8 Kitchen Remodel Tips for a Happier Experience

3/9

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

A temporary kitchen lets you cook, wash dishes and make your morning coffee while your main kitchen is out of commission. Save a few of your old cabinets and countertops to build the makeshift kitchen. You don’t need a fancy setup —functionality is the goal here. Install the cabinets and cut the countertop to fit, if necessary. Then add the countertop appliances and other items you need for preparing meals, like a toaster oven, hot plate, microwave, coffeemaker and refrigerator (even a half-size model would be great).

4/9

Build an Office Into Your Kitchen Remodel

If you want to use your kitchen as an office, make it part of the remodel. You don’t need a lot of space. A small seating area with a computer station is often adequate. During the remodel, add outlets for plugging in your computer equipment. Also add storage space like shelving or a recessed wall cabinet so your paperwork won’t get lost or create a mess.

5/9

Leave Space for Future Kitchen Remodels and Appliances

If you’re getting new cabinets but want to keep your old refrigerator, leave enough space between cabinets so you can replace your fridge with a wider model later. (Most refrigerators are 32 to 36 in. wide.) Install filler strips or panels to fill up the extra space. You can install shelving between the panels over the top of the fridge or install top cabinets. Order the filler strips and panels with your cabinets so they match.