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Most people thinking about kitchen remodeling in Colorado are generally concerned about design and appearance, but the bottom line always matters. Here’s some of the basic costs you can expect when trying to put together a price.

Cost Factors

If you do a little research, you can see remodels that cost around the $30,000 range, but this number doesn’t tell the entire story. For most areas, price ranges this low generally require some aspect of the kitchen to be reused in some way. For a complete renovation in most regions, you can expect it to get a lot higher. This is why a lot of budget-minded people end up opting for a cheaper option like upgrading a single appliance or redoing their cabinets instead. If you’re really committed, though, consider reaching out to an experienced kitchen designer to figure out the renovation capabilities of your space.

If you opt for the complete renovation, expect around 1/3 of your budget to go for things like plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other work. Another 1/3 will go towards finish prices like your cabinets and appliances, and the rest will go towards installation. However, there will be other factors that can ultimately impact your budget. For example, you may want to opt for one cheaper finish to be able to splurge on another one you are interested in.

Finding Professionals

The Kitchen Showcase is the top destination for kitchen remodels in Colorado, no matter what your price range. Choose from luxury or affordable brands and products to help customize your space appropriately. Our expert designers will help work within your limits in order to create the best dream kitchen possible.

Stop by our showroom to talk to a design expert and get a price range for your next remodel.

It’s easy to get hung up on making the most beautiful kitchen possible with your Colorado remodel, to the point where you miss a lot of the key details. Here are some of the practical fundamentals you don’t want to forget.

Basic Advice

One ideal way to start in terms of a practical remodel is making sure that you put together a temporary kitchen first. Remember, you won’t have access to appliances and other items during the remodel proper. The good news is that you can use some of the items that are getting replaced to help here. For example, if you’re getting rid of countertops and cabinets, use them to build up a temporary kitchen. Appearance doesn’t really matter here, just having something functional to store items. Toaster ovens, microwaves, mini fridges, all of these make a nice makeshift option.

When you’re making a remodel more practical, it’s also important to find ways to maximize your space. Backsplash racks are one way to do this, but you can also help preserve what you have by using pull-down racks. These are nice because it makes it easier to access kitchen tools and other items without bulkier options like knife holders and spice racks. If you’re not cooking, you can simply swing these up against the bottom of your cabinet. These can be brought pre-made, or you can build your own.

Additional Support

To put these tips into action, The Kitchen Showcase is the top destination to begin your kitchen remodel in Colorado. We have all the top products/brands, easily customizable to match your needs. Our designers are ready to help provide some advice to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Stop by our showroom to talk to a design expert and get inspiration for your next remodel.

Even if you’re designing your dream kitchen on a budget, you still want to make sure that every dollar is put to good use. There are some areas of a home remodel where you don’t want to cut any corners. If you’re going to splurge on one area of your kitchen remodel, let it be the cabinets.

Why Splurge on Cabinets

Being able to custom design kitchen cabinets is priceless. You have complete control of the look, the style, the type of wood, the finish, and the functionality. Custom cabinets mean you don’t have to compromise, and that’s worth every penny you pay.

Customized to Your Kitchen

Every kitchen is different in shape and size. Pre-finished and semi-custom cabinets are going to have limits, and you’ll have to make some compromises and adjustments. Custom cabinets are customized to fit the exact shape and size of your kitchen. No space will be wasted, and every cabinet will have a purpose.

Smart Storage

Cabinets need to be customized to take advantage of every inch of your kitchen, but they also need to be functional. The cabinets you design should fit your needs. Make sure there are storage possibilities for all your kitchen appliances, utensils, and cookware. The more organized and functional your kitchen, the more harmonious it will feel.

Variety

Think about adding some variety to your storage needs, like shelving, drawers, and custom storage units for specific items. Everything should have its place, and all cabinets should be easy to reach as well as make it easy to find things in the kitchen.

Customized to Your Style

With custom cabinetry, you also get beautiful artistry and craftsmanship. The cabinets can be crafted to perfectly match your style and flow with the architecture of your home. Custom craftsmanship creates flow and cohesions, as well as stunning artistry that can elevate your entire home.

Custom cabinets also have great resale value when it’s time to sell your house.

Custom Kitchen Cabinetry in Denver

The Kitchen Showcase team is proud to partner with Elmwood Kitchens to bring you top-of-the-line cabinets to suit a wide variety of tastes including modern, contemporary, traditional, and more for the kitchen of your dreams.

The smaller the kitchen, the more important it is to organize. Organizing a small kitchen makes use of every inch of space, while still using the space, as open and free of clutter as possible. Here’s how to make the best use of the little space you have to make your tiny kitchen a dream kitchen. 

Organizing Essentials

When it comes to organizing a tiny kitchen, how you utilize cabinets and drawers will make all the difference. We often misuse the space we have in our storage units. You have to start thinking creatively so that you can take advantage of unused space. The types of storage you choose can also make better and more efficient use of the small space, without compromising style. Using every inch of space doesn’t mean you have to have wall-to-wall cabinets and cluttered countertops. Freeing up space on the walls and your countertops isn’t wasting space because the effect has a purpose and is necessary to make a small space feel open and airy. 

Cabinet Doors

Many times we forget about the space that we have on the back of cabinet doors. You may be able to hang cooking utensils or other items on the inside of the door instead of having them on the countertop. 

Making room for the trash can under the sink, or even hanging on the back of a lower cabinet door is an efficient use of space that simultaneously frees up space in the kitchen. 

Kitchen Drawers

Organizational units for kitchen drawers will make smart use of the space in each drawer. Working in the kitchen is also going to be more efficient if everything in each drawer is organized. Often, the back of each cabinet is useless because it is difficult to reach and see what is stored there. Having big deep drawers instead of cabinets is also a much more efficient use of space. That enables you to store things in the back and still be able to reach each item when you pull out the drawer. 

Hanging Cooking Utensils

To free up counter space and cabinet space, hanging pots and pans from the ceiling will add some warmth and a cozy and artistic design effect. Another useful way to hang things is the magnetic knife strip that hangs on the wall. 

Adding Space and Creating Flow

Anytime you can free up counter space or floor space is a good design move. If your floor is open and your countertops are clear, you will create the illusion of a much bigger kitchen with a much better flow. The more you can create smart storage to hide and store most of your kitchenware; the more tranquil the atmosphere will be when you step in the kitchen. Creating a clean, clear, and comfortable space to work in will make your kitchen more enjoyable and visually appealing.

Talk to professional kitchen designers about the best ways to organize and utilize the space in a tiny kitchen.

Modernizing your kitchen will re-energize your entire home. If your kitchen feels outdated, but you don’t have the budget for a complete renovation, there are ways to make your kitchen feel brand new. Here are simple, yet dynamic changes that will update and modernize your kitchen.

When to Update Your Kitchen

Following interior design trends may keep your home up to date and modern. The problem with trends is that they go out of style. A contemporary home is only trendy for so long before it becomes outdated.
On the other hand, if you never follow trends or update your home, there’s a good chance that your kitchen is stuck in the past. Regardless of the reason, modernizing your kitchen is easier than you think. A few simple changes can quickly upgrade a kitchen and make it feel fresh again.

New Hardware

One of the simplest and most cost-efficient ways to modernize the kitchen is to switch out all of the hardware. Getting shiny (or matte) new knobs and pulls can invigorate outdated design and make the kitchen feel more modern. Bringing in a few new lighting fixtures can also – literally – shine new light on an old kitchen.

New Cabinets

A more costly, but highly rewarding, upgrade is to change up the cabinetry, especially the upper cabinets. If all you have are cabinets, think about changing the type of storage you have. Shelves can add new dimensions and more efficient storage in some cases. New cabinets can be customized to meet modern needs.

Merely painting or staining your cabinets can make the kitchen feel more modern. Changing old and ornate cabinet doors to a sleeker and more minimalistic style can instantly revitalize outdated design.

New Countertops

Invest in new countertops. Make your kitchen more efficient by choosing a countertop material that will support a working kitchen. Natural stone countertops like granite and quartz are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and natural beauty. Countertops should be both functional and unique to your aesthetic and personal style.

Check out the latest styles of hardware, cabinetry, and countertops at our kitchen showroom in Denver.

When you close your eyes and picture your dream kitchen, we bet it features a kitchen island. The kitchen island is often the centerpiece of any modern kitchen. If you have space, the island can be one of the most functional and fabulous additions to any kitchen.

Designing an Island for Your Kitchen

Before you start designing the island itself, you need to make sure that you have the right amount of space in your kitchen. The island is supposed to improve the flow of the kitchen. But if you try to force an island in a too-small space, it’s only going to get in the way and make your kitchen cramped and oppressive. If you have space, the island can bring drama and function to your kitchen, adding more storage space and more counter space.

Measurements

To figure out if you have room for an island, you need to have an exact overview of your kitchen. For the island to be of any use, it should be at least 4 feet long and 2 feet deep. Anything less, and it’s going to be too small to serve any function. You also have to consider that you still want to have the traditional cabinets and storage along the walls, including kitchen appliances. Make sure you consider how much space this will take before you try to fit in an island.

Kitchen Island Function

If all you’re looking for is a bit of extra counter space, a small island may be quite sufficient. Many people have more ambitious goals for the kitchen island. The island is a great way to include a bit more storage space in the kitchen or even a casual seating area. If you use the island as a chopping and prepping station, you may want to include a sink and a trash receptacle. Figure out what functions you want the island to serve, and then make sure that you have space for an island big enough to fulfill each purpose.

Opening Doors and Drawers

One measurement that many forget to include is the space you’ll need to open cabinet doors, drawers, oven, refrigerator, and dishwashers. A common mistake is to design a kitchen that works when everything is closed, but when it comes to opening anything, you start banging into things. You also have to account for the space that you will need to move about in the kitchen while opening doors and drawers comfortably.

For more specific measurements and design ideas for your kitchen, including the iconic kitchen island, visit our kitchen showrooms and talk to a design expert.

Kitchen countertops are a major focal point in the kitchen, so you have to choose the materials and style thoughtfully. Your countertops can also act as an intermediary material that helps tie your cabinets and your floors together. The color, texture, and style of your countertops should help you create a cohesive and unified design for your new kitchen.

Unifying Your Floors and Cabinets

We tend to put most of our focus on the floors and the cabinets when we remodel the kitchen. But your countertops play a major part in unifying your floors and your cabinets. If you are matching your cabinets and your floors, the countertops can also add some much-needed contrast to make the design pop. Contrasting materials can make your design have a more refreshing attitude, without making the kitchen feel too busy.

Keeping Countertops Simple

Countertops can serve as a statement piece, but one mistake that we make is in being too fashion-forward and trendy in our choices. Simplicity is your friend when it comes to choosing countertops. Keeping your countertops simple, you can make other more daring choices with other aspects of your kitchen. Countertops aren’t easy to replace – or cheap – so by sticking to more classic and timeless choices for countertops means the style will last for a long time, even if you want to make some stylistic changes to other features to keep the kitchen fresh and modern.

Substance and Style

Make sure you don’t choose style over substance. Choose materials that will also serve a purpose, like giving you a solid surface to work on without damage. Your kitchen countertops should be able to live up to the kitchen lifestyle. The materials should be able to handle spills, moisture, heat, and lots and lots of chopping. There are plenty of countertop materials that are timeless, functional, and fashionable.

Stop by a Kitchen Showcase to check out all the options for kitchen countertops.

The open floor plan has become hugely popular, but where did we get the concept of “open floor” plan? Trends come and go so often that we sometimes forget that every trend has a history and an origin. Let’s take a look at where the open floor plan concept originated, and why it keeps popping back up as a popular interior design trend.

Open floor plan history

Before the 1950s, the floor plan consisted of a hallway running through the house, as sort of “yellow brick road” taking you to every separate room. Unlike today, where the kitchen is the heart of the home, pre-war kitchens were often placed in the back of the home. The kitchen was merely a functional space, not fit for socializing, and certainly not grand enough for entertaining guests.

Communal Spaces

After the 1950s the open floor plan began to emerge. Frank Lloyd Wright began to design homes that combined the dining area and the living space, but the kitchen was still kept hidden. There was even an “upstairs/downstairs” mentality, and the kitchen was considered a place for working, not socializing. However, as the family dynamic changed and living situations became more casual, the open floor plan had some advantages.

Open floor plan Advantages

The baby-boom post-WWII meant many more families with children. Having the kitchen shut off from the rest of the house made it difficult for parents to cook and keep an eye on the kids at the same time. Tearing down a few walls and creating one big communal living space was much more convenient.
New homes were necessary to house the rise in population and families. Many homes were squeezed into smaller spaces. The open floor plan would allow for more interior space in smaller homes. Eliminating walls would free up a lot more space for growing families.

Interior design trends

The open floor plan has become a trend in modern interior design because it adds both an ease and a sophistication to the home. The open floor concept lets the home be one cohesive communal space for family and entertaining. It also elevated the kitchen to its rightful place as the heart of the home, and not tucked away in the back.
The Kitchen Showcase has been helping Colorado homeowners, builders, and interior designers fall in love with their homes for over 35 years.

When you design your kitchen, you want to think about elements that are functional and appealing. Get inspiration from current trends, but always stay true to your taste and needs. Customization will never go out of style. Here are fashion-forward kitchen trends that are both fashionable and functional.

Two principals of kitchen design

The two significant principals of good kitchen design are function and beauty. With every design choice, ask yourself, if that choice either adds a necessary function or if you think it adds to the decor. If it doesn’t fit into those two categories, then leave it out of your kitchen. The best design is when every item in your kitchen is both functional and beautiful.

Functional and fashionable

You don’t want your kitchen design to be too busy, so finding elements that are both fashionable and functional will help you streamline your design and keep it simple. If you can make your choices check both the functional and the fashionable boxes, then you’re going to end up with a kitchen design that is timeless.

Clever storage

Find clever ways to create storage spaces in your kitchen, utilizing every inch of your kitchen to maximize the space.

Custom kitchen cabinets

Find beautiful and exciting ways to conceal storage areas with custom cabinetry. You can also make a statement with your storage by using contrasting materials like glass and metal to highlight and show off a functional aspect of the kitchen. Add fashion to the function of custom kitchen cabinets.

Artistic backsplashes

Backsplashes are functional, catching dirt and food grease on an easy to wipe and clean surface. However, you can create a piece of art with a backsplash. Make it both functional and fashionable.
Stop by the Kitchen Showcase in Denver to see the latest fashion-forward kitchen design trends.