How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel with Appliances in Mind

Appliances make a kitchen what it is. However, they aren’t as heavily associated with custom design. When you compare them to the latest in one-of-a-kind stone countertops or unique cabinet styles, they can almost seem like an afterthought.

Naturally, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, we’re looking into what it’s like to plan a kitchen remodel with appliances in mind. How we choose and place kitchen appliances has a great impact on design results.

Planning a kitchen remodel with appliances

Appliances are a relatively early-stage decision. Knowing whether or not you’ll buy new ones impacts the remodeling budget. Having their dimensions influences the measurements of everything else. 

Here are some ways to get ahead of any appliance hang-ups.

Step 1: Find your daily pain points. 

What is it about your current appliances that isn’t serving you best? Their position, function, or both? It may even be their aesthetics. Be a pessimist for a few minutes and list everything you don’t like about your existing fridge, range, oven, and dishwasher.

Example:

Step 2: Identify the most important features.

Now we’re going to accentuate the positive by pinpointing the solutions that would suit your new kitchen better. This helps streamline your choices as you select replacements. For this step, it helps to bring yourself up to date on the latest in smart appliances.

Example:

Step 3: Devise ways to optimize workflows.

Here’s where appliance placement in a kitchen remodel comes into play. This is the best part: tailoring the design to your preferences and routines. Layouts for small kitchens are worth looking into if your remodel is more about improving function than making updates.

Example:

Tips for remodeling a kitchen with new appliances

With features and placement preplanned, let’s proceed. We’re now at the shopping stage of a kitchen remodel with appliances.

1. Choose energy-efficient appliances.

Sustainability is a remodel trend everyone can get behind. Using less water and energy can be as beneficial for your utility bills as it is for the planet.

2. Order at the right time.

Setting the budget, measuring the space, and agreeing on the design. Order after these three steps. Waiting any longer could delay the project.

3. Go for standard sizes where it makes sense.

If you’re having a lot of trouble deciding how you feel about an appliance’s proportions, choose standard. It’s the happy medium for a reason. It’s also easier to replace in the future.

4. Don’t worry so much about matching finishes.

If you find a great deal on something when ordering, but it doesn’t match the finish of the other appliances, don’t get stuck. You can customize the finish of an appliance down to the hardware for a cohesive look.

How to remodel a kitchen with existing appliances?

Keeping the appliances you already have? You’re actually quite lucky. The new cabinets and countertops can be designed and installed to fit around them seamlessly. You can still move them to work with a new layout.

The biggest pro is the budget. Appliances are often the third-most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, sitting behind cabinets and labor/craftsmanship. If they’re in good working order and you really want them, you’ll be saving thousands. 

Plus, you can still opt for custom finishes to update or coordinate their appearance.

What is a fully integrated appliance?

A fully integrated appliance is nearly or completely indistinguishable from the rest of your cabinets. The photo above shows a fully integrated refrigerator. Its double doors are concealed by the cabinet doors that blend with the rest of the design. 

One of the most appealing (and underrated) advantages of this choice is the clean lines. There’s no protrusion, and the appliance's height doesn’t disrupt the top lines of the cabinetry.

The Designery is a perfect fit for your kitchen remodel.

A great range of smart appliances, custom finishes, and all levels of integration. It’s available under one roof at your local Designery. In addition to appliances and professional design services, we offer:

• Customizable cabinets in a pleasing range of styles and colors.

• Elegant tile backsplashes in porcelain, ceramic, and stone, custom cut and configured for your space.

• Stylish flooring for every look and budget, from top-quality hardwoods to low-maintenance LVP.

• Hardware and accessories in a wide variety of shapes and finishes, enhancing every detail of your remodel.

• Premier countertops in every thickness with custom edges, from engineered quartz to natural granite and more.

“Best experience ever for an extensive remodel of my kitchen and bath. Amazing work ethic, attention to the smallest detail, adjustments in design based on my personal use of space that comes with not only top-level skill, but passion for creating a perfect renovation and satisfied customer.”

Donna, Designery client

Take a closer look at The Designery’s kitchen remodeling services, and call (877) 464-4766 to schedule a complimentary consultation.