Tag Archives: makeover

How to Pick the Right Kitchen Color+Sample Photos!

We all love to dream about the ideal kitchen. We spend time thinking about the extravagant features it’ll have, but are we actually prepared when it comes down to building it? Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect color for your new kitchen.

Since elementary school, we’re taught that certain colors can evoke different feelings and emotions. Pick a color that makes you feel happy to be home. Here is an example of one of our kitchen renovations that makes us feel happy just by looking at it!

If you aren’t sure how you’d like to feel in your new kitchen, here’s quick guide outlining which emotions are most commonly felt from each color.

Red

Makes you feel: strong, passionate, bold

A strong red color will make you feel energized and passionate in the morning. However, be wary that red can also cause stress and may be too bold for some people.

Orange

Makes you feel: energetic, creative, hungry

The color orange is used in various food chains to make you feel hungry! If you’re passionate about your food, this could be the color for you. Orange also makes you feel awake and ready to seize the day. It can make you feel more creative.

Yellow

Makes you feel: happy, excited, mellow

Depending on the shade of yellow you use, you can either evoke feelings of excitement and cheer or mellowness. Yellow can be hard to match with so be careful when choosing it for your kitchen.

Green/Blue

Makes you feel: healthy, proactive, calm

The colors green and blue are used in schools and hospitals to make people feel calm and creative. Green is also perfect for someone who wants to be inspired to eat healthy every day! Blue can remind you of the Caribbean or a clear sky on a warm day. If you need summer all year round, blue is the way to go.

White

Makes you feel: clean, clear-minded, refreshed

A clean, sparkling white kitchen is a great way to de-stress during your daily routine. Not only does it make you feel less cluttered, but a white kitchen can also make you want to cook. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting to have colorful, delicious dishes made in it!

Let us know which color you’ll be choosing for your new kitchen!

 

6 IKEA Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

A kitchen is more than just a part of your living space. It is the first thing you see when you make breakfast in the morning. It can determine your mood for the whole day! If you’ve ever felt cluttered,  cramped, or just bored by your kitchen, then maybe it’s time for something new. Here are a few kitchen design tips to help you boost your energy, productivity, and happiness.

1. Design wide walkways

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One of the most important parts to think about when renovating is the walk space. Will multiple chefs be cooking in the kitchen, or will it be just you? Kitchens typically have 42 inches of space for a one-person kitchen, and at least 48 inches for a two-person kitchen. Aside from the cooking space, walkways should be at least 36 inches wide.

2. Add an island for efficient prep space

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Feeling cramped when using your kitchen counters for prep space? Add an island to efficiently prep for meals without feeling cluttered. Make sure to purchase a large island if it will be used for both cooking and eating. That way, you can keep the area safe for people to eat at while you cook.

3. Maximize storage space

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Even if you have a small kitchen, the way you use the space will really make a difference. Use pullout drawers for storage and garbage can space, and store dishes on a rack by the dishwasher so they’ll be ready to go when it’s time to wash. Assign your cabinets to specific products so that you know exactly where to look for that one favorite mug. You can also hide appliances such as a toaster and blender in an appliance garage to make more space on countertops. Make use of the space above your refrigerator by installing cabinets or a display shelf.

4. Pick the right wall color

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Determine what mood you want your kitchen to convey and plan the color accordingly. For small kitchens, always plan to use bright colors and lights to make the space look even bigger. The color you pick will determine the mood of your kitchen. Pick colors like beige, gray, and white for a sophisticated look. Pick colors like yellow, orange, and blue for an energetic, bright atmosphere.

5. Pick a good backsplash

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If you don’t want to bring too much attention to the walls, pick a vibrant backsplash instead. Not only will it keep your walls from getting stained by splashes from the counter, but it’ll look great, too. Make sure the tile goes with your overall color scheme. Use a neutral backsplash if your walls are already a bright color so that it isn’t overwhelming.

6. Add a pop of color

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A color pop is always a nice touch. You can match the kitchen appliances to the walls, and keep the rest neutral. For an effective color pop, it is important to only display a few items of that color to avoid feeling overwhelmed in your kitchen.

IKEA Kitchen Dark Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances

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Dark cabinets go perfectly with stainless steel appliances. Match that with a beautiful backsplash and you’ll be ready to go.

Our Kitchen Renovation Story-by Peter Kim

We purchased our two bedroom duplex condo in Hoboken, New Jersey in January 2014. It was pretty much exactly what we were looking for in terms of layout and value. I’m not a huge fan of buying brand new or newly renovated homes. That means the home is going to be priced close to its maximum market value and there won’t be as much upside to doing any work on it. On the other hand, I also don’t have the financial and logistical flexibility to deal with fixer uppers.The one area of our home in which we knew we could add immediate value was the kitchen. There was nothing seriously wrong from a functional perspective but it clearly looked dated (was probably around 30 years old, including the appliances).

Ok, so actually the fridge was new. The fridge that came with the home died a few months after we moved in and this was literally the only model we could find that fit into the small space. There were some areas that could have used improvement functionally.

  • The corner cabinets were generally useless, especially the corner base cabinet in the photo above.
  • The wall cabinets were 30″ tall. There was room for taller cabinets and it’s always nice to have more storage space.