Kitchen Remodel Design and Planning Inspiration

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you may be looking for kitchen remodel design and planning information. Read more to find out the types of kitchen remodels, typical costs, remodel ideas, and how to find the best kitchen remodel contractors.

A kitchen is the heart of a home, often the most popular place for families and friends to come together over fine cuisine, good conversations, and celebratory announcements. It can be a great source of joy and pride if it has been designed to be aesthetically appealing and set up in a comfortable and organized manner. However, many people do not find their kitchens satisfactory. Perhaps your kitchen is out of date or has become unattractive with age, your appliances and furniture are wearing out or deteriorating, your space is too small or too cluttered, or your family feels uncomfortable with the way your kitchen is constructed.  



If you wish to remodel your kitchen, you can consider yourself amongst many aspiring to accomplish the same endeavor. As a matter of fact,
The National Kitchen and Bath Association saw a $10 billion dollar acceleration of kitchen and bath expenditure in 2020 increasing from $148 billion to $158 billion. In 2022, they expect the industry to reach $199 billion. These striking figures indicate an increased interest in kitchen remodel design and planning. As such, this article will answer the most common questions consumers may have, like; what the types of kitchen remodels are, how much a kitchen remodel costs, inspiring small kitchen remodel ideas, and how to find the best kitchen remodel contractors. 

What Are the Types of Kitchen Remodels?

In preliminary kitchen remodel planning, it is important to consider the different types of kitchen remodels. By understanding the main classifications, you will be able to find appropriate contractors and determine accurate costs for your project. In general, there are three kitchen remodels: 

  • Cosmetic Kitchen Remodel/Basic Kitchen Remodel: Typically, a cosmetic or basic kitchen makeover is going to remove easy-to-remove and easy-to-install items. Most people complete such a project as a DIY or hire workers to accomplish the work quickly and easily. You may desire new countertops, appliances, hardware, lighting, backsplashes, or paint, or re-painted or stained cabinets. Although all these articles may be easy to replace, they can make quite a significant impact on the feel and look of your kitchen.

  • Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel: A mid-range kitchen remodel is where homeowners will use a kitchen designer and hire professionals to complete the work. Although the main layout of the kitchen is usually kept intact, most of the items are taken out and replaced with new articles. You may receive new appliances, cabinets, countertops, lighting, pipes and fixtures, paint, wallpaper, and backsplashes, and flooring. 

  • High-End Kitchen Remodel: A luxury or high-end kitchen remodel redesigns the layout of the kitchen along with replacing the items within it. In these cases, people typically seek professional consultation with a designer and hire contractors and professional workers to accomplish the renovations. Homeowners may remove walls, change windows and doors, install new cabinetry, countertops, and islands, install state-of-the-art appliances, and create an aesthetically pleasing space with intricate design element

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

As most homeowners know, projected costs play a major role in planning renovation projects. According to Remodeling Online in their Cost vs. Value Report for 2021, a small kitchen remodel averaged $26, 214, a mid-range kitchen remodel averaged  $75, 751, and a high-end kitchen remodel averaged $149,079. Your kitchen remodel costs may vary from these figures, as the total cost is largely dependent on the size of your kitchen, the items you need to replace or install, and the specific rate of your designer and contractor. 

When you are estimating the cost of your kitchen remodel, you may wish to use a general calculation model of your kitchen square footage multiplied by an average of $150. Alternatively, you can add up the projected cost of your appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, windows, and doors, and plumbing as well as the professional installation rate and design fees. You can also use a Remodeling Calculator which will take various factors into account. 

What Are Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas?

Small and mid-range kitchen remodels are the most popular types of kitchen makeovers in the United States. On average, homeowners can afford a mix of DIY design and professional contractors to accomplish a kitchen remodel in this range; in 2020, homeowners spent an average of $11,600 on a kitchen remodel. While an experienced and qualified designer may not be in the budget for a small project, it is completely possible to create an appealing, comfortable, and functional kitchen space for you and your family on your own. Your contractor should even be able to assist you in determining if your kitchen vision is feasible on your allotted budget. 

Some homeowners prefer to design a timeless kitchen, with functional elements that will never go out of style and will not wear out for years to come. Neutral painted walls, wooden cabinetry, open-shelving, durable countertops and tile flooring, practical lighting, and cohesive metallic hardware are all wonderful ideas for pulling a classic look off in your small kitchen. 

That said, if you prefer to stay on-trend, The National Kitchen and Bath Association releases a Design Trends Report annually that ascertain trends for the following few years. In 2022, they expect neutral and natural themes will continue to grow in popularity, while pops of bold colors in those spaces are also trending. Consumers are also prioritizing multi-functional items, such as kitchen islands that contain hidden drawers, shelves, or transform for other uses. In the same manner, technologically advanced appliances are always valued as consumers look for user-friendly and multi-function items. 

How To Find the Best Kitchen Remodel Contractors?

When remodeling your kitchen, finding a qualified contractor should be a main priority. It will reduce the risk of anything going awry during your kitchen remodel; this can be particularly important in a kitchen area as there are pipes and electrical wiring. When your hired team is also handling heavy furniture and expensive appliances, it can be a great relief to know that team is experienced and knowledgeable in their trade. Overall, a reputable team can save you time and money while bringing your kitchen remote vision to life. 

The most efficient method of finding an excellent contractor is by contacting the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or the National Association of Home Builders. By reaching out to any of these organizations, you can find businesses in your area who associate themselves. Next, you can research the reputation of those companies and choose the best rated and reviewed through independent consumer review websites. Moreover, it is advantageous to verify that a contractor is properly licensed and insured before hiring them. In this way, you will be one step closer to your dream kitchen.