Quick answer: Before renovating your kitchen, focus on three things: rethink the layout to fix existing pain points, choose flooring that balances looks with durability and safety, and plan cabinet style and space around how you actually use the room.
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen but not sure where to start? Whether you want a more modern space or a fun, colorful vintage room, here are the big things to consider when renovating your kitchen.
How should you rethink your kitchen layout?
Sometimes it's hard to see a space for what it could be when you're looking at how it is. Before you start your kitchen reno, take time to think about the areas that could be improved or the issues you'd like to fix. These could be as small as cabinets with too-short shelves, sharp corners on your counters, or not enough light—or as big as rebuilding sections to accommodate new appliances like a larger refrigerator or a new dishwasher.
It doesn't matter who you hire to help; coming in with a clear idea of your preferred layout (a rough idea is fine—it doesn't need to be planned foot by foot) helps contractors create what you want and lets you have input before you're living with it.
How do you choose kitchen flooring?
Switching up your kitchen floor is a great way to pull the room together or make a bold statement. There are tons of material options—wood, laminate, natural stone, cork, porcelain, and tile. Since this floor will often be wet or dirty, compare materials based on thickness, resilience, and texture. A smooth, white ceramic floor may be beautiful, but if your family is prone to spills, you may be trading function and even a bit of safety for polish. The most important thing is to think about what you want—trends and best practices are great starting points, but you'll live and function in this space, so discuss it with your contractor to get exactly what you want. For an overview of the different types of kitchen flooring, check out this article.
How do you plan cabinet style and space?
Your kitchen has many functions—congregating, eating, cleaning, cooking, baking—and it's also important storage for perishables and non-perishables. Creating an ergonomic layout that fits all your appliances often means getting creative with cabinet space. Take stock of your current layout: Do you like how tall the shelves are? Are they too short or too deep? Do you have trouble reaching the top or back of a shelf? Are there spaces being underutilized? Once you've assessed functionality, it's time to talk style. Do you have a certain appliance color you'd like the cabinets to match, or are you looking to add a pop of color? You can do all of this when you install new or updated cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I plan first in a kitchen renovation?
Start with the layout. Identify the pain points in your current kitchen—lighting, shelf height, counter corners, or appliance fit—and come to your contractor with a rough idea of your preferred layout so you can shape the design before it's built.
What is the best flooring material for a kitchen?
There's no single best material—wood, laminate, natural stone, cork, porcelain, and tile all work. Because kitchen floors get wet and dirty, compare options on thickness, resilience, and texture, and weigh looks against safety and function for your household.
How do I make my kitchen cabinets more functional?
Take stock of your current cabinets—shelf height, depth, and hard-to-reach or underused spaces—then plan an ergonomic layout that fits your appliances before choosing a style and finish.
