8 DIY KITCHEN REMODELING TIPS
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a reflection of you as a maker. From colors and finishes to reflect your style to must-have appliances that keep up with your skills, a kitchen remodel is full of possibilities. In this guide, you’ll find kitchen renovation tips from start to finish, whether you’re planning a lavish makeover or a simpler renovation.
CAN YOU REMODEL A KITCHEN YOURSELF?
Remodeling a kitchen yourself can provide you with the opportunity to create your ideal space. By handling a remodel on your own, you can integrate your style, aesthetic and preferences into your kitchen to help it match the way you create.
Planning and designing your remodel are two of the easiest steps to tackle on your own if you already have an eye for design, but you can always consult a designer or contractor to take your project to the next level.
TIPS FOR RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN ON YOUR OWN
Think about what your ideal kitchen looks and feels like. Get inspired on social media by the latest kitchen appliance and design trends. Decide on what your wants and must-haves are while determining the scope of your project. Plan your new layout, consider upgrading appliances and don’t forget the power of color for your DIY kitchen renovation.
Before getting started, determine your design, timeline and budget. This will help guide your decisions and give you a better idea of how to prepare for your remodel.
Determining the type of remodel you’re doing is the first step to any kitchen renovation. From there, you can start choosing a layout, selecting a color scheme, picking cabinets and countertops and shopping for major appliance upgrades.
1. DECIDE THE SCOPE OF YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL
If it’s time for a total refresh, start with a complete tear-out, which includes removing all cabinets, counters, floors and even some walls. If you’re looking for a style face-lift, you might simply add a fresh coat of paint, refresh cabinets by adding new hardware or refacing them, upgrade appliances and replace the countertops.
Keep in mind where you do most of your making, and prep work, and ensure you have enough storage for all of your fresh ingredients.
2. DESIGN YOUR KITCHEN LAYOUT
If you’re doing a complete tear-out of your kitchen, you’re getting a blank slate. The possibilities are endless. Choose a layout that works best for how you and your loved ones enjoy your kitchen. Popular layouts include L-shapes, which can help maximize available work space when remodeling a smaller kitchen—especially when paired with an island peninsula for added seating.
Plan a nook for breakfast and a place to grow fresh herbs. If you’re starting from scratch, the sky is truly the limit.
3. PLAN YOUR COLOR
Color in the kitchen is a simple way to add personality and style to the room. If you’re replacing cabinets, start by selecting a new style or color scheme. Cabinets (and their hardware) take up roughly 40% of the visual space in the kitchen. The rest of your palette should be built around that. From there you can add pops of color and complementary finishes with both large and small appliances.
Refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and sinks play a big role in the room and should provide a harmonious look that complements or adds just the right contrast to your color scheme. Add splashes of color to your neutral kitchen color scheme with major appliances like KitchenAid® commercial-style ranges and countertop appliances like KitchenAid® stand mixers. Both are available in a range of colors.
4. UPGRADE YOUR MAJOR APPLIANCES
Major appliances with style that matches performance make a huge impact on the look, feel and functionality of your kitchen. Choose from standard or commercial-sized appliances to fit your layout and making needs. Color and style matter too, which is why KitchenAid brand’s major appliances come in various dimensions, designs and colors to add sophistication, versatility and style to your kitchen. When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, start by choosing a refrigerator, dishwasher and cooktop. Keep in mind the layout of your kitchen and the placement of appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and range.
FIND YOUR NEW REFRIGERATOR
With various types of KitchenAid® refrigerators available, it can be simple to find an option that fits both your space and your needs. For example, built-in models offer a seamless look and can be panel ready to match your cabinetry updates, while French door models offer additional interior visibility and side-by-side models provide ample freezer space.
FIND YOUR NEW DISHWASHER
KitchenAid brand has a dishwasher type for every maker. Beautiful finishes and details aren’t the only thing to look for in a new KitchenAid® dishwasher. Different loading styles, innovative technology and cleaning cycles are key features to consider to ensure you choose a dishwasher that can handle your making.
Select KitchenAid® dishwashers offer the largest third rack available1: the FreeFlex™ Third Rack. This rack has a deep, angled design that fits 6" tall glasses, mugs and bowls, so you can make cleanup an afterthought.
1. Among leading brands based on usable volume.
FIND YOUR NEW COOKING APPLIANCE
Available space, aesthetics and your unique cooking style are among the primary things to consider when shopping for new cooking appliances. Consider how you utilize your kitchen space when deciding between a range or stove vs. an oven or when buying a cooktop. Integrating a wall oven into your kitchen or installing a cooktop into an island can give your kitchen a built-in look. Depending on how you create, different types of wall ovens and cooktops may be better suited for your needs.
KitchenAid® double wall ovens allow you to create multiple dishes at once, while KitchenAid® induction cooktops and ranges combine the cleanability of electric models with the performance of gas.
5. PICK YOUR CABINET STYLE
Cabinets are the ideal way to complement the style and decor of your major appliances. For example, sleek, modern cabinets with a minimalist style allow your appliances to shine. Rustic and traditional cabinet styles add warmth and character to the kitchen, and they pair especially well with warm metals and matte finishes. Shaker and country styles are a well-suited match for spaces with lighter-colored appliances, helping to create a light, airy feel.
You can typically choose from two cabinet options: custom and prefabricated. Features to consider include color, texture, size, storage space, hinge styles and knobs/drawer pulls. By doing the remodeling yourself, you can tap into your creativity and personalize your space for a kitchen that’s completely customized to your tastes.
6. CHOOSE YOUR COUNTERTOPS
Like cabinets, your countertops set the tone for the kitchen. Popular options include marble, granite and engineered stone like quartz, which offers nearly limitless colors and patterns to choose from. When selecting countertops, keep in mind the surrounding design choices, such as the cabinetry style and kitchen color palette. When available, leverage swatches to see how the colors, styles and textures work together before making your final selections.
7. ADD A BACKSPLASH
The backsplash is another design element that can help complement your appliances and pull the entire aesthetic together. Consider using a neutral tile for most of the kitchen and investing in funky glass, gorgeous stone or exquisite ceramic tile to accent areas behind the sink and cooktop. Choose materials and styles that fit your kitchen design and help your major appliances stand out.
8. COMPLETE FINISHING TOUCHES
Make sure you’ve patched any walls and finished painting if you haven’t already. Swap out light fixtures and splurge a little on a decorative faucet. Consider the added impact of installing molding like baseboards, crown molding and toe-kicks, which help protect your walls and cabinets while also adding architectural interest to the room. Upgrading your small appliances is an effective way to bring in color, texture or on-trend design. For example, you can easily introduce an earthy, neutral palette to your kitchen for added warmth and a touch of nature into the mix. Small appliances are also an amazing opportunity to bring in bold pops of color.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There’s a lot to think about when planning a kitchen remodel, particularly if you’re approaching it as a DIY project. Keep reading to find a handful of questions that can be helpful to consider when beginning your kitchen remodel.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL IN A PRO?
If you’re moving walls, installing new plumbing, adding a gas line or rewiring electricity, you should consult with professionals. Even if you have prior knowledge and experience,consider having your work inspected before finishing the kitchen remodel to ensure everything’s up to code.
HOW CAN I PERSONALIZE MY SPACE?
Remodeling your kitchen yourself gives you a unique opportunity to improve the flow of the room while infusing your space with personality. You can craft your kitchen to be a positive space that ignites your creativity and enhances the time you spend there with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to add color or texture, change the footprint to best suit your unique needs and upgrade your appliances to help enhance your making.
IS REMODELING A KITCHEN REALLY WORTH ALL THE WORK?
Remodeling your kitchen can be a rewarding investment, not only increasing your home's value but also enhancing the way you create. While you’re choosing major appliances, small appliances, cabinets and counters, keep your habits and needs top of mind to select pieces that enhance your kitchen’s function and comfort. When choosing appliances, find options that match both your style and cooking preferences.
built-in kitchen appliances
SLEEK & SEAMLESS DESIGNS TO INSPIRE
Built-in appliances align with your cabinetry to blend in with your style or stand out as a statement.
