What homeowners wish they’d done differently: Tips for a smooth modern kitchen remodel

On average, homeowners will tackle one kitchen remodel in their lifetime. While a renovation is an exciting endeavor, it can also be a large, stressful investment. If you’ve successfully renovated your kitchen, you know that the tedious process is worth the time and energy. Indeed, 95% of remodelers are satisfied with their overall kitchen remodel experience! However, even in the most perfect spaces, homeowners sometimes think, “I wish I would have done this differently” after all is said and done. In order to help you avoid these pesky pitfalls before your modern kitchen remodel project even begins, we’ve collected a list of all the things remodelers wish they had done.

Recommendation #1: Hire a kitchen designer

With so many renovation success stories on TV and social media, DIY has become a popular approach in modern kitchen remodels. However, don’t be fooled by how easy the process may look online: most homeowners have never designed a kitchen before, and this uncharted territory can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

In fact, many homeowners who took the DIY plunge wish they had hired a professional kitchen designer to guide them through the modern kitchen remodel process. A kitchen designer can help educate you on space planning, cabinetry selections, and materials and finishes, and they will guide you through the design process as well as the timeline for your renovation project.

Moreover, designers have the benefit of seeing your space and its potential with fresh eyes, and they will be there to answer any of your questions along the way. They also have a knack for problem-solving, which is crucial throughout this journey. 

If you’re interested in getting started on your kitchen remodel, Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter not only lets you visualize how you want your new space to look, but it can connect you with a local kitchen designer. By taking our online quiz and sharing your goals, style, design, and budget, you can find a designer who will collaborate with you to create your dream kitchen.

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Recommendation #2: Consider functionality, not just aesthetics

In addition to hiring a kitchen designer for your future renovation, it’s important to also understand that a beautiful kitchen doesn’t always mean a functional one. When you scroll through Instagram or Pinterest, you’ll see plenty of perfectly curated layouts, but have you thought about how those kitchens actually function in day-to-day life? What are people storing in those pantries and cabinets, and where do they keep their small appliances? Do they even have a microwave?

Every homeowner has different lifestyle demands, and their space needs to work in harmony with their daily activities. Therefore, functionality must always be top-of-mind during the kitchen design process. To encourage this focus, we suggest that you ask yourself questions like, where will I store my baking supplies? Do I need to build in seating for my family? How can my pet best utilize the space? Do I want space to entertain?

Each cabinet and surface you select in your modern kitchen remodel process should help you work efficiently, so think hard about how your space can work for you.

Recommendation #3: Don’t skimp on storage and organization

In some ways, investing in a kitchen renovation is like buying a new car: you have the option to add certain features like automatic wipers or voice-activated navigation. Despite the initial sticker shock, you quickly realize that the convenience factor of these upgrades usually outweighs the extra dollars spent.

The same logic applies to kitchen storage and organization. By not upgrading your cabinets and pantry storage when you have the chance, you will realize that your new space does not function at its highest potential. In fact, the most common feedback among homeowners who have completed a kitchen remodel is that storage and organization are crucial. 

A recent poll conducted by MasterBrand shows that 80% of kitchen designers recommend these seven functional storage features: (1) trash bin pullouts, (2) pantry cabinet with roll trays, (3) cookie sheet / tray divider, (4) base cabinet with roll trays, (5) corner revolving / swing outs, (6) deep drawers, and (7) floating shelves.

A base cabinet with a cookie sheet divider in a roll tray. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

These storage solutions will help create zones in your kitchen that will keep you organized and satisfied long after your renovation. By adding in these simple yet effective features, you’ll have dedicated areas to house all your essential items—and they will always be right at your fingertips.

Getting started with your modern kitchen remodel

With the wisdom of other homeowners before you, you’re ready to start your kitchen renovation and create a custom, unique space that suits your lifestyle. By using the Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter tool, you can bring your vision to life in a few clicks before connecting with a local kitchen designer who can lead you through the remodel process as smoothly as possible.