What is the cost for a new kitchen remodel? Be prepared to spend between 10% and 15% of your home's existing value if you plan to completely renovate your kitchen. That figure is a budget that makes sure the quality of your upgrades stays in line with the value of your home, not an arbitrary percentage. The danger of spending too little is real, but so is the danger of spending too much. Make careful to leave room for unexpected. Who knows what wiring or plumbing disasters are concealed behind those antique cupboards in the walls? Call 1-888-445-1203 for a free in home estimate.

Are the chefs in your home average height or shorter? Without turning your new kitchen into a highly specialized space, careful shopping and thoughtful design can greatly simplify their life. Manufacturers, for instance, advise positioning a hood 30 inches above the cooktop, or directly in front of a six-foot-tall cook. Fortunately, there is an easy fix: Most hoods function perfectly if installed a little higher. The lesson is that no matter how beautiful something appears on paper, you must take into consideration the way of life and physical attributes of the individuals who will really use the kitchen. Call 1-866-256-0538 for a free in-home estimate.

Don't undervalue the advantages of living in a space with neither shadows nor glare in the room that gets the most use in your home. Layer multiple forms of light—ambient, task, accent, and mood—using a variety of fixtures.

While pendants and chandeliers are adaptable options for islands and dining spaces, recessed ceiling fixtures offer superb overall lighting. Under-cabinet task lights are common for kitchen workspaces, but you might want to choose fixtures with diffusers or frosted glass to lessen the reflection of highly polished surfaces, such worktops.

Your lighting controls are also very significant: Install separate switches for each light source in a convenient location, ideally close to the doorway. For varying the intensity of illumination depending on the situation or time of day, dimmers are fantastic.

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Perhaps you always follow the latest fashions, or perhaps you adore vivid hues. Keep in mind that materials and colors may appear overpowering or lackluster in greater doses even if they look great in a sample-size swatch. Avoid the urge to go overboard with busy tiling designs or purple appliances. Instead, incorporate your favorite design components as accents, not focal points. If not, you run the danger of offending potential customers who don't happen to share your eccentric sense of style. Call

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A large bay window is desirable to everyone. Whether it would function in your particular kitchen is the real question. Although a bay window with a view of a lake might look nice in a catalog, if you live near a busy road, you might regret giving in to your inclination. Similarly, while large professional equipment are gorgeous, they are simply impractical in a compact, homey kitchen. In other words, don't deceive yourself! Call 1-866-256-0538 for a free in-home estimate.

Around each of your appliances, leave a good amount of free countertop space. You know how it feels to take a hot, heavy pan off the fire only to discover there is nowhere to put it down quickly? Consider your daily routine while designing your kitchen, and make any necessary modifications based on how you use items like the dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave. Call

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A new kitchen island is practically a need today. But be selective: An island that is too big or in the wrong place obstructs movement of people and goods. Give the island ample room on all sides so that you can open cabinet doors with ease. Additionally, keep in mind that the island cannot serve as a catch-all due to its limiting size and typical tiny population. Your island's space would be significantly reduced if you added a sink or stove, taking up space that could be used for things like casual eating. Call

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The miracles of a backsplash in your new kitchen, oh my. It simultaneously creates a focal point and connects many parts. (Moreover, it makes cleanup a lot simpler.) Many people lament the overwhelming, seemingly limitless choices, but if you persevere, you'll be richly rewarded. The greatest advise is to choose your backsplash early in the remodeling process. The backsplash is often added just before the project is finished. Call

1-866-256-0538 for a free in-home estimate.