If you’re like most families, your kitchen is your main gathering space. Whether you’re hosting an event or it’s just your immediate family at home, everyone tends to mingle in the kitchen. It really is the heart of the home.

However, If your kitchen isn’t supporting your lifestyle, it may be time for a change. Deciding whether to commit to a full renovation or a more budget-friendly refresh can be challenging. Based on our years of experience balancing aesthetics, functionality, and your investment, I’m sharing our approach and tips on making the best decision for your kitchen.

When to Fully Gut Your Kitchen

A full kitchen gut renovation is a major project that completely transforms your space from the ground up. Here are the signs that it might be time to consider this option:

Outdated Layout

If you are constantly on top of each other, doors open into each other, or you’re a long distance from a water source, a full gut will allow you to reconfigure the space to improve flow, storage and functionality.

Our Asbury project is the perfect example of how life changing a new layout can be. The original kitchen was tucked out of the way in the back of the house and was far from functional for the family. We rearranged the entire floor plan, relocating the kitchen to the side of the home. The new layout opened up the kitchen to outdoor living spaces and made entertaining a breeze!

Structural Issues

Older homes often come with hidden structural concerns. Uneven flooring, outdated electrical wiring and plumbing problems all require addressing, and if you’re noticing signs of aging or damage, it’s best to go all-in and fully update these essential elements. A full gut to upgrade these issues will bring you peace of mind that your home is structurally safe.

Severe Wear and Tear

When the cabinets don’t close properly, countertops are cracked, and finishes are peeling, a full update is likely due. Investing in a complete overhaul will ensure that all elements align and are long-lasting.

In our Whiteside project, everything was old and in need of updating. We gutted the kitchen and made some major changes that not only allowed us to bring in new, durable materials, but also increased the kitchen’s functionality. We enlarged the sink window to allow more natural light, reimagined all the storage space with smart features, created dedicated work zones with a coordinating lighting plan, and extended a partial wall to make space for a coordinating buffet. What a difference it made!

Resale Value Boost

You’ve likely heard that kitchen and bathroom renovations are excellent ways to increase your home’s resale value, and it’s true. If you plan to sell your home, a fully renovated kitchen with upgraded elements will significantly increase its market value.

When to Refresh Your Kitchen

Not every kitchen requires a complete gut job. You may be surprised to learn that a well-planned refresh can make a world of difference without the cost or time commitment. Here’s when a refresh is ideal:

Solid Structure, Outdated Look

If your kitchen is structurally sound but looks outdated, a refresh can breathe new life into it. Repainting cabinets, updating hardware, and changing the backsplash can be transformational!

Our Bostonian project is an excellent example of how a refresh can completely update a kitchen aesthetically. The cabinets had some installation issues and the tiny crown cheapened the overall appearance of the space. We painted the cabinets and fixed the installation issues and added new trim to the top of the cabinets. It made a major visual difference, and we were able to spread our clients’ investment to cover other areas in the home. A win-win!

Budget Constraints

If your planned investment prevents a full renovation, a refresh may be the perfect solution to improving the look and feel of your kitchen. I recommend focusing on impactful changes, like new lighting fixtures, open shelving, or upgraded countertops.

Our Sunset project began as a dated vacation rental. Our clients wanted to update the condo without breaking the bank, so we strategically allocated their investment to where it would be most impactful. We installed new countertops, painted the cabinets, chose new lighting, updated plumbing, and selected a snazzy retro wallpaper. The kitchen is completely refreshed, with updated and durable materials, perfect for vacationers.

Minimal Functional Issues

When your kitchen’s layout works well for your family and the main issues are cosmetic, a refresh will do the trick. A new faucet, swapping out appliances, or adding modern bar stools can quickly and easily update the appearance of the space.

Quick Turnaround

Full renovations typically include a lengthy timeline. If you’re on a tight schedule, a kitchen refresh is much quicker to complete. If you’re hoping to make noticeable improvements in a short timeframe, opting for a refresh is your best bet.

Gaining Clarity with a Designer

Sometimes, it can be difficult to diagnose your own kitchen issues. If you’re having trouble deciding whether a refresh or a full gut is the right decision, a designer is the expert who can help. An experienced designer can help in a variety of ways, including…

Identifying Underlying Issues: Some homeowners do a refresh only to regret it later because their real pain point was actually the layout. Or, others may invest in new countertops when it was actually the cabinetry that needed to be redone. A designer can identify the actual illness of the kitchen, rather than just the symptoms and help create a plan to solve the root problem.

Seeing Your Home’s Potential: I’ll be honest – once you’ve lived in a home for a period of time, it can be difficult to truly reimagine it another way. You may dislike the look of your kitchen and think a full gut is needed, but it may just be the finishes that are throwing you off. A professional looks at your kitchen through a different lens and can assess your kitchen and its potential objectively.

Balancing Your Investment: In every project, I’m always looking for ways to stretch and maximize the planned investment. Which items will get a lot of wear and tear and require a higher end solution? Can we keep the plumbing or electrical in the same location? What design element can we use to add drama without breaking the bank? As a designer, I save people money by helping them spend it only once on the things that matter most. 

Assessing Your Wishlist: A designer will be able to look over your kitchen wishlist and help you decide whether a full gut or a refresh is best. Wondering what should be on your wishlist? Include 3 sections: Must Have, Want to Have, and Dream of Having. It’s also helpful to include a list of pain points – sometimes, they will determine the route of your project. For example, if you simply dislike the colors, a designer will recommend a refresh, while china stored in your bedroom closet points to a full gut.

Making the Best Choice for Your Kitchen

And there you have it! The decision to refresh or gut your kitchen is one worth considering fully, and it will be a project worth completing correctly. Making the right choice for your kitchen will enhance your family’s everyday enjoyment of the space.

If you’re still having trouble deciding which is right for you, or if you already know and feel ready to begin, I’d love to support you through every step of the process. Reach out to me here, and let’s create your ideal kitchen for function, connection and comfort.

Warmly,
Rochelle