Gourmet kitchen – Page 2 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

Best Drink Station Ideas for Your Apartment

Tackle your apartment space in style and create your own unique easy-access drink station by selecting a special space to keep your “drink essentials.” All you need is a small area where everything you need is right there in front of you, from coffee pot to wine decanter and everything in between. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying your favorite go-to beverage while impressing your guests, too!

You can use your kitchen counter, tables, carts, a cabinet, custom bar, or other station to suit your style. Here are a few tips to help you organize and stylize your very own apartment drink station.

Side Table with Bottom Cabinets

Using a side table is a great drink station idea for a tiny apartment. This allows you to contain your drink station to a specific area that is also interchangeable – coffee bar in the morning and cocktails in the evening. Simply switch them out for the need.

Because of the cabinets, you can also close the station and hide those drinks that aren’t necessary at the moment. This allows for your space to appear less cluttered. Expert tip – a table with cabinets makes everything accessible when you need it, and out of sight when you do not… choose a cabinet that is unique and looks great on its own.

Rolling Drink Station with Shelves

Creating an apartment drink station with a wheeled cart can be the perfect option – especially if you often entertain guests in your space. The rolling cart drink station is ideal if you want to display all of the imbibing options to guests. Load it up with everything you need – important items toward the top and less-used toward the bottom. Dedicate a shelf to drink accessories. Expert tip – a cart with pullout shelves makes this an easy-access option.

Cabinet Slide-Out Station

For those with very little counter space, an increasingly popular idea is the integrated drink station cabinet with slide-out shelf and drawer storage. When the cabinet is closed, everything is tucked away inside and there is plenty of counter space. When drinks are needed, simply open the cabinet, slide out the shelf and voilà – instant drink station! If you have a nearby drawer, stock it with all of the drink accessories you most often use. Expert tip – this beverage center should include an internal power outlet for a coffee machine, blender, etc.

Custom Half-Table Minibar Drink Station

If you’re feeling creative and have a serious DIY project on the mind, here is a fabulous idea: take an old table and have it cut in half (lengthwise or width-wise depending on your wall space), add a fresh coat of paint and bolt the half-table to your chosen wall. But before the bolting begins, take the leftover table top and create an additional shelf below the counter top. The middle shelf is perfect for drink accessories and condiments. Expert tip – underneath the bottom shelf, hang a rack for wine glasses and another one for coffee mugs.

Tips for Creating a Country French Kitchen

If you’re looking to create a kitchen with a cozy, comfortable, welcoming feel and a rustic, old-world look, French country style is the perfect design. This style of décor fits well in both country homes and modern homes and can easily be created by incorporating a few key elements.

Key French Country Style Elements
Below are key elements for creating a French country kitchen that’s elegant and has distinctive character.

Colors
French country style is marked by soft, pale colors taken from a provincial landscape. Muted hues in earthy tones, such as mustard yellow, soft gold, warm reds, mossy green and pale ocean blues are common.

Dark accents like granite countertops, dark wooden floors with wide boards, colored appliances and wrought-iron detailing can provide the perfect contrast to your French country kitchen.

Materials
Natural materials are an important element in pieces used in French country decorating. Rough stained walls, hefty beamed ceilings and delicately carved wood details provide texture and offer a simple look.

Since cabinetry tends to take up the most visual space in a kitchen, using warm surfaces and subdued tones on the kitchen cabinets is a must for an authentic French country feel.

Architectural Features
Materials used in French country décor often have stunning architectural features. For example, crown molding framing the top of kitchen cabinets is a common component of French country kitchens, as they add a beautiful traditional element.

Another common architectural feature is old, charming flooring. To create this look, old wooden boards are often used, as well as rustic flooring made of stone, clay or brick.

Tall, narrow windows with shutters are another distinguishing characteristic of this design style.

Cabinets
Country French kitchen cabinets feature furniture-type details to add to the warmth and comfort of the room. This décor style features kitchen cabinets that are somewhat ornate, with the doors typically featuring raised or inset panels that are arched or square.

Country French kitchen cabinets are similar to a Victorian style; however, they have brighter colors. Skirted cabinetry, particularly under the sink, is also a traditional country style detail that adds an instant rustic look to the kitchen.

A kitchen island is also an important component to a French country kitchen, as it serves to help with food preparation and provides space to bring people together. If you have the space for an island in your kitchen and want to add visual interest, choose an island in a different color than the rest of the kitchen but keep it within the same warm, muted color palette.

Appliances
Stainless steel appliances fit beautifully in any kitchen, including French country style ones, and enable you to create a truly unique space. You don’t have to worry about creating contrast that doesn’t work when you go with stainless steel, as this material complements a wide spectrum of designs and matches well with a variety of cabinet colors.

If you’re not a fan of stainless steel, white appliances also pair well with this décor style. And, since having a few antique touches is essential for an authentic French country kitchen, retro-inspired appliances are another great choice.
Ready to start the exciting process of designing your French country kitchen and customizing your kitchen cabinetry to match this style? Get started with our free online kitchen design today!

Buying Guide for Your New Dining Table

The dining room is a central and meaningful part of your home. It’s where you and your family gather every day to connect with one another over a shared meal. It’s also the place where you entertain close friends and extended family members, whether for holidays and other special occasions or just to enjoy company and good food.

With the dining table holding such significance, it’s important to choose one that fits your personal style and matches your home’s décor, while also helping to foster connection and create the mood you want others to experience when dining with you.

Follow the suggestions in our dining table buying guide below and you’ll choose a dining table that’s the perfect combination of functional and stylish.

Choosing the Right Shape

You’ll first want to choose the right dining table shape, not only based on how it looks, but also for the layout of your space. A table that matches the shape of your room will enhance balance and create harmony.

The most common dining table shapes include:

Rectangular – The most traditional dining table shape, rectangular tables fit well in long, narrow spaces. This is also a good shape to use when you have an open-plan space that you want to create separate functional areas in, such as a dining area and a family room.
Square – This shape is ideal for smaller rooms, especially square rooms, as it enhances an intimate setting.
Round – A cozy, intimate style, a round shape is an excellent choice for a smaller room where you need a good space-saving option. Since it doesn’t have any corners, a round dining table is also ideal for those with small children who can get hurt on the pointy corners on a square or rectangular table.
Oval – This shape is a more space-efficient alternative to a rectangular table.

In addition to space, also consider the primary use for your table when choosing a shape. A round or square dining table helps to create the desired ambience for candlelit meals or intimate gatherings. A long, rectangular table, on the other hand, is perfect for hosting large dinner parties or seating families of more than four people.

Also think about the most common ways you use your table outside of eating. Do you use it as an office and need room for your laptop and paperwork when checking emails, paying bills or performing other tasks? Do your children use the table to do their homework? Do you and your kids use the table as a craft area for art and other creative projects? Your answers to these questions will be important factors in determining the amount of space your table needs to have.

Choosing the Right Material

After deciding on the best table shape for your home and lifestyle, you’ll need to then choose the right material. You’ll want to select a material that blends well with your existing dining room décor and furniture pieces to create a harmonious setting and relaxed atmosphere.

Keep in mind that there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice and allow yourself the fun and freedom to experiment with materials. Having an open mind will enable you to create a space that displays your personality and style and brings your vision to life.

Some of the most common dining table material choices include:

Glass – A glass dining table is the epitome of modern and elegant. This material is best suited for small rooms or apartments where you want to give the space an open feel.
Wood – A timeless option, a wood dining table creates a warm and welcoming look and feel. This is a versatile material, as it beautifully complements a variety of décor styles and is available in numerous colors and finishes.
Stone – Stone tables, such as granite and marble, are luxurious, natural options that are perfect for modern style homes. Due to the heaviness of stone, it’s best suited for smaller tables.
Metal – Metal is a highly durable option and works well with an industrial or contemporary style room.

Before shopping for your new dining table, measure your space and keep the above guidelines in mind. You’ll find that when you take the time choose a table that meets your various practical, social and style needs, gathering at the table will be a truly rewarding experience.

How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Appliances

Choosing the right finish for your appliances can be both fun and nerve-wracking… but mostly fun. It’s definitely the best part of the buying process! Matching appliances will not only help create a put-together look, but if you do it right, it turns into a conversation piece. The trick is ensuring they fit into the color scheme of your space. Let’s break down some of the most popular appliance finishes and where to use them in your home.

When to Use Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances are the envy of the appliance crowd and for good reason. Easy to match, stainless steel blends well with just about any color scheme. It has a high-end look and quality that really can’t be beat. However, when choosing stainless steel items, use caution if your home includes young children as this finish is extremely prone to showing smudges and fingerprints.

However, you can really use stainless steel anywhere – it’s such a versatile finish, lasts forever, is easy to clean (but will need to be cleaned often), is germ resistant with its non-porous durability, and pretty much matches any décor.

When to Use Slate Appliances

Still somewhat new in the world of appliances, slate is a highly-engineered, low-gloss, matte metallic paint finish; it holds magnets, resists fingerprints, doesn’t show dirt or grime and has a stunning and sophisticated appeal. It’s an excellent choice for high traffic areas.

The versatility of slate means you can use it beyond the kitchen. It is very durable and easy to clean and maintain. This tone-inspired finish looks elegant and fits well with any theme in your home.

When to Use Paneled Door Appliances

Sometimes referred to as “disguise appliances,” the appeal of paneled door appliances is just that – they seamlessly meld into the woodwork and integrate into your home. A trend in home design since the 1990s, paneled door appliances can be used throughout your home – not just the kitchen. They are a great alternative to stainless steel as they do not show fingerprints or smudges.

There’s a reason camouflaging appliances is still so on trend – homeowners want them to be extensions of the rooms they are in and therefore, refrigerators, dishwashers, TVs, wine cellars and more are blending into the woodwork. Finishes can even be designed as artwork – paneled door appliances really have no limits to where and how you can use them.

When to Use Black Appliances

Modern and sleek, black appliances are very popular in kitchens – especially urban kitchens. If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen with a contemporary, urban theme, you can’t go wrong with black appliances. The trick is making sure they don’t give your kitchen a darker appearance. Black appliances look phenomenal in white kitchens, black and white kitchens, red and white kitchens… you get the idea.

Use caution in choosing black appliances if your walls, floors, countertops or cupboards are dark – this could really be just too much and you won’t get the feel you were dreaming about when you chose black appliances.

When to Use White Appliances

Always in style, white appliances are consistently safe choices for most spaces. They are bright, crisp and clean, and just look fresh. Whether your home décor is modern, traditional, farmhouse, urban or another theme, white tends to blend well with most designs. If you’re on a budget – white is always a great option. White appliances are also very easy to clean.

Beyond the kitchen, white appliances include washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, ranges and more! So the reality is that you can really use white appliances anytime, anywhere.

What You Need to Know to Build a Custom Kitchen

Building a custom kitchen can be overwhelming, especially figuring out which storage and layout options will best meet your vision, lifestyle and budget.

Since the kitchen is one of the most highly used rooms in the home, it’s critical to design a functional layout that maximizes the space you have available and enables you to work as efficiently as possible, helping your day-to-day kitchen activities run smoothly.

Decide How Your Kitchen Will Be Used

Before beginning the design process, you’ll need to identify how your kitchen is going to be used, both daily and on special occasions. Knowing this will save you from having regrets later because it will determine how your kitchen layout needs to flow and what different work areas are essential for you.

Five of the most common work areas in home kitchens are:

• The pantry area (this includes the refrigerator and other food storage spaces)
• Storage for appliances, cookware and utensils
• The cooking area (the stove and oven)
• The prep area
• The sink/cleaning area

The working triangle is a concept that says the refrigerator (part of the pantry area), stove (cooking area) and sink (cleaning area) should all be in a triangle arrangement for the most efficient kitchen set up. Keep this concept in mind when designing your custom kitchen. If possible, it’s best that these areas are neither too close together, nor too far apart.

How to Choose a Kitchen Layout

Once you’ve determined the main purpose your kitchen serves and have identified the work areas you’ll need based on that, you’ll want to figure out which layout option makes the most sense. The layout you end up with will depend on various factors, including how you’ll be using your kitchen, the amount of traffic going through the room on any given day and, of course, the space you have available. Three of the most common types of kitchen layouts are:

• Linear (two parallel lines)
• L-shaped
• U-shaped

You’ll need to assess how the different flows of movement that take place in your kitchen (by you and others) will work in relation to each of these layouts. Go with the layout that allows for the smoothest flow of movement among your kitchen work areas, especially the working triangle.

Importance of Custom Kitchen Cabinets for a New Kitchen

You’ll want to utilize as much space as possible when building your custom kitchen and one of the best ways to do this is to install custom kitchen cabinets. When you invest in custom cabinets, you’ll be able to design the specific type of storage space you need for your kitchen tools, appliances, dishware, bakeware and other items. You’ll also be able to maximize every possible inch of space in your kitchen, eliminating awkward, unused areas.

For example, if you bake frequently and have a lot of cookie sheets, muffin tins, cooling racks and other large items that don’t easily fit (or fit at all) into regular cabinets, you can have a section of your custom cabinets designed to neatly contain these items and enable you to easily access them, too.

Bottom Line: Your Kitchen Needs to Work for You

We know there’s a lot to consider when building a custom kitchen. To avoid getting overwhelmed with the numerous options available and ensure your new kitchen will work for you, start by making a list of what is currently working in your kitchen and what isn’t. This list can then be broken down into must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new kitchen, allowing you to prioritize what’s most important to you.

Ideas for Custom Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are becoming a staple in more and more kitchens because they take care of so many practical needs, while also adding a stylish element to the room. If you’re looking into installing an island in your kitchen or updating an existing one, you’ll find numerous options for kitchen island designs.

To ensure you end up with the island of your dreams, we highly encourage you to consider how you use your kitchen and keep that as your focal point. This will help you determine which specific functions the island will handle and then you can go about customizing it to suit your personal style and most important needs. Let’s take a look at a few popular island designs and ideas.

Custom Cabinets

Cabinets are an excellent way to store kitchen equipment and other items, while keeping them out of sight behind closed doors. Design an island with custom cabinets that will best store the items you want to keep in your island for convenient access, such as pots and pans, bakeware and appliances.

Cook Station

If you plan on doing a lot of actual cooking at your island, you’ll want to include a cooktop and, ideally, a large butcher block, a prep sink and a pullout waste container.

Depending on how many spices you use in your cooking, you may also want to add built-in shallow shelves specifically designed for storing spice jars, so you’ll always have them within easy reach.

Unconventional Shape

While most of us envision a rectangular or square shape when thinking about kitchen islands, keep an open mind when looking at different design options – especially if your kitchen has a unique layout that may not be conducive to a more traditionally shaped island. L-shaped islands are increasing in popularity and bean-shaped islands are a fun alternative, too.

Waterfall Edge Countertop

A waterfall edge countertop – where the countertop extends vertically down the sides of the island – provides a sleek, dramatic look, creating a focal point that constantly draws the eye to the center of the kitchen.

Providing strong, clean lines, a waterfall edge is ideal for contemporary kitchens. Islands with a waterfall counter down one end will create a strong 90-degree angle, while a waterfall edge down both sides of the island creates appealing symmetry.

Open Shelves

Often, the spaces at the ends of islands are overlooked. Be sure to keep this space in mind when customizing your kitchen island so that you can best utilize every aspect of your island. These end spaces can be used to display items you use often, such as coffee mugs and favorite cookbooks, or to add thoughtful, welcoming décor like framed photos or artwork.

Double Up

While installing two islands will certainly not be practical for every kitchen, if you do have the space and the budget, it can be an excellent option. By having two medium-sized islands instead of one larger one, you’ll cut down on unused space in the middle of the kitchen. Also, with the path that’s created between two islands, you’ll be able to move about your kitchen more easily.

A substantial benefit to this set-up is being able to create more efficient work zones. For example, one island can be dedicated to meal prep and/or cooking, while the other can be used for eating meals and snacks, working and, if you have kids, doing homework.

Find creative inspiration from these ideas for custom kitchen islands and tailor them to create an island that will be functional and stylish, while fostering connection with family and friends and bringing you joy and ease when cooking.

How to Design a Coastal Kitchen the Right Way

There’s a reason coastal kitchens are appealing to many homeowners, whether they live along the coast or not. The light hues, ample lighting and fun beach or maritime décor add a bright and airy beauty to a kitchen that’s hard not to love.

If you love the serene, relaxed look of coastal kitchens, you can easily bring this style into your own kitchen, whether you live at the beach, in the country or in the city. Follow our tips below for designing a coastal kitchen the right way and your kitchen will have the coastal vibe you dream about all year long!

#1: All-White Cabinetry

One of the best ways to recreate the light, breezy and calm look and feel of the seashore in your kitchen is to begin with all-white kitchen cabinets. Any style of white cabinets will work, however the simplicity that white shaker cabinets provide is ideal.

Not excited about having all-white cabinetry? Not to worry! Even though all-white cabinets are commonly used when designing coastal kitchens, you can opt for a two-toned look. For a contemporary style, consider going with all-white upper cabinets paired with light wood or light painted cabinets for the base or island cabinets. You’ll just want to avoid using any dark colors to keep the atmosphere bright.

#2: Blue and White Elements

One of best ways to incorporate the hues of the ocean is to include various shades of blue in your design. There are several great ways this can be done, so this is the perfect place to use your creativity and show off your personal style.

From blue and white checkerboard ceilings and white tile floors with pops of blue designs, to sparkling blue backsplashes and blue light fixtures, you’ll love all of the fun ways you can add beautiful ocean shades into your kitchen! Of course, if you prefer to not have so much blue, play around with different accent colors to use in addition to blue, such as pale, sandy yellows and sea greens.

#3: Ample Lighting

Let’s face it. A dark coastal kitchen wouldn’t be visually appealing, nor would it have an authentic coastal vibe. For this reason, regardless of how you choose to design your coastal kitchen, getting the lighting right will be key in getting the look and feel you desire.

This means the lighting needs to be bright. Natural lighting is always ideal and, if you have – or can install – tall windows and/or a skylight, you’ll get plenty of natural light coming in to brighten up your kitchen.

However, if you don’t have many windows or don’t get much natural lighting in your kitchen, you can create ample lighting with a combination of task, accent and ambient lighting.

Now that you’re familiar with these main characteristics of coastal kitchens, you’ll be able to create a truly beautiful coastal look – and add your own creative twists to the design!

Kitchen Design Tips – Can You Style White Cabinets with White Appliances?

White has been a kitchen design staple for many decades and continues to draw people in with its crisp, clean look. If you’re one of the many people who’ve fallen head over heels with white kitchens, you’re probably asking one of the most popular questions that are asked when it comes to this kitchen color: Can you style white cabinets with white appliances?

The answer is, as with many things, it depends. There are pros and cons to designing a kitchen with white cabinets and white appliances, so we’ll take a look at both sides. Once you’re equipped with knowledge about the potential benefits and downfalls of this look, you’ll be able to make the decision that best meets your personal style preferences and that’s most suitable for your home.

Pros and Cons to Combining White Cabinets with White Appliances

White cabinets create a unified, clean look, whether styled with white countertops and appliances or with other colors incorporated into the overall design.

When white cabinets are paired with white appliances, there are many positive results, including creating:

A Timeless, Classic Look – With the right styling, white cabinets and white appliances create a timeless look in a variety of homes, from modern and country style homes to cottage and vintage ones.
A Brighter, More Spacious Looking Kitchen – White naturally makes a space feel lighter, brighter and more spacious and, when you use white cabinets with white appliances, they will appear to blend or flow into one another with no distinct lines. This is an especially fantastic styling choice for small kitchens or kitchens that don’t get a lot of natural light.
Versatility – White goes with anything, which gives you a lot more options with tiles and décor choices than most other colors offer. It’s also an ideal backdrop for other light neutrals, as well as splashes of bolder colors.

Some negative aspects of an all-white look in the kitchen include:

Shows Aging More Quickly – No matter what type of material, white tends to show its age more quickly, with signs of wear and tear being more visible on white than it is on other colors.
Needs Regular Maintenance – A white kitchen needs regular maintenance since white shows dirt easily and, as mentioned above, shows signs of aging more than other colors. White cabinets also quickly reveal smudges, scratches and splashes from cooking.
Can Be Plain and Cold – Too much white can appear plain, unexciting and even a bit cold. While plenty of people absolutely love this look, it may not work for you if you’re set on creating a warm, welcoming and cozy kitchen. If you love an all-white look but want to add some warmth, consider adding timber flooring or furniture—incorporating plants and flowers in your décor can also help.

Other Appliance Colors to Consider with White Cabinets

If you have white cabinets or are planning to get white cabinets but aren’t sold on white appliances, there are plenty of other appliance color options that will look beautiful. Subtle colors such as off white, taupe, gray and black all work well against white cabinets, as do bolder, fun colors like turquoise, sage, yellow and red.

What to Consider for Your Kitchen Lighting and Cabinetry During a Redesign

Lighting is essential to any kitchen design and, as the busiest room in most homes, it’s important to illuminate the space properly. This includes a well-planned overall kitchen lighting scheme for the entire room, as well as for the cabinetry. Before you get started on your kitchen redesign, we’re sharing inspiring lighting ideas that will ensure you illuminate your kitchen and cabinets in style.

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

The lighting in your kitchen should be just as versatile as the room itself. Take a look at these ideas for your kitchen lights:

Pendant Lighting: Add character to your space with pendant kitchen lights. Not only versatile, they come in a variety of styles, from simply functional to stunningly chic. The most popular place for pendant lighting is above kitchen islands and work stations.
Chandelier Lighting: If you’re looking for a little extravagance and want to add luxury to your kitchen, chandelier lighting will add a little magnetism, allure and character to the room. Having guests over? Talk about a conversation piece!
Suspended Track Lighting: Illuminate the entire space while seamlessly bringing the décor of the room together. Suspended track lighting is very customizable as it allows you to place direct lighting where you need it. It is available in numerous styles – have fun with it!
Recessed Lighting: Practicality at its best… recessed lighting can light the entire kitchen or specific areas, without detracting from the design. It’s simple and understated, but it gets the job done.

Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Ideas

We’ve all been there before – working in a kitchen and the counter’s just a little too dark. First thing you do is look for the light switch to turn on the cabinet lighting. Why? It’s perfect for task lighting. Try these kitchen cabinet light ideas:

Kitchen Under-Cabinet Lighting: Under-cabinet kitchen lighting is excellent to not only brighten up dark spaces but to give your workspace a little extra lighting boost – without creating shadows. It also adds ambiance and personality to your space. Different options include puck lights, tapelights, rope lights and light strips, among others.
Inside Kitchen Cabinet Lighting: Bring life to your cabinets—not to mention, locate that lost bottle of mustard you know is in there… somewhere. Whether you have deep cabinets, oddly shaped cabinets or you just want to shed a little light on the inside of your cupboards, the following are your best bets: puck lights, fluorescents, light strips, hardwired, plug in, rope or tape lights. Another option is to go for battery-operated lighting.

Effective Kitchen Lighting is Essential

The hub of your home is nothing without proper illumination to spotlight its sophisticated design. While your kitchen is the space everyone seems to gather around, it is also the most multifunctional room in your home. Since the kitchen is such a versatile space, having different lighting options throughout the room allows for easy transition – from food prep and cooking, helping your kids with homework, to dining and most importantly, having an after-dinner conversational area.

Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, hanging out with family and friends or relaxing with a cup of coffee, set your beautifully remodeled kitchen apart with unique and customized kitchen lighting – the options are a plenty.

Tips to Manage Your Kitchen Redesign Budget

If you’ll be tackling a kitchen redesign, it’s important to know what your budget is before diving in. Creating—and managing—a budget will ensure you don’t overspend and help you avoid adding on “extras” you’ll regret down the road.
Redesigning your kitchen will go a long way to increasing the overall value of your home. Follow our tips below for creating a budget (and keeping your kitchen remodel costs within that budget) and you’ll have a kitchen you absolutely love without breaking the bank.

#1: Know Your Purpose

In order to set an appropriate budget for your kitchen redesign, you’ll first need to know your end goal for redesigning your kitchen. If you plan on staying in your home for several more years and this project is mostly for your own enjoyment, you’ll want to list out your wants and needs and prioritize those that are of highest importance to you. Items that will have the most impact on your daily use of the kitchen should be top priorities.

On the other hand, if you plan on selling your home in the next few years, consider making upgrades that have universal appeal and are comparable with competitive homes in your neighborhood.

To determine a reasonable budget, many experts suggest spending between 5% and 15% of your home’s valuation for a kitchen remodel. As an example, if your home is valued at $400,000, a budget range to work with for your kitchen redesign would be between $20,000 and $60,000.

#2: Create Money Buckets

Knowing your overall budget is a great start, but it isn’t enough to be able to properly manage costs. You’ll want to further break down that number by allocating a money bucket to each of the many components that your redesign will consist of. This may include kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, faucets and plumbing, flooring, lighting and electrical and walls and trim. For every one of these aspects, your budget should include both material costs and labor costs.

#3: Expect Unexpected Expenses

Since it’s highly likely that a few surprises will come your way during the course of your redesign, no matter how well prepared you are, it’s critical to allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected costs. Such costs can include discovering water damage, needing to add more support for flooring or appliances, electrical or plumbing issues and more. This is also where you’ll want to budget for increased dining expenses if you won’t be able to use your kitchen for a certain period of the redesign.

#4: Create a System for Managing Your Budget (and Use It)

Create a system for managing your budget that will work best for you—and be diligent about using it. Whether you manage all of your expenses on your own in a simple spreadsheet or work with a project manager, monitoring your budget regularly and knowing exactly where your money is going will keep you in control of your money and your project outcome.