If you live in the Bay Area, you may be wondering what kitchen remodeling projects are most popular. The desire for a space that is luxurious and functional has turned kitchen remodeling into a work of art. With so many design choices, it can be overwhelming to find a place to start.
Many Bay Area residents are remodeling their kitchens by using:
- Earth-friendly materials
- High-end appliances
- Functional storage options
- High-tech features
- Timeless designs
Many customizations can be done to create a kitchen that is tailored to your taste and needs.
Continue reading if you live in the Bay Area and are looking for more inspiration on how you can remodel your kitchen, so it is functional, efficient, and stylish.
Getting Into the Bay Area Frame of Mind
If you study an array of kitchen remodels that have been done in the Bay Area, it is apparent that for many people, luxury and style are just as important as having a functional space.
People are paying a significant amount for their kitchens to be remodeled with high-end, earth-friendly materials that are designed to stand the test of time. The average cost to remodel a kitchen in the Bay Area is a staggering $120k – $185k, which is more than some people pay for their entire home in other parts of the Country.
See the Value Beyond the Sticker Shock
If you are an earth-conscious person, you will see the value these materials and upgrades will add to your home. Creating the kitchen of your dreams with a timeless design means you will have to remodel less.
Less remodeling will, in return, help your wallet as well as the environment. In addition to the previous perks, a timeless design will also help you down the road if you ever decide to sell your Bay Area home.
In most cases, a buyer likes it when they can simply move into a new home as opposed to having to remodel a space because it is outdated.
In this article, we will discuss the ways in which Bay Area dwellers are vamping up their kitchen areas for a posh yet useful space for creating delicious meals and entertaining guests.
Modern kitchen5 Kitchen Remodeling Projects Popular in the Bay Area
If you are living in the Bay Area or just wish you were, these upgrades and remodeling ideas should give you the inspiration you need to get the heart of your home pumping again.
Aesthetic Touches
Here is the fun part of your Bay Area kitchen remodel. This is where you truly let your style shine. You can make your statement and finish off your fabulous design with the right choice of:
- Colors
- Finishes
- Other cosmetic features
When deciding upon which finishes you are going to use in your newly remodeled kitchen, it is important to keep in mind that you want this design to be timeless and sustainable to avoid a premature remodeling job in the future.
Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
Choose colors, finishes, and materials that are somewhat neutral so they can withstand changing style trends. It is easier and less expensive to change your pictures and décor every so often than having to remodel again because you made poor design choices.
Cabinet Facings and Finishes
The beauty of cabinetry is you can choose any style of door and any finish you like. The more customized your cabinetry is, the more costly it will be. However, if you do it right the first time and get what you want, you won’t have to even think about remodeling again for a very long time, if ever.
Hardware
This is a quick and fairly inexpensive way to add some character to your cabinetry. There are oodles of options for drawer pulls and hinges, as well as ball-bearing drawer slides that gently glide closed when pushed.
Fixtures
Upgraded water faucets can add a classy look as well as some efficiency to your kitchen. There are many high-tech options for kitchen faucets. Some can measure specific amounts of water or be operated with the touch of a finger, along with other handy options such as motion detection.
Lighting
When designing any space, it’s all about lighting. Adding extra lighting to dim areas and updating older light fixtures will brighten up the space and create the ambiance you were looking for.
Another common upgrade that many Bay Area residents are adding when possible is a skylight above the most used work area in the kitchen. This is another way to bring in natural light and reduce your energy bill.
Behind the Scenes
Sometimes some of the biggest improvements will not be visible, but they can make a big impact on the efficiency and function of your kitchen space.
These “invisible” upgrades include:
- Adding extra insulation in the walls
- Adding new electrical outlets
- Installing or updating gas lines for appliances
- Installing radiant heat flooring
- Replacing old plumbing or adding new pipes for an extra prep sink or bar
- Upgrading old electrical wires
This type of project can sometimes be a difficult pill to swallow financially speaking because you don’t actually see where your money went.
Even though you may not be able to see the costly improvements, you will notice them as you are using your newly remodeled kitchen and see how efficiently everything works or how gloriously warm your flooring is on those cold, damp days.
New Kitchen Remodel The Bay AreaSwitch Things Around – New Kitchen Layout
Another one of the big wallet busters that comes along with remodeling a Bay Area kitchen can be demolition and the reworking of the space. Oftentimes walls and other built-in features will be removed or modified, which can get expensive.
This expensive cost has benefits that will ultimately outweigh the pain you feel in your bank account. Removing walls and/or reconfiguring the layout of your kitchen space can completely change the feel and function.
This is the time to consider adding extra cabinet space and hidden storage if you need it. Another great addition to your kitchen can be a pantry if space allows.
A new layout can open your home in a way that welcomes people and provides everyone with a place to sit and socialize or get some work done.
When changing the layout of your kitchen, it is important to think about how you use it and what features and functions are most important to you. This way, you end up with a design that flows and allows you to get the job done with ease.
Create a Customized Bar
If you are a coffee drinker or perhaps enjoy wine, beer, or other adult beverages, you may benefit from including a small bar area with a sink.
Upgrades can be added to a wet bar area to give it a truly luxurious feeling along with usefulness that you will benefit from daily. Some of these upgrades include:
- Espresso/Coffee maker
- Kegerator/Beer tap
- Tea station
- Wine refrigerator
If adding an extra sink is not feasible, you can still create a dry bar area that will function just as well and give you a luxurious look.
The Multifunctional Benefits of a Kitchen Island
In addition to major changes such as changing the layout of the kitchen, many people are adding large kitchen islands. Kitchen islands can serve many purposes such as:
- Adding more counter space for preparing meals
- Creating additional seating and a place for people to gather
- Giving kids a place to do their homework while you cook
- Providing extra hidden storage
It is common for many kitchen islands (especially larger ones) to have an extra sink installed for preparation work. Not only does it give your kitchen an extra classy look, but it is functional.
Of course, this will come at an extra cost as you will have to install new plumbing for the island, but if you cook a lot and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you will be happy that you spent the extra money.
Upgraded Appliances Save Energy and Add Convenience
Upgrading appliances can make a big difference in your energy bills as well as add some much-needed convenience to your life.
Gourmet Appliances Enhance Cooking Experience
When upgrading your appliances, many designers and contractors recommend going in the gourmet direction. Gourmet appliances are designed with the chef in mind and are made from higher-quality materials than most standard kitchen appliances.
Space-like Technology Keeps Your Food Fresh
To keep your food as fresh as possible for as long as possible, consider switching to a sub-zero refrigerator. These refrigerators use technology that purifies the air to keep your food fresher, longer.
Preserving Food With A Vacuum Sealing Drawer
For those who frequently preserve food via vacuum sealer, a built-in vacuum seal system can be incorporated into your workspace for convenience.
Let Odors Out and Keep Freshness In
The range hood is something that you may not think of this as an appliance. However, it is important to consider, especially if you do a lot of cooking and entertaining.
It is important to have proper ventilation to avoid lingering food smells as well as steam or smoke from ruining the finishes of your home.
Improve Water Quality, Reduce Plastic Waste
Another handy contraption to consider is a built-in water filtration system. These systems are great for reducing the number of plastic bottles that often end up in the landfill.
Next, we will briefly discuss sustainable materials and energy-saving appliances.
A Note on Sustainability
If you are into green living and choosing products that help to reduce our carbon footprint on the earth, fear not. Every upgrade discussed in this article can be accomplished by using materials that are considered sustainable.
Oftentimes these materials have been made from recycled items or are designed to last a long time, so you don’t have to throw them out and replace them as frequently. In addition to using green materials, when upgrading your appliances, be sure they are energy efficient.
If you want your Bay Area home to look like a million bucks but don’t have that kind of budget, continue to the next section for ideas on how to inexpensively give your kitchen a facelift.
When Budget is an Issue – Start With Small Projects
If you find that your budget is not stout enough to withstand a one-hundred-thousand dollar blow, you may try starting with a few smaller cosmetic projects that can make a huge difference in the appearance and feel of your kitchen without having to tear down walls, replace wiring, etc.
Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank:
- Paint or reface your cabinets
- Paint the kitchen ceiling and walls
- Change your backsplash
- Upgrade your kitchen lighting
Many times a simple facelift is all your kitchen needs to add some spice and get things cooking again. These ideas are all fairly inexpensive, and many of them can be done yourself if you are feeling confident in your DIY skills.
Timeless Design Helps Keep Up With Bay Area Design Trends
When living in the Bay Area, it is important to keep up with the style trends as well as live a green, sustainable life. The ideas listed in this article are popular in the Bay Area and can add a lot of value, class, and function to your home.
If you are careful and use materials and styles that are sustainable, you can remodel less and enjoy more. Element Home Remodeling of Walnut Creek is a Bay Area kitchen remodeling contractor that specializes in modern custom kitchen designs. Contact us today to schedule a free consult.