were the second most popular layout followed by a galley layout.

Open floor plan kitchens are another significant trend among homeowners remodeling their kitchens. Many of our clients agree, opening up their kitchen space to other parts of their home is one of the most requested services. The Houzz survey found more than 50 percent of homeowners opting for opening the kitchen to other living areas, while 18 percent choose to open their kitchen space to outdoor spaces.

The average size of a kitchen remodel was 230 square feet. A reported 40 percent of homeowners opted to increase the size of their kitchen as part of their remodel. More significant than size is style. The top priority among homeowners in the survey and among our clientele is to create a kitchen that is both stylish and beautiful. That’s the number one reason why our clients depend on our showroom. We know how to ask the right questions to determine wants, needs and dreams. The most popular style of kitchen renovations was transitional, followed by contemporary and farmhouse.

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. The greatest source of buyer’s remorse among our clients is overlooking storage and accessories that make the kitchen easier to use and more beautiful. The top built-in and specialty storage amenities specified for American kitchens according to the survey are as follows:

• Pullout waste or recycling cabinets (67 percent)
• Cookie sheet/tray organizers (55 percent)
• Deep drawer organizers (45 percent)
• Pull/swing out trays/shelves (44 percent)
• Lazy Susans (44 percent)
• Spice organizers (42 percent)
• Cutlery organizers (40 percent)
• Utensil organizers (35 percent)
• Pots and pan organizers (34 percent)
• Small appliance garage/drawers (24 percent)
• Wine and/or bar cabinets (20 percent)
• Pull out corner drawers (19 percent)
• Dish organizers (18 percent)

If you’d like ideas for making the kitchen of your dreams become a reality, call us at (401) 257-6610 or visit our showroom at 2949 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI.