Top 10 Things To Consider Before Renovating Your Kitchen
Article updated on 28 Oct 2021
Renovating parts of your home can be a very rewarding experience, but often simple factors are overlooked which can detract from the overall quality of the finished product.
Countertop and dining table using Caesarstone 4033 Rugged Concrete
Designer: UPSTRS_ Photography: Wong Weiliang (328 Productions)
To help you realise your renovation dream, we've compiled a short list of the top 10 things to consider before embarking on your next renovation project.
1. Determine what you want to achieve with your renovation
Kitchen countertop and dining table using Caesarstone 4601 Frozen Terra
Design: Three-d conceptwerke, Photography: Marc Tan of Studio Periphery
More often than not, renovating a space is more than just aesthetics. It could be about better utilisation of the space you already have, catering to specific lifestyle needs, adding functionality or integrating the space with other areas of your home. Determining the main objective of a renovation is often only glanced over, but it is important to set clear goals and communicate this with other people involved in the project.
2. Visualise all your design elements together ahead of time
Left: Sample mood board featuring Caesarstone 5171 Arabetto
Right: Mix and match countertop and cabinet colours using Caesarstone 3D Visualiser
Before you actually progress with the renovation, collect samples of the materials and colours you plan on using and create a mood board which allows you to see how the various design elements of the renovation come together. Keep this mood board in a prominent place where you will see it every day in the lead up to the renovation to ensure you are happy with the materials and colours you have chosen, and weed out any "spur of the moment" design choices.
If you are based in Singapore, you can visit our showroom to view large displays and collect samples at the same time.
If you prefer convenience, you can request for samples to be mailed to you at no charge, or use our 3D Visualiser to mix and match to get your desired kitchen look.
3. Be inspired by timeless trends
The latest interior design trends are constantly evolving so the last thing you want is for your finished renovation to become immediately outdated. Magazines are still a great medium to collect ideas, track styles and see what new products are available. Apps like Instagram and Pinterest are also another great way to discover and save ideas, but don't be fooled by fads either - for a renovation that will keep its modern look for years to come, flick through old magazines and articles to discover design elements which have withstood the test of time.
If you prefer to find local applications, look no further than Caesarstone's Instagram @CaesarstoneSEA to be inspired by the latest design using Caesarstone.
4. It's all in the details
Kitchen countertop using Caesarstone 5131 Calacatta Nuvo
Design: Metersquare
When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, it's all too easy to overlook the small details or leave it up to the designer or contractor to decide. Often, the beauty of a new space is in the details, so make sure you consider styling elements such as backsplash choice, undermount or top mount sinks, draining solutions, soft-close hinges and edge detail selection to create a space which is truly your own.
5. Design your space around your appliances
Kitchen countertop and laundry counter using Caesarstone 1141 Pure White
Designer: Jacinda Dymara
It's important to research your choice of appliances such as oven and stovetop, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave, as their dimensions will play a vital role in the overall layout and finish of the kitchen. Be sure to allow for just the right amount of space to avoid unsightly gaps around appliances and to avoid disappointment when your new fridge doesn't quite fit in its spot. For a more seamless look, integrated appliances such as a coffee maker can really add that professional touch to your kitchen.
6. Consider beyond the kitchen
Bathroom vanity counter using Caesarstone 4130 Clamshell
Designer: Mandy Low, Insight Out Studio
Caesarstone is mainly used in the kitchen as the kitchen countertop and backsplash, but these luxurious and sturdy surfaces are also commonly used in other areas inside the home, unifying the performance of your surfaces. Applications include:
- Dining table and bar counter
- Laundry counter
- Bathroom vanity
- Bathroom shower area
- Bedside and vanity tables
- And more…
Outdoor kitchen counter, backsplash, and coffee table using Caesarstone Outdoor Collection 515 Palm Shade
Caesarstone has also developed a new Outdoor Collection of quartz surface that can withstand the outdoor elements, tested to be UV and weather-resistant. Areas that are usually forgotten until after the renovation, such as outdoor kitchen areas, balconies and patios can definitely benefit from a design upgrade, for the ultimate entertainment spot for bbq and alfresco dining. Consider using these durable surfaces for indoors as well to streamline the appearance and performance throughout your home.
7. Be prepared for the long haul
Kitchen waterfall island using Caesarstone 5141 Frosty Carrina
Design: Zenith Arc
Even a best-case scenario time frame for a complete kitchen renovation is around four to six weeks, in which case you still need to be prepared for significant downtime without a kitchen. The best way to go around this is to order in food or do take-aways so that you don’t have to deal with washing the dishes in the bathroom sinks. But if cooking is a must, an outdoor BBQ is the ideal alternative to a cooktop.
8. Timing is everything
While it's almost impossible to keep a tight schedule when it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to be mindful of the order in which each step of the renovation process is carried out. The last thing you want to do is have your pristine Caesarstone countertop installed then have it treated like a work bench for the rest of the builders that come and go. If you absolutely must have your Caesarstone countertop installed early in the renovation process, ensure they are properly protected with layers of thick protection and that no one stands on the countertop to do work overhead.
9. A renovation should be an investment that adds value to your home
Kitchen countertop using Caesarstone 4230 Shitake
Design: EplusE Design and Build
It might seem enticing to keep costs down by opting for cheaper labour, appliances, and materials but it's important to think long-term. A renovation is an investment which adds value to your home and cutting corners could end up costing you more in the long run. Sticking to reputable, well-known brands like Caesarstone creates a quality finish that will last you a long time, and to appeal to any future potential buyers.
10. The small touches add up
Decide if a complete renovation is what your kitchen needs. As an alternative, several simple and affordable touches can add up to create an entirely new look without hurting your pocket.
Concentrate on updating just the focal points of your kitchen such as new Caesarstone countertop and a backsplash which could make all the difference. Cupboard doors especially can be painted or rewrapped with vinyl to completely transform their look. Add to that new tapware, overhead lighting and even just modern cupboard door handles and you have a complete kitchen makeover on a small budget. Ask your contractor about the state of your cabinet condition and if it is suitable for a transformation rather than a complete rehaul.
If you are still undecided, we welcome you to visit our showroom have a chat with our showroom consultants, view large displays and collect swatch samples.
Caesarstone Experience Centre
3 Temasek Boulevard #03-357, Suntec City Mall Tower 3, Singapore 038983
M: 9011 3559
