The most popular room in the house to renovate is the kitchen. If you have been living for years with a kitchen that’s cramped, outdated or just plain shabby, or moved into a home with a kitchen that doesn’t suit your lifestyle or aesthetic taste, it is time to transform it into the room you’ve been longing for. 

Whether you are looking for a completely new kitchen or simply want to upgrade what you’ve got, the first step is to determine a budget. If your budget is small, you can make a huge difference simply by changing the colors, installing a new countertop, refacing your cabinets or updating your faucets and knobs. With a larger budget, you can completely gut your existing room and turn it into your dream kitchen. Cost can vary depending on the scope of the project and the materials selected. Once you’ve decided how much to spend, it is a good idea to meet with a design company to help you choose the changes you can afford. You don’t want to fall in love with something that is outside of your budget. 

It is a great idea to start collecting pictures of kitchens you like. Browse through magazines, books and websites (two excellent online resources are Houzz and Pinterest; both contain thousands of photographs). Bring the photos with you, along with shots of any special details you’d like to incorporate, when you consult with a kitchen design company such as Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center. Remember: Your new kitchen should reflect your lifestyle and cooking habits, the number of people you want it to accommodate, and your equipment preferences.

Among the current top trends in kitchen decor are light, bright whites and grays, bold blues and dark grays. There is big interest in simple, light-colored countertops such as marble and quartz. Large wood-topped islands, painted cabinets, and colorful backsplashes are also becoming very popular. 

As for ambience, there is a growing demand today for a cozy and informal look, opened-up spaces, casual eating areas, big islands and plenty of counter space.  

To help you visualize your new kitchen—whether you’re planning a minor facelift or a total change—here are some before-and-after photographs of kitchen remodels by three professional kitchen designers at the Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, which serves homeowners in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. The photos are accompanied by a short commentary by their respective designers.

Before & AFTER

BEFORE & AFTER

AFTER

“This was a beautiful home that was complete except for the dark and dingy 40-year-old kitchen. We turned it into a beautiful, open and functional space that incorporates a larger working island with more storage and landing space to allow for big family parties. Open floating shelves allow the window areas to showcase outdoor views; glass cabinets show off beautiful dinnerware. A large refrigerator, double wall ovens, a pro cooktop, a range hood, and a microwave were incorporated into the cabinet layout for a husband who loves to cook. There are plenty of added storage features, such as roll-out trays, trash-base cabinets, and space for cookbooks. A dark old kitchen was turned into a room this family will enjoy for years to come.”

Before & AFTER

BEFORE & AFTER

AFTER

“With pickled oak cabinets, dated track lighting, and dysfunctional corner storage, my client’s kitchen was in desperate need of an update. To coordinate with the existing decor, we selected a glazed honey maple bead-board, and raised the cabinets to a 42-inch height with crown molding to take advantage of the cathedral ceiling. A lazy susan was added for more storage space. By removing the peninsula and adding a two-tier island, we created space for guests and opened up the flow of the room. Quartz countertops were installed, light fixtures were updated, and a small chandelier was added above the island. Our client ended up with a light and open space that reflects her casual entertaining needs.”

Before & AFTER

BEFORE & AFTER

AFTER

“My client knew from the first day she moved into her new home that she wanted to upgrade her 1980s-style kitchen to reflect her coastal location and love of entertaining. I designed cabinets on one side of the room to be taller than the other to compensate for the room’s sloped ceiling. We pushed the peninsula with the cooktop back into the dining area to provide two-tiered seating at the peninsula. We also moved the stove against the back wall to locate the working triangle on one side, leaving ample space for entertaining. White distressed driftwood cabinets and driftwood tile floors provided a coastal look. All in all, we took a dark, closed-off kitchen and turned it into a functional, open, light and airy space.”

The Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, with 54 years of experience in the remodeling business, specializes in kitchens and baths. With four showrooms throughout Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, it offers a huge selection of top-quality materials, professional installations and free consultations with certified designers. Visit one of the showrooms today to get started. 

Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center
Showrooms: Newark, Wilmington and Lewes, Del., and Bel Air, Md.
302-992-9210
www.bathkitchenandtile.com