Ask today’s homeowners if they’d like an open concept kitchen design and you’re likely to hear “yes” about 77% of the time; or at least that’s what a recent survey of over 7,800 people revealed. While open kitchens seem to be the norm these days, it wasn’t always that way. Thinking back through the homes of your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents will likely uncover memories of closed-off spaces (or at least mostly closed-off). In decades past, homes were more “compartmentalized,” so to speak. The kitchen was usually quite hidden, and a place with just enough room for the essentials and one cook. Keeping the kitchen hidden from the adjoining rooms allowed for the culinary masterminds of the home to prepare food, undisturbed.

Saving up for a remodel can be challenging, but if you really want changes in your home, it pays to make a few tweaks to the way you live.

Often, it is the seemingly small repeated purchases and activities that make a big impact on our bank accounts over time - like that morning cup of coffee you buy at Starbucks instead of making it at home. Or, there’s that new shirt you just have to own (even though you have plenty of clothes to wear already).

Making changes

Some days, it can be a challenge to remember an important date or even to put two matching socks on – so, we understand completely why homeowners often feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning their remodels. Luckily, there are plenty of people who have taken the leap before you, and most of them are willing to talk about their mistakes in an effort to help others.

Make no mistake

To remodel, or not to remodel – that is the question when it comes to putting your home up for sale. Your first instinct may be to fix up the kitchen, since that is one of the biggest selling features of a home, but it is important not to rush into anything without asking yourself a few important questions and doing some research first.

A major remodel isn’t always necessary

What’s your favorite home remodeling show?  Everyone has one these days (Seriously, who doesn’t love a good makeover story?).  The homeowners are always so happy when the final products are revealed in all their radiating glory.  But, many kitchen and bath remodeling professionals are not always enthusiastic when their clients mention a home renovation show.  Why?  Because, while they are inspirational and educational, they can often set some false perceptions regarding areas like overall costs and time involved in a remodel.

That being said, we love that there are so many opportunities for homeowners to learn more about remodeling right from the comfort of their own homes.  In fact, as many of you already know, our team at Brakur Custom Cabinetry, Inc. has had amazing opportunities these past couple years to have our cabinets featured on the DIY Network’s hit show Kitchen Crashers.   We encourage you to keep watching these educational programs, but keep in mind a few things as you do so…

Here at Brakur Custom Cabinetry, Inc., cabinets are clearly our bread and butter – but we wouldn’t leave you high and dry without anything to complement your beautiful cabinets. We also offer a wide variety of counter tops with installation services.

Through the years, one counter top material has proven to be desired by the majority – and while it has some competition lately from a similar counterpart (pun intended) – it is still one of the reigning champs: Granite.

What’s great about granite

Buying a home is a huge commitment, which is why it is important to make sure yours has qualities that are going to keep you happy through the years. Sometimes, you have to dig deep to see the potential, but that rings true when it comes to any long-term relationship.

Your remodeling project is one of the biggest projects you will take on in your home. With that said, it needs to be handled by industry professionals who can make sure that it is completed correctly. As a homeowner, you should look for business professionals who can offer you the guidance and expertise you need. Below, are a few things to look for as you choose your designer:

Every once in a while you’ll walk into a kitchen that’s got a very loud color or “strange” finish on the cabinets. You might think to yourself, “I wonder who advised that decision,” and you can bet that in many cases, it was probably all the homeowners choice. While a bold color can be well-placed, if you plan on getting a return on your investment down the road, it’s best to stick with trends that have stood the test of time.

White Hot Trends

A hot trend in kitchens right now (and regularly) is all white cabinetry. The use of white works across just about every design style out there, and can make a smaller space look larger. The bright feel that it creates, paired with darker cabinetry or an occasional bold color really makes that beautiful finish stand out.

Often thought of as the last step in the design process, adding finishing touches to your kitchen needs to be addressed throughout the entire design process. Because of the incorporation into the final look, speaking with your designer throughout your process will ensure that you get the right finishing touches on your cabinetry. Finishing touches like corbels, moldings and finished panels can make your space feel luxurious, which is exactly why you chose to remodel, right?