Update Your Kitchen and Bath for the New Year

KITCHENS

Today's kitchens are open and spacious. They contain distinctive cabinetry and usually include an island. You can easily remodel your existing kitchen to incorporate these popular and functional elements.  

Opening up your kitchen will likely involve moving or removing a wall to redefine your living space. Some homeowners want a kitchen and den that are completely open to one another, creating a great room. If this is your preference, you can use soft design elements to define the spaces, such as carpeting, rugs, or paint colors. Other homeowners want a bit more definition. If this is your preference, use hard design elements to define the space. For example, you might install a half-wall between the kitchen and living room, maybe with a counter on top. Or, you can add definition with columns or other architectural elements that will help the space feel both open and defined. 

Once you open up your kitchen, use the added space for an island. Islands are endlessly useful in today's kitchens. You may decide to use your island primarily for prep work. In that case, add a prep sink and cutting boards to your design. Or, you may decide your island should be a gathering place. In that case, your island plan should include bar seating. Whatever island design you choose, you can be certain your island will also add storage space. Shelves, drawers, spice pull outs, knife blocks - all are possible options to include in your new island. Kitchen islands can be large or small, but, because they are so useful, you will always be grateful to have one. 

A great kitchen also has great cabinets. Changing up kitchen cabinetry is typically part of any kitchen remodel. You can go big and completely replace all your cabinets, or, you can be more conservative in your approach and update your style with smaller-scale changes. You can choose to replace your doors, or to change the trim on your existing doors. Or, you can remove the wood panels in your doors and replace them with glass. Refinishing or painting existing cabinets and adding new hardware are other ways to change the look of your kitchen and give it a fresh face. 

BATHS 

Luxurious, spa-like bathrooms are as trendy now as ever. You do not need a big space to achieve the relaxing look and feel you want, and there are lots of remodeling options to help you. A new tile floor might be your first step in updating your bathroom, followed by the installation of an elegant whirlpool tub. If you don't have room for a tub, add a bit of spa to your shower with new shower heads and some steam features. You can make a small space seem bigger by removing bulky, built-in cabinets and replacing them with light, modern, furniture-like installations to use as counters, storage, and vanities. These types of pieces will update your space, give the illusion of more room, and add a touch of luxury.  Framed mirrors and beautiful lighting fixtures are simple ways to add something special to your bathroom. With your new floor, new cabinets, and new fixtures in place, be certain to add some plush, white towels to finish out your elegant new bathroom. 

Get started today creating the kitchen and bath you've always wanted. Remodeling in St. Paul, MN, is an excellent way to give your home a fresh face for the new year.

Source : articlesbase.com