Should You Renovate or Update Your Kitchen?

Does your kitchen work for you?

If the answer isn’t a resounding “Yes!” then it’s clear that something needs to change. But what? Do you need to rip it all out and start over, or could some small updates have a big impact on how much you love your kitchen? Here’s how to know.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen in New Canaan, CT

Consider a kitchen renovation if:

• You find yourself saying “This kitchen is falling apart!” often-- and you mean it. When the cabinet doors start coming off the hinges, take it as a clear sign to kick off a remodel.

• You have multiple outdated appliances that are in need of replacing. If your refrigerator isn’t working properly and your oven is malfunctioning and your dishwasher stops working, it’s actually a great time to fix larger issues. Replacing your appliances often only solves part of the problem, so you’ll be in a good place to make the major changes you need, like creating a layout that fits your needs and creating better flow in the kitchen.

• You find your kitchen difficult to work in. Gallons of paint and slabs of granite can’t fix a poorly designed kitchen layout. Everyone works differently and has a different approach to cooking and storage, and a kitchen designer can help you figure out what’s best for you, your family, and even future homeowners if you plan on selling your home in the near future.

• Your style doesn’t match the style of your home. Kitchen Company owner, Gail Bolling, recently renovated a client’s kitchen in a beautiful old home. The problem? The home was decorated entirely in French country style – something the homeowner once loved but eventually outgrew. It’s okay to move beyond your old taste and crave something different.

Tranquil Classic Kitchen Design in Milford CT

Stick with some fresh kitchen updates if:

• You have perfectly good appliances and a layout that suits your needs, but your countertops are getting old. This is a case where a small change is all that’s needed. If everything else is working, it’s smart to fix only what needs improvement.

• You know you need a renovation, but you simply can’t afford it right now. Renovations take time and money -- if you’re not ready to invest in a kitchen renovation, a coat of paint is an economical way to spruce things up as you save for your dream kitchen.

• Your kitchen was renovated within the past five years and you plan to sell. If you just updated your kitchen but it still doesn’t suit your needs, that’s a problem – but if you’re planning on selling, it’s one that you can learn to live with. It’s unlikely that you can recoup the cost of two kitchen renovations so close together, so keep your eyes on your goal of selling, not the shortcomings of your kitchen.

Elegant Contemporary Kitchen in Guilford, CT