Most people spend several hours each day in their kitchens. Whether preparing meals for their family, washing dishes, or entertaining guests, the kitchen has always been known as the heart of the home. To make the most of this important room, San Diego homeowners rely on remodels to transform their kitchens into inviting, beautiful spaces that make daily kitchen chores more enjoyable. This blog provides an overview of the three most common kitchen remodels and the changes we make most often at Jeff Seals Remodeling.

1. Trend Updates

New styles, finishes, and colors become popular each season, leading homeowners to make minor alterations to stay on trend and enjoy exciting changes. Trend updates are usually small, don’t require significant construction, and can be finished quickly.

Appliances

Homeowners who value environmentally friendly home design often upgrade their appliances to the latest options. New appliances typically have a range of features that prioritize energy and water-saving technology, making them ideal for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Smart appliances are also becoming more popular as they become more advanced. Many modern homeowners enjoy the appeal of full smart home systems. Smart appliances can be operated through smartphone apps, making them convenient for those with busy lifestyles that demand significant time commitments.

Countertops

Each year, there are several new options for countertops. Improved materials, special features, and styles are the main driving forces behind countertop changes. Many homeowners are changing original countertops to more durable options like quartz. Quartz is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and, unlike marble, has a non-porous surface. Marble, a previously sought-after option in luxury kitchens, is being eschewed by savvy homeowners. Marble is prone to scratches, heat damage, and stains, with a considerable price tag. These disadvantages lead to more countertop remodels as homeowners choose new materials with better longevity.

Painting

Repainting walls is a quick, easy way to refresh the appearance of your kitchen. Over time, stains, direct sunlight, and humidity can alter the vibrancy and color of your walls. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can completely change the look and feel of a kitchen. Painting is a particularly common remodel for new homeowners moving into older homes. 

Cabinets

Installing new cabinetry can take time and may require some minor construction work. However, small changes like new hardware, doors, and colors can completely change the style of your kitchen. Two styles that are currently popular in San Diego are cottage and contemporary.  Cottage styles are cozy and typically use soft colors and floral accents. Contemporary styles prioritize clean finishes, simplicity, and function. It’s common for homeowners to opt for a transitional style. This trend blends modern and traditional pieces for a custom look that suits the homeowner’s style. Related post: Innovative and Unique Kitchen Remodel Ideas for Every Home

2. Major Overhauls

For homeowners looking for more significant changes, there are ways to overhaul a kitchen to make it look like a new space. Keep in mind that major changes can take longer, require more construction, and may be more expensive than small alterations.

Layout Changes

There are countless ways to arrange a kitchen to maximize what is most important to you. Some choose to focus on efficiency, while others emphasize the aesthetics of their kitchen. The most popular layouts in San Diego are L-shaped, U-shaped, and open-concept. L-shaped kitchen layouts are ideal for smaller kitchens and those who typically cook solo. On the other hand, u-shaped layouts work perfectly in large spaces. U-shaped kitchens also create space for abundant storage and make it easy for multiple people to prepare a meal together. Open-concept kitchens combine the kitchen with a dining or living room, cultivating the ideal space for entertaining.

Islands

Homeowners who choose open-concept kitchens often decide to incorporate islands as they increase working space and storage. Island counters offer several options, such as built-in charging stations, hidden induction stove tops, and disguised large appliances. A kitchen layout where large appliances are not visible from the living space allows more freedom to choose devices for functionality over appearance.

3. Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are an exciting option for San Diego homeowners. Our stunning weather is ideal for year-round outdoor living and entertaining, contributing to the popularity of beautiful outdoor kitchens. Most homeowners take their landscaping very seriously, so carefully considering how the outdoor kitchen will blend into the existing environment is vital. Depending on the stylistic landscaping choices of the homeowner, outdoor kitchens can vary significantly. Spanish Colonial, which includes decorative tiles, arches, and wrought iron, is a very popular option that suits many extant older homes in San Diego. Another common style is Mediterranean, which uses bright colors, natural stonework, and intricate tile designs.

Bring Your Vision to Life

There are endless directions in which you can take a kitchen remodel. Whether you revive an outdated space, gut and start from scratch, or embrace outdoor living, Jeff Seals Remodeling can help you turn your kitchen dreams into reality. Contact us to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your options and transform the heart of your home.