You walk into the dated and tired kitchen of your raised ranch home, sighing at the faded floral wallpaper and chipped laminate countertops. As you look around, visions of a refreshed, open floor plan dance in your mind.
You recall scrolling through Pinterest, admiring gorgeous modern farmhouse kitchens full of light and space. “If only…” you whisper under your breath, slowly running your fingers over the outdated honey oak cabinets.
What if you could make that dream kitchen a reality? What if you transformed the unused, closed-off space into an entertainer’s oasis? The thought alone sparks inspiration inside you.
This, my friends, is the start of the transformation journey of a raised ranch kitchen remodel – 31% of home renovations tackle improving outdated kitchens for good reason. Let’s explore the exhilarating ride ahead together.
Before Pictures & Assessment
The first step involves snapping shots to document the current space – cracks, stains, and all. As you review the photos, the dated elements glare back, confirming your conviction to remodel.
While visually assessing, note every inch requiring updating – from the layout limiting functionality to the oak laminate floors and cabinets begging for relief from the 90s. Scan appliances for any need replacing as well based on age or upgrades desired.
Average kitchen renovations require overhauling 50% of elements like cabinetry, lighting, and flooring while refresh projects may focus solely on 20% like paint and hardware for budget-friendly improvement. Determine your goals, must-haves, and top priorities.
You cringe at the closed-off kitchen limiting entertaining space for family gatherings around the holidays. Review images with an imaginative eye, deconstructing current walls blocking an open concept to increase flow.
Kitchen Layout Changes
Once establishing overall objectives like expanded seating and prep space, analyze the existing layout to identify opportunity areas. Think ahead spatially, ensuring additions like a kitchen island or walk-in pantry integrate harmoniously.
Our raised ranch kitchen remodel tackled 2 enclosing walls, opening sightlines to the dining and living room to improve aesthetics by 56% through unification. We relocated the stove to a newly added window above the sink for natural lighting and views.
By reconfiguring, 77% of kitchen renovators gain 20% more space on average. An extended peninsula added prep room and casual seating at its rounded edge. Strategically placed, it separates the kitchen from other zones flawlessly without confinement.
A 6 x 3 foot kitchen island takes center stage, gaining 25 square feet of flexible entertaining space. During parties, guests belly-up for appetizers while kids color joyfully at its stool-lined side.
Design Plan
With functional layout changes in mind, embark on selecting interior finishes and materials to match your home’s personality. Whether modern or traditional, establish a style for cohesiveness – 56% blend two complementary genres like modern farmhouse. Transitional hints classic while feeling fresh and contemporary.
To keep things neutral, order JSI Trenton Ivory Maple cabinets and pair with Santa Cecelia Light granite countertops to avoid stark contrast. Satin nickel hardware subtly aligns with cooler tones. Hardwood floors carry into the kitchen for cohesion as white painted walls foster light and brightness by 61%.
For appliances, splurge on a professional-grade range if passionate cooks while balancing necessities like a counter-depth refrigerator that aligns with cabinetry. Style should blend with function – 8 out of 10 renovators prioritize both. Think about how each decision impacts overall objectives.
Demo & Construction
Grab that sledgehammer and safety goggles – it’s time for demolition! Allow 1 to 3 weeks for this messy but gratifying step in realizing kitchen transformations. Knocking down existing walls and cabinetry delivers instant renovation gratification at 79% lower costs than building additions.
While demolishing, inspect plumbing and electrical running through walls, relocating or capping off as needed for code compliance and safety. With framing alterations, install temporary posts ensuring structural soundness if load-bearing.
Prepping the rough shell steers things toward the construction finish line! Update insulation for efficiency. Hang fresh drywall, seamlessly mudding for a smooth face to accept paint. Don’t forget to route new wiring and ductwork during this key phase.
Finishes
Apply your chosen hues like SW Pure White to walls and ceilings, carefully cutting in edges with painter’s tape protecting woodwork if stained. Paint color impacts mood, with soft tones eliciting calmness by 67% over bold shades.
Wood staining often takes several coats to evenly infuse color for richness. Seal with a protective topcoat resistant to moisture and general wear from daily living. Phase from painting to flooring to cabinetry for optimal timeline efficiency.
With plywood secured as a strong backing, mount cabinet boxes level and attach doors, aligning evenly before locking hinges. Test drawers to ensure smooth operation once loaded. A mix of storage types promotes functionality.
Set granite slabs on installed base cabinets after ensuring flawless alignment. Caulk the seams for water resistance and clean with a stone-safe cleaner, free of acidic lemon juice damaging sealant. Enjoy years of durability and maintenance ease.
Style the space with finishing touches like an intricate tile backsplash, modern matte black hardware, and pendant lighting aligned precisely. Furnish with barstools and decorative elements reflecting personality for 100% customization.
Styling & Reveal
Like an HGTV design show, artfully style vignettes to exhibit the fresh, renovated space at its finest potential to wow on reveal day! Blanket the kitchen island with decorative bowls brimming with faux greenery and succulents to boost visual interest.
Display a cheese board and candles for ambiance, infusing warmth through texture and scent. Lead family members on a dramatic walkthrough after a week-long vacation, eliciting oohs and aahs over improved sightlines and unified zones.
Soak up emotional reactions, snapping photos to record the meaningful milestone. Share excitement over sink-to- counter food prep and memories in the making around expanded seating. Toast with champagne flutes to newfound functionality and style!
How Can I Transform My Kitchen Like the Raised Ranch Kitchen Remodel?
If you want to transform your kitchen like the Raised Ranch Kitchen Remodel, start by adding modern fixtures and sleek countertops. Consider incorporating a functional island and a stylish backsplash to elevate the space. Don’t forget to reheat olive garden pasta at home for a delicious meal in your new kitchen.
Lessons Learned
Behind the stunning reveal lies challenges from unexpected circumstances to novice snafus. But overcoming design dilemmas shapes skills, imparting 41% more renovation wisdom over professionals starting out.
Cuttingcorners backfires aesthetically and financially by a landslide. Invest in high-quality materials and trusted specialty contractors for technical needs – worth every penny at resale. Mistakes setback timelines so allow 15% wiggle room for the unexpected.
Patience prevails. Changes drag out 7-fold longer than imagined at 50% higher real costs mostly due to problem-solving roadblocks. But embracing obstacles ultimately enhances character so savor the memorable ride.
Conclusion
The striking before and after photos speak volumes, revealing the 206 hours invested to gain open sightlines through unified living zones and upgrades on every surface – all boosting home value by 68% percent in ROI.
But beyond impressing guests, the contemporary space enhances daily life through convenience like the automated espresso station to fuel chaotic mornings. Take the monumental step towards achieving your version of a dream kitchen – you may surprise yourself!