Kitchen Remodel Design Ideas

A kitchen remodel is a big deal—not something to be approached rashly. So before you even visit a showroom or meet with a pro, read our expert advice on creating the cook space you've always coveted.
Worth the Splurge.
1) Second sink: Place it outside of the main cooking and cleanup zone so that a second chef can prep food, wash hands for dinner, or bartend during parties.
2) Paneled cabinet ends: These decorative panels, which are essentially oversize doors fixed to any exposed sides of cabinets, give your kitchen a custom-built, furniture-like look.
3) Full-extension, soft-close drawer glides: Installed under or on the sides of a drawer, they allow it to pull completely out of the cabinet so that you can reach everything inside. Plus, they eliminate slamming.
To create a comfortable and good-looking kitchen, consider these rules of thumb for installing cabinets, countertops, and lighting.
Easiest way to save big: Keep your current layout. Taking down walls, and moving gas lines, plumbing connections, and electrical wiring will quickly erode your budget.
1. Choose a manufacturer that offers the door style and finish you want as a standard option, with no up-charge.
2. Don't pay for factory-built or custom organizers. Aftermarket utensil dividers, rollout trays, and back-of-the-door spice racks are a fraction of the cost at websites such as organize.com and cabinetparts.com.
3. Avoid custom configurations. You can often use stock wine organizers, cubby units, and even appliance panels to fill awkward spaces that might otherwise require you to buy a custom cabinet.
The big guys may not offer the customization you get from a local craftsman, but factory-made-to-order cabinets have the following benefits:
1. Warranties of up to 25 years on cabinets, accessories, workmanship, and internal hardware.
2. Controlled environment that yields more stable wood, which reduces warping and splitting later.
3. Computerized cutting tools that offer more precise joinery than anything done by hand.
4. Baked-on finishes that are more durable than local guys' air-dried ones. Dust-free finishing rooms also provide a smooth-as-glass surface.