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Guide to the Kitchen Renovation Decision-Making Process

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

A kitchen renovation feels overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Any time you make many decisions, you risk making a bad one. And with kitchen remodeling, mistakes cost extra money and extend the timeline. Follow the right order, and your project will move smoothly, and your kitchen will look and work fabulously.

Follow this simple guide to plan a kitchen renovation, step by step.

Begin With the Budget

Before deciding anything, have an idea of the amount you are looking to spend to build your new kitchen. When determining your budget, don’t forget to take into account things like new appliances and plumbing fixtures, all which have varying price points to consider.

Until your general contractor sees the space, it is hard to determine a ballpark figure for a remodel. Depending on the scope you are looking to complete, costs can vary greatly. For example, keeping the floor plan as it is, but updating the finishes may require one budget while deciding to remove walls, add features like a coffee bar or pot filler may require a different one. When meeting with your general contractor, it is important to share things like your ideal budget, how long you intend to stay in the home and how the home will be used (i.e. your forever home, a rental, etc.).

Plan the Layout

Now you know what you have to spend, think about how you actually use your kitchen. Are you a gourmet cook or a microwave pro?

Do you accommodate several cooks at once, or is meal prep and clean-up a solo endeavor?

Looking to create a better flow for entertaining, or do you need an eating area or island? These needs inform the layout. The layout shapes your following decisions, so settle on the layout early. A good layout will make your kitchen easier to use every day.

Many Orange County kitchen renovations knock down walls to create an open-concept layout. Modern homeowners want kitchens that feel large and bring in natural light. It is important to note that not all walls can be removed. In some instances, an architect and/or engineer may need to assess what removing a wall would require in the building process.

Pick Major Appliances

Pick your appliances next. Why now? Because the size and number of appliances affects your cabinet and counter design. Decide on appliances such as refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher before designing cabinets.

A common design trend in 2025 is hidden appliances – also know as panel-ready appliances. If you want panel-ready appliances, it is important to bring this up to your general contractor early in the design process as there are some limitations when it comes to finishes, sizes, etc. Appliance-ready panels can also impact the layout of your space as each appliance has different requirements and specifications for them to function properly.

Pick Cabinets and the Configuration

Once you know the layout and the dimensions of your appliances, you are ready to think about the style and finish of your cabinetry.

White shaker cabinets remain a popular option for Orange County kitchens, but many homeowners have shifted to softer white as opposed to bright white that was popular just a few years ago. A two-tone design has become increasingly popular, with some homeowners selecting a statement color like sage green or navy blue, while others are drawn to the looks of a wood-tone. Deciding where you want to include the contrast is another factor to consider. Do you want just the island to be a different color? The uppers and lowers different colors?

This is also the time to consider storage needs. Options such as pull-out drawers, spice racks, and standing mixer lifts increase the functionality of the room.

Select the Countertops

Now that you’ve selected the style and color of your cabinets, determine the countertops that match not only your style and design, but durability and functionality. One of the more popular countertop choices is quartz due to the ease of maintenance and availability of design. Other homeowners opt for natural materials like quartzite, marble, or even granite, but it is important to note these will require regular maintenance (i.e. sealing).

Thick slabs with bold veining and waterfall edges remain staples in luxury home kitchen renovations in Orange County.

Decide on Flooring

With cabinet and countertop colors and style in mind, pick your kitchen flooring. Opt for flooring that stands up to daily wear and spills.

If you wanting the wood look without the fear of it being ruined, wood look porcelain tile flooring is a durable, waterproof option for flooring. Otherwise options such as LVP or engineered wood can be used, but it is important to understand the care requirements of each before making your decision. Your general contractor can walk you through each option and help you determine the best option for you.

No matter what you pick, pick a floor that will last for years and look good just as long.

Plan Lighting and Electrical Requirements

Good lighting makes a big difference. Use ceiling lights and under-cabinet lights to brighten workspaces with task lighting. Plan for electrical needs to determine locations for your wall switches and outlets. Consider what small appliances you will use and where you will use them. Don’t forget to figure charging areas into the equation, too.

Will your island host the blender and food processor, or hungry kids at breakfast and lunch? Know in advance and plan your electrical outlets accordingly.

Currently, recessed ceiling lights and decorative pendants top the trends in Orange County kitchen renovation projects. Consider dimmer switches for even more flexibility.

Settle on Backsplash and Wall Colors

Your backsplash ties the entire kitchen together. Wait until after you’ve decided on the cabinets and countertops to make this important decision.

Stone, porcelain, glass, and zellige tiles star in decorator kitchens in Orange County. Select paint colors that finish the room in a cohesive manner. Remember, the lighter the color, the more open and larger the room will feel.

If you are looking for a cleaner look without the added grout lines, consider using your countertop material as backsplash (i.e. countersplash). This popular design trend has been sweeping through Orange County kitchens over the last year and is expected to continue for years to come!

For harmony, use colors adjacent to prime elements on the color wheel. Go across the color wheel if you want high contrast.

Choose Fixtures and Hardware

Finally, select your faucet, sink, and cabinet handles. Cabinet hardware accessorizes your kitchen just as jewelry accessorizes fashion wear. There are dozens of finishes and brands to choose from!

If you are looking to be on-trend in 2025, consider mixed metals. Brands such as Brizo have created faucet lines that incorporate two-tone finishes like matte black with champagne bronze. This then allows you to choose cabinetry handles of either color and is no longer considered a faux-paus.

Kitchen Renovation Design and Build

If you are looking for a design and build team in Orange County for your upcoming kitchen remodel, contact Inspired Remodels.

Joe and team will walk you through the process from start to finish. Determine a layout that works for you and your space, select the finishes and fixtures, and watch your dream become a reality – all in one place!

Deciding to schedule a consultation with Inspired Remodels is a smart start to your kitchen renovation project.

Black and white kitchen cabinetry with wood look flooring

How to Use Color in Kitchen Remodeling: Tips for SoCal Homes

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Kitchen remodeling breathes new life into a home. In Orange County, where style reigns, creating a high-end kitchen relies on the creative use of color. From cabinetry to flooring, backsplashes, and lighting, the right color choices transform your kitchen into a stunning, functional space.

Cabinetry: The Heart of Kitchen Design

Cabinets constitute the largest visual feature in most kitchens, making their color choice critical. Consider neutral tones like white, cream, or gray for a high-end look. These timeless shades give your kitchen a spacious and elegant feel.

Opt for deep navy, forest green, or even black and make a bold statement. These darker tones create a luxurious atmosphere and pair beautifully with brass or gold hardware. Orange County kitchens that draw on the environmental beauty of our area pull in soft blues or sage green without creating dark rooms.

For a stunning and stylish statement, mix cabinet colors. Use a neutral base for the upper cabinets and a richer tone for the lower ones or the island. This two-tone approach adds depth and visual appeal, creating a standout kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling and Your Flooring Choice

Your choice of kitchen flooring provides another avenue to play with color in kitchen remodeling. For a warm and inviting feel, opt for light wood such as natural oak or ash shades. These tones work well with both contemporary and classic kitchen designs. That makes them the safe choice for long-term appeal.

If you prefer tile flooring, consider wood-look tiles. They offer the beauty of wood and the durability of tile. Or look for traditional floor tiles with patterned or textured designs in neutral or earth tones.

Backsplashes: A Canvas for Creativity

Planning the backsplash provides a playground or having fun with color. Subway tiles in white or neutral tones serve as the most classic choice. But modern Orange County kitchen remodeling projects often feature backsplash tiles as art. Glossy tiles in rich tones like teal, emerald, or cobalt blue bring energy to your kitchen.

For a more subdued, high-end look, consider marble backsplashes with natural veining. These offer subtle eye-catching patterns with a classic look. Orange County coastal kitchen remodels use tiles in beach-inspired hues like aqua or sandy beige to match the coastal vibe.

Balance your backsplash with the rest of the kitchen’s color palette to maintain harmony.

Lighting For Function and Mood

Lighting does more than illuminate the kitchen—it influences how colors appear. Choose fixtures that complement your kitchen’s overall style casting the best light on your color scheme.

Pendant lights over an island or dining area allow the introduction of metallic tones like gold, bronze, or copper for warmth. Opt for matte black or sleek chrome finishes for a modern or industrial touch.

Consider the lightbulbs you use. Cool white bulbs make whites and grays appear crisp and clean, ideal for a minimalist kitchen. Warm yellow bulbs create a cozy atmosphere and enhance natural wood tones. Include dimmer switches so you can adjust the brightness based on the mood and occasion.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for Picking a Cohesive Color Palette

Start with your primary palette and build from there. For example, if you opt for white cabinets, bring in warmth through wood floors and color through the backsplash. If you love dark cabinets, balance them with lighter floors and countertops.

Don’t forget to consider the colors in the adjoining rooms. This gives the entire home a feeling of cohesiveness.

Kitchen Remodeling in Southern California Style

For a Southern California kitchen that reflects the Orange County climate and lifestyle, work with an Orange County kitchen remodeler. Inspired Remodels helps incorporate colors and finishes in a design that creates a space that feels fresh and welcoming. From sandy neutrals, ocean blues, and earthy greens to marble, quartz, and natural stone, you’ll see options for materials that not only give you a high-end look but also stand up to daily wear and tear.

kitchen remodeling after photo stainless sttel stove and hood with gre, black & white backsplash

Kitchen Remodeling Fall Inspiration

By Inspired Remodels / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Fall in Orange County means football on TV, fewer tourists at the beach, and a drive to the mountains for leaf peeping. The change in season provides the perfect backdrop to refresh the home before the holidays. So, here’s a little inspiration for kitchen remodeling this fall.

Make a Splash with a Backsplash

A kitchen backsplash possesses the remarkable ability to transform the entire room and breathe new life into its design. This often-overlooked feature is not merely a protective barrier against splashes and stains but also a canvas for creativity and style. See how these backsplashes work magic in kitchen remodeling projects.

How unusual is this tile? The current green and white palette goes great, but honestly, this tile will match any color the homeowner ever uses. Talk about tile with staying power!

Another kitchen, another green and white combination. But, a completely different look thanks to the marvelous backsplash.

For something completely different, go for traditional subway tile but lay it in a herringbone pattern. All the beauty of a chevron with none of the extra labor costs for cutting the tile at an angle.

Update Kitchen Hardware

New cabinet hardware breathes new life into a kitchen, instantly transforming its overall look and feel. These small but impactful elements play a pivotal role in the kitchen’s aesthetic, functionality, and style.

Cabinet hardware serves as a visual focal point in the kitchen. It’s like jewelry that enhances an outfit. Selecting hardware that complements your kitchen’s design theme creates a cohesive and harmonious space. Change the choice of hardware and change the tone for the entire room.

The same style cabinets just look different when you use brushed nickel versus gold hardware.

Decorative Lighting

New decorative lighting in a kitchen remodeling makes a room more functional and visually appealing. Swap out decorative lighting for a fresh and rejuvenated look.

First and foremost, lighting fixtures can serve as the focal point of your kitchen’s design. Whether it’s a stunning alternative to traditional pendant lights above the kitchen island, a row of elegant sconces along the walls, or a unique chandelier, the choice of decorative lighting can set the tone and style for the entire space. Lighting becomes a statement piece, elevating the room’s overall aesthetics.

Fall In Love with Kitchen Remodeling

This Fall, fall in love with the kitchen remodeling experts at Inspired Remodels. Get ideas for kitchens, baths, entryways, bedrooms, or any room in the house!