Kitchen Refresh vs. Remodel: Where to Focus

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and it’s no wonder why. It’s where we cook, eat, gather, and create memories. But sometimes, our kitchen spaces can become tired or outdated, leaving us wondering whether a simple refresh or a complete remodel is in order.

If you’re on the fence about which direction to take, there are a few key areas to focus on. Architectural Digest recently shared some of my ideas from my recent kitchen refresh, on designing a kitchen that works for you, and we’ve broken down their suggestions into two categories: refresh and remodel.

Refresh

Window Treatments

Swapping out old curtains or blinds for new ones can instantly add energy and freshness to your kitchen. Consider choosing a fun fabric, like the Timorous Beasties fabric in my kitchen, tying together the natural elements theme with my wallpaper. It now has a whole new look set against a darker paint than before.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in giving your kitchen a new look without overspending on re-doing all of the cabinetry. Consider using a bold color, like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal on the trim, or Calamine on the ceiling, like I recently did. After having had a whiter kitchen for some time, I wanted to do something bolder, but that the light would really bounce off.

New Lighting

Lighting can be a statement piece in your kitchen, so consider stepping outside the box with something unexpected, like Mitzi’s new collaborative collection with Zio.

Reupholster/Change or Add Pillows

Updating any upholstered parts of your kitchen, like chair cushions, banquette seating, or bar stools, can add softness and freshness to the space. Changing out or adding pillows is another great way to give a space a fresh feel, like with the Misia, House of Hackney, and Moon pillows I refreshed on my banquette. Trim is another detail with which to tie other elements of the room together, like the studded Samuel & Sons trim pulling out the hardware of the pendant light over the dining table.

New Hardware or New Finish

Swapping out hardware, or refinishing what you already have, is a cost-effective way to freshen up the look of your kitchen. Brands like Emtek or Waterstone offer a range of options to choose from.

Shift Overall Focus

Where previously my kitchen featured the white and neutral tones of my fabulous Ellie Cashman wallpaper, with complementary Farrow & Ball paint, this time around I chose to hone in on the green and mauve of both the wallpaper and window treatments. You can really see the differences after these changes in the before and afters here and here, respectively!

Remodel

Floor Plan First

When it comes to a full kitchen remodel, start by thinking about the floor plan. Consider what’s working and what’s not, and make a plan to reconfigure the space to better suit your needs.

Budget

Knowing your budget is key when it comes to a remodel, but also understanding what’s the most important investment/stand-out item. Not everyone is a big cook and wants to invest heavily in their appliances. Perhaps millwork is a priority, or the stone for the countertops. Lighting is a great way to help make a space feel luxurious without having to spend a ton.

What is the Art?

Think about what will drive the aesthetic direction for your kitchen. Is it a collection, like the Iznik pottery in our Newton Lake Front project, or perhaps a favorite fabric or tile pattern? Whatever it is, let it inspire the design of the space.

Livability

A beautiful kitchen is great, but it’s also important to prioritize functionality and livability. Consider how you’ll use the space and what will make it most comfortable for you and your family. Kitchens don’t have to only be task-oriented, they can be an extension of your home and another hang out space. Rugs are a nice way to bring the cozy factor into the kitchen, like these from Dover Rug.

Eat-In Dining

Consider a banquette, or eat-in dining area that can be more approachable and comfortable than a formal dining area. They also allow for a mix of materials within the kitchen, and an additional spot for wonderful lighting. A pedestal table is a great option vs. a traditional table with legs as they allow for more up and down movement.

In summary, whether you choose a refresh or a full remodel, there are many ways to make your kitchen work for you. Focus on key areas like lighting, window treatments, paint, and hardware for a quick refresh, or consider a floor plan overhaul, what part of the budget is most important to you, and what is the personal art inspiration for a full remodel. Whatever direction you choose, remember to prioritize functionality and livability to ensure your kitchen truly makes your heart pitter patter.