Economic Trends For Kitchen Renovation And Restoration
Posted by Jody Raines on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 @ 10:56 PM
Kitchen redesign can be intimidating, especially if you don't know where to begin. Certainly the idea of having a beautiful "new" kitchen is appealing, but renovation is time consuming and costly.
Many consumers are finding that refacing their existing cabinets is an excellent alternative to a total renovation. Some reasons for this are that refacing kitchen cabinets is less expensive than replacing them, and the end result is that the kitchen looks like new.
Alternatives to kitchen renovations can also be restoring the existing cabinetry. Restoring typically includes stripping the existing cabinets, then refinishing the wood with a new look and appearance. In addition to restoring the wood finish, some customers prefer to add molding or detail work to the cabinets to spice things up.
Some of the most popular restorations are done in honey oak, and blonde maple. Oak tends to be used for traditional kitchens, while maple is used in more contemporary themes. Cherry is another popular wood finish, which is used in upscale kitchens with its dark, rich reddish color. County kitchens tend to be done in pine or hickory woods.
Counter tops can be pricey, and many consumers are opting for stylish laminates. The construction of laminates has improved greatly since our mom's and dad's kitchens of the 70's and 80's. and it currently seeing a resurgence in popularity. This may be due in part to the finishes that are available, many of which emulate the look of granite, marble, slate, or other natural stones. Laminates are typically less expensive, and are also faster to install. They also can be covered later if the homeowner choses, with a veneer of granite or other stone at a fraction of the price.
When it comes to restoring or renovating your kitchen, there are options that can save time and money. In fact, it's not as onerous as you may think if you have the help of a designer. There are many exciting new options for kitchens that can improve the efficiency of your space, and enhance the resale value.
Have you thought about renovating your kitchen? What kinds of things have kept you from moving forward?