Embrace a Functional Layout

The layout of a kitchen can make a huge difference in your space. Opting for a layout that minimizes wasted space and promotes efficient movement throughout the kitchen is best. A galley or L-shaped layout allows for streamlined workflow and abundant storage opportunities without taking up too much floor space.

Utilize Vertical Storage

When the footprint of your kitchen is smaller, look up! Consider installing shelves or cabinets to make use of the vertical space in your kitchen for storing items like cookware, spices, and small appliances. Open shelving is a great option that creates the illusion of space by visually expanding the room while traditional cabinets can sometimes make a space seem smaller and more enclosed.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Choose furniture pieces that can be used for multiple purposes to make the most of your kitchen space. A kitchen island with storage can also double as a prep area and dining table. Consider a fold-down table that is mounted to the wall that can be used for meal prep and then neatly tucked out of the way when not in use.

Choose Slim and Sleek Appliances

Every inch counts in a smaller kitchen so look for slim and compact appliances that are specifically designed for smaller spaces. There are narrow refrigerators, slimline dishwashers, apartment-sized ovens, and compact microwaves. These space-saving appliances not only fit seamlessly into your small space, but they also leave more room for storage and movement. Especially if you live alone, these smaller appliances might be a great choice for your small space.

Maximize Cabinet Space

Installing organizers and inserts that keep everything neat and accessible can make the most of your cabinet space. Pull-out shelves, turntables, and drawer dividers can make your storage highly efficient and functional. Keeping your kitchen organized and uncluttered can make you forget just how small your space is because it functions so efficiently.

Utilize Underutilized Spaces

Consider every surface as an option for storage. The area above your cabinets and the inside of cabinet doors can be used as extra storage space. Installing hooks or racks on the inside of your cabinet doors can create a space to store pot and pan lids and utensils. Invest in some decorative baskets to store items that you don’t use too frequently on the top of your cabinets as well.

Keep it Light and Bright

Choosing the right colors for a smaller space can make a huge difference. Opting for white or light-colored cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash will reflect light and make the room feel more spacious, airy, and open. Natural light coming through windows or skylights can also help make the room feel larger and more inviting.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

The most important part of maximizing any space is to keep it clutter-free. Regularly taking the time to declutter countertops, cabinets, and drawers and taking inventory of everything you have will allow you to make room for the essentials and prevent the space from getting too cramped and overcrowded.

Using these design tips and tricks can transform even the smallest kitchen into a functional and stylish space that meets your specific culinary needs. Using a little creativity and smart planning can ensure that it is still a joy to cook and entertain in your small, urban space. If storage solutions are what you need, your local Kitchen Solvers is happy to help! We can also help you think through how we might be able to rearrange your space to make it as functional as possible.

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1. Cost-Effectiveness

Going the refacing route is significantly more budget-friendly than a full kitchen overhaul. It allows you to achieve a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank. The bulk of the cost of new cabinetry is in new cabinet boxes, so by keeping those structures in place and simply replacing the doors and hardware, you save on both materials and labor.

2. Time-Efficient

A full kitchen renovation can disrupt your daily routine and leave your kitchen (and entire home) disheveled for weeks. A cabinet reface, however, is quick and efficient and can usually be done in 2-4 days depending on the size and scope of the project. This minimizes the inconvenience and allows you to enjoy your new kitchen in practically no time.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Opting for a kitchen cabinet reface is an environmentally conscious choice. By recycling the existing cabinet boxes and framework you are reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste. The environmental impact associated with the manufacturing and disposal of cabinetry can be detrimental, so every little bit we can do to cut that down make a difference.

4. Versatility in Design

The style possibilities are virtually endless with cabinet refacing. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or eclectic style you can choose from a wide variety of materials, finishes, and hardware to design your cabinetry to fit your taste. Having this type of flexibility ensures that your kitchen will reflect your style and personality.

5. Preservation of Layout and Functionality

If you have no qualms about your kitchen’s current layout and functionality, there really is no need for a complete overhaul. Choosing to reface instead of replace allows you to maintain the existing structures while giving it a major facelift. This maintains the aspects of your kitchen that work well for you so you know you’ll be able to function smoothly in the new space as well.

6. Increased Home Value

A refreshed and modern kitchen significantly adds to the overall value of your home. Potential buyers are drawn to a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing kitchen. It can be the deciding factor for a lot of buyers as they are comparing homes to one another. Refaced cabinets can be a selling point for your home that sets you apart from the rest of the real estate market in your area.

7. Quality of Materials

During the process of refacing your cabinets, you have the opportunity to upgrade the quality of materials used for your doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. You might also consider upgrading your countertops, backsplash, and appliances at the same time. All these changes not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve the durability and longevity of your cabinets and kitchen as a whole.

8. Enhanced Lighting and Visibility

You might be surprised how much of a difference upgraded cabinet doors can make on the lighting and visibility of a space. Choosing a glass insert door, or simply a lighter-colored door can create a brighter and more open feel to your kitchen. This can make your kitchen more enjoyable and comfortable for cooking and entertaining.

9. Personalized Storage Solutions

During your cabinet refacing project, you have the opportunity to reassess your storage needs in your kitchen and implement personalized solutions. You can incorporate features such as pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, or built-in organizers for spices, cooking sheets, or pots and pans. These allow you to optimize the functionality of your cabinets.

10. Minimal Disruption

One of the most significant advantages of a cabinet reface is the very minimal disruption is causes to your daily life. As we already mentioned, a reface takes much less time than a full remodel, but your kitchen can stay almost fully functional during the project as well. By avoiding removing all of the cabinetry, you can maintain some workspaces and access to appliances so your kitchen can still be used during the evenings when work is not being done.

As you can see, refacing is a smart investment that combines cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and the opportunity for an updated and personalized design and function for your kitchen. It breathes new life in your kitchen and enhances both aesthetic appeal and function without the hassle and time commitment of a full renovation. Whether you are looking to sell your home soon or create a more enjoyable living space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come, a reface is a great option. If you are interested in learning more about cabinet refacing and if it is the right choice for your project, reach out to your local Kitchen Solvers to set up a free in-home consultation and find out!

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It Starts with Layout

Optimizing the available space is the first step to an organized and functional kitchen. Although newer homes typically have a wide open kitchen, older homes tend to have a U-shape, L-shape, or galley-style kitchen. Although these layouts aren’t “kitchen goals” these days, they were designed and created to be practical and functional at the time; and they still can be! They ensure easy movement and efficient workflow because they are small. They also force you to live minimally; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The key to these smaller, oddly shaped kitchens is using every inch effectively. Consider installing functional corner cabinets with pull-out shelves or lazy susans to make sure you are optimizing every square inch of space. Starting with a thoughtfully planned layout sets the stage for a highly organized and functional kitchen.

Consider Multiple Functions

Another way to maximize functionality is by choosing furniture and appliances that can serve multiple purposes. An island or recycled table can double as a workspace and additional storage space. Appliances with compact designs and built-in features can make a huge difference too. Microwave drawers are becoming more and more popular because they don’t take up highly sought-after upper cabinet/wall space or even countertop space. Custom cabinetry with pull-out pantry systems can have your store more in a small space. These are just two simple examples of ways you can save precious counter space while also maintaining accessibility.

Go Up

Use vertical space to your advantage by installing wall-mounted shelving or racks for commonly used utensils, pots, and pans. Magnetic strips on the wall/backsplash can be a great place to store knives or other metal kitchen utensils. Hanging baskets or hooks on the underside of upper cabinets can be a great place to store mugs, spices, or even fresh produce. Using the vertical space to your advantage frees up valuable counter space and keeps your space organized and functional.

Customize Your Cabinetry

Although the U-shape, L-shape, and galley-style kitchens encourage efficient workflow, the real secret to creating a functional kitchen lies INSIDE your cabinets and drawers. Pull-out shelves, sliding trays, and dividers not only maximize the use of deep cabinets and drawers, but they also minimize clutter—which is half the battle of a small space. Lazy Susans in corner cabinets allow easy access to items and customizable drawer inserts will help keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools neatly organized. Implementing the right storage solutions will make a world of difference in your small space.

If designing kitchen space still seems overwhelming to you, you’re at the right place on the internet. Your local Kitchen Solvers specializes in just this and are looking forward to helping you accomplish your dreams for a functional, organized, and beautiful space. We have experience in kitchens big and small and are passionate about creating spaces that our customers love—whether that’s a complete gut and remodel, or just a cabinet reface and storage solutions. A well-designed kitchen not only enhances function but also adds aesthetic appeal to your home for yourself and future owners to enjoy for years to come. Call your local Kitchen Solvers today to start dreaming of a space where function and style coexist in perfect harmony.

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Trend #1: Bold Cabinetry

Throughout the year, big bold colors have become very prevalent in kitchens specifically black. A black accent wall, countertop, or cabinetry can provide a nice contrast with the rest of the kitchen. If black is too aggressive, homeowners also use navy blue within a kitchen to give a more subtle contrast. Besides darker colors, jewel tones such as emerald green and plum have continued to emerge in households.

Trend #2: Warm Finishes

Warm finishes have become a favorite of homeowners this year. Beiges, browns, copper, and warmer grays have proven to be a continuation of the natural organic trend. These warm finishes pair beautifully with natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and walnut finishes. Butcher block countertops have also made a comeback when warmer colors are incorporated in kitchens, and the modern farmhouse look is desired.

Trend #3: Pop of Color

Bright colors in kitchen spaces is a classic trend that seemed to hold a great influence over 2020 kitchen designs. A pop of bright color in any kitchen adds character and personalization to that space. These accents have become increasingly popular in kitchen islands, backsplashes, window treatments, and artwork. We’ve even seen this bright color incorporated into appliances, like this kitchen with a purple stove.

Trend #4: Functional Storage

So far in this year, the remodeling industry has seen a huge focus of homeowners trying to maximize cabinet storage. Pull out pantries, drawer dividers, and pull out spice racks have been essential in remodels big and small. Storage in the form of open shelving adds character to kitchens looking to display unique accessories and other special touches.

Trend #5: Finishing Touches

Quartz countertops have been a big hit due to their aesthetically pleasing presentation and low maintenance requirements. Another upcoming trend is accent lighting. Glass cabinet lighting, LED strip lighting on open shelving, or artwork lighting has the ability to brighten up your kitchens space and lift the rooms ambience.

Deciphering through all of the functional and visual decisions can be overwhelming. These trends listed above are styles which we see having a lasting effect in the remodeling world and are meant to ease our homeowners remodeling stress. If you’re curious to learn more about kitchen storage ideas be sure to read our blog article DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas for inspiration. Also, visit our home page to find the nearest Kitchen Solvers location to you.

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If you’re a typical homeowner, you want to make sure you’re utilizing every inch of available space. While this is an admirable goal, there’s probably one area of your kitchen going unused: The cabinet above your refrigerator.

Most people assume that the above-fridge cabinet is a space that is too inconvenient to use. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn the space above your fridge into one of the most useful areas in your kitchen. Here are a few ways to update your above-fridge cabinet so that you can improve your kitchen’s utility and your enjoyment of this room.

Combine Rollouts and Dividers

One of the reasons that the cabinet above the fridge often goes unused is because it’s so hard to reach inside this space. Luckily, making your above-fridge cabinet more accessible is easy with the right tools.

For instance, a popular option is to split the cabinet in two by using vertical dividers on one side of the cabinet and then installing a roll out on the other side. With the dividers, you’ll have valuable shelf space, and the roll out will provide your more convenient access to important items stored in this cabinet.

Store Your Wine

If you already have enough storage in your kitchen and are looking for an interesting use for the space over top of your refrigerator, a great idea is turning this area into a wine rack.

There are several ways to turn the cabinet above your cabinet into a wine rack. Some people choose a single-level shelf that is capable of holding a few bottles. You could also choose a rack with multiple shelves so that you can store as much wine as possible. Whichever option you’ll choose, you’ll finally be putting that above-fridge space to good use. You may even turn your kitchen into your neighborhood’s happy hour spot.

Add an Appliance

If your kitchen is on the smaller size, it can be hard to find room for your appliances. However, if you have an unused cabinet above your refrigerator, this space can be used to place smaller appliances such as a microwave.

Many above-fridge cabinets look like they were designed with the microwave in mind, and all you need to do to use the cabinet for this purpose is removing the doors and making sure there’s an opening for the power cord. Putting your microwave above the fridge can give your kitchen a cleaner look while opening up valuable counter space.

Help with Kitchen Remodeling

As you can see, the cabinet above your fridge doesn’t need to remain unused. All you need is a little imagination and help from the right professionals. If you’re ready to put the above-fridge cabinet in your kitchen to good use, you should be sure to consult with the Kitchen Solvers team.

At Kitchen Solvers, we are passionate about helping homeowners like you build the kitchen of your dreams. Whether you have a small project in mind, such as updating your above-fridge cabinet, or are interested in a larger remodel, we are here for you. Visit a location today to start planning your remodel.

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A pantry is one of the most beneficial features that you could have in your kitchen. Unfortunately, finding the space for a pantry can be difficult, limiting your storage options. However, if your kitchen has a closet with wire shelves, you can easily transform this area into the pantry of your dreams.

Once you’ve created a kitchen pantry, you’ll have a convenient space that will allow you to store the ingredients that you need to cook a world-class meal. Here are a few tips for creating a kitchen pantry out of your wire shelf closet and information about the benefits of using roll outs in your kitchen.

Using Rollouts for Your Pantry

While you could use the existing wire shelves in your kitchen closet for storage, a much better solution is replacing those wire shelves with roll outs. This can be done very easily, and will drastically improve the utility of your kitchen.

When you replace your traditional wire shelves with roll outs, you’ll have quick and easy access to your most frequently used ingredients and other foodstuffs. This means no more digging around for ingredients when you’re trying to create a meal for your friends and family. In addition, you should be able to store a larger number of items than you would with regular wire shelving.

Options for Roll Outs

Now that you know that the best solution for creating a kitchen pantry is replacing your wire shelves with roll outs, it’s a good idea to learn about a few of your roll out options.

First, you will need to choose your style of roll out. Your options include sloping side roll outs, low side roll outs, and high side roll outs. All three of these options have their distinct advantages, but your best choice for a pantry is sloping side roll outs, which will allow to store items of different sizes while still being able to see to the back of your roll out.

Second, you will need to choose how your roll out will open. For most people, roller slides are a good choice, as they can be installed very quickly and offer a variety of mounting options. If you want fuller access to your roll out, then it’s a good idea to choose ball-bearing slides instead. With ball-bearing slides, your roll outs will be able to completely extend, and they can also hold heavier items without risk of breaking.

If you’re not sure exactly what options are right for your roll out pantry, it’s a good idea to consult with kitchen remodeling professionals.

Create Your Kitchen Pantry

If you’ve always wanted a pantry in your kitchen and have a wire shelf closet, now is the perfect time to turn your pantry dreams into a reality. While you could remodel your closet yourself, the best solution for creating a kitchen pantry is working with Kitchen Solvers.

Kitchen Solvers is the number one resource for homeowners interested in remodeling your kitchen. Our professionals can quickly help you replace your wire shelves with roll outs so that you’ll finally have the pantry that you need. Stop by one of our locations today.

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In your kitchen, there are several important pieces of equipment. However, perhaps the most important item in your kitchen is your cabinets. Without the right cabinets, you won’t have the storage or appearance that you need, meaning you need to make sure that you’re choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen.

Instead of choosing traditional cabinets, many homeowners are opting for custom kitchen cabinets. By installing custom cabinets, you can both improve the utility of your kitchen and boost its appearance. Here are a few tips for a custom kitchen cabinet installation, and information about why you need to hire a kitchen remodeling expert.

Pull-Out Shelves

A common problem with kitchen cabinets is accessing your frequently used items. If your cabinets are filled with pots, pans and other utensils, it can be easy to create a mess whenever you’re cooking a meal. To make sure that you can reach your cooking equipment, and that your kitchen stays clutter-free, you should consider installing pull-out shelves in your cabinets.

Installing pull-out shelves in your cabinets provides several benefits. First, it allows you to more effectively organize your cabinets. Second, it ensures that you don’t have to empty your entire cabinet to get one item. Best of all, pull-out shelves are an affordable solution for improving your storage space.

Go Green

If you’re like most homeowners, then you want to make sure that your kitchen is as environmentally friendly as possible, which means you need to find an effective recycling solution. One of the best ideas for a custom kitchen cabinet is dedicating one under counter cabinet for your recycling needs.

You can install a roll-out tray that is equipped with containers dedicated to each type of recyclable materials. This allows you to both keep your trash out of sight and efficiently sort your recyclables. If you have the available space, a recyclables cabinet is a must have in your kitchen.

Corner Lazy Susan

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s important that you maximize your space. This means you should use every available inch of your kitchen, including the corners of your counters. If the corners in your kitchen aren’t currently being used, a great idea is to install a corner cabinet equipped with a Lazy Susan.

Adding a Lazy Susan to the corner of your kitchen can boost your available storage space and make it easy to access your equipment. Install this custom cabinet and you may wonder how you ever managed without it in your kitchen.

Install Custom Kitchen Cabinets

If you want to enjoy your kitchen as fully as possible, then you need to make sure you have cabinets that are tailored to your needs. Choosing the right cabinets means having ample storage space and being able to easily use your kitchen every day. If you need help installing your custom kitchen cabinets, your best solution is to hire the remodeling experts at Kitchen Solvers.

Kitchen Solvers has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you with your remodeling project. We can tell you about the custom kitchen cabinets that best fit your needs and then help you with installation. Stop by a Kitchen Solvers location today so that we can discuss your project.

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