Sterling Works

Start the Conversation

  • Home
  • Our Work
    • Kitchen
    • Bathroom
    • Aging-in-Place Remodeling
    • Special Projects
  • About Us
  • How It Works
  • Choosing the Right Contractor
  • Customer Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog

February 19, 2019 by Contributor Leave a Comment

8 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Create Your Dream Cooking Space

 
Who doesnโ€™t dream about owning the ultimate kitchen? As the heart of any home, it needs to be functional yet aesthetically pleasing. It is where you and your family hang out on a daily basis. As a space for sustenance and sociability, kitchens are often at the top of the remodeling list.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for a Dream Cooking Space

So, how do I start?

Compile ideas

Since everyone has a different dream, you need to start by compiling your ideas. The completed project should be a positive contribution to your home’s value. If youโ€™re looking to remodel your kitchen, collect designs from magazines and online sites. Are there certain cabinets, countertops, or features that you are planning to incorporate into your dream kitchen? Determine the cost in order to get an estimate of what you can achieve within your budget.

Maximize your layout

Kitchens vary in shape, size, and dimensions. But there are ways to increase the functionality and space without making significant changes to the layout of the kitchen. The easiest way to save is to keep your current arrangement. Taking down walls, and shifting gas lines, electrical wiring, and plumbing connections will quickly deplete your budget. As you design the kitchen, find ways to maximize the space. Some suggestions to consider are:

  • Increasing cabinet space by adding wall-to-wall cabinets that reach the height of the ceiling
  • Adding an island to increase countertop space
  • Using recessed lighting to make the area seem bigger
  • Installing hidden functions in cabinets, like space racks

To ensure that your kitchen is being used to its utmost potential, itโ€™s vital to select a layout. Also, choose products that increase the functionality of the kitchen. Focusing on storage space and workspace will truly make it a place to enjoy.

What can you do to create your dream cooking space?

1. Paint the kitchen

Color is the spice of life. You can inexpensively upgrade your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint. Select a hue that not only makes your kitchen a livelier place but also an alluring and pleasant one. You can dial up the wow factor on your kitchen by utilizing the vibrant energy of red or the chic finesse of black. Or take it to the opposite track. Keep it enduring and trendy with an all-white kitchen color scheme. But donโ€™t let these suggestions limit your choice. Allow your imagination to dictate the palette.

2. Revamp the cabinets

Place this at the top of things to update. There are several ways of doing this.

  • If you’re on a tight budget, simply paint your cabinets. Aim at keeping things cool, relaxed, or neutral. With a little work and a few basic skills, you can brighten up the kitchen design with fresh paint. For a sophisticated, clean look, consider neutral tones or continue the stunning white theme by painting them all white.
  • But to attract maximum value for your remodel, step it up by refacing. Instead of tearing out and replacing your current cabinets- which is necessary only for a full replacement- you can quite easily replace the most visually prominent area of the cabinets. These include the doors and drawer fronts.

While focusing on this renovation, donโ€™t forget to modernize your kitchen with elegant cabinet hardware. It can make a statement and reinforce the style of the space. Whether you choose knobs or handles, select ones that complement your new cabinets.

3. Add an Eye-Catching Backsplash

As a low investment, it’s ideal to give your kitchen a makeover with a new backsplash. Itโ€™s the perfect element to use in terms of visual impact. Choose a functional and long-lasting design that allows your creativity to shine through. Most backsplashes are DIY projects; with a little time and effort, your cooking and food-prep area can be completed quickly. Shimmering glass, metal tiles, and veneer stones are sure to attract everyoneโ€™s attention. Other options for a backsplash include wallpaper and tile decals.

4. Install gorgeous countertops

A new countertop can surprisingly impact the kitchen design, serving as the focal point of the entire kitchen. Among some of the best countertops, you can use laminate, concrete, stainless steel, quartz, or granite to create a sleek finish. Though this can be an expensive aspect, itโ€™s sure to support your upgrade. This is also the ideal time to incorporate a new sink. No dream kitchen is complete without the perfect sink and those special faucet features.

5. Hang some fantastic lights

Kitchen lighting deserves the spotlight. You should focus on incorporating natural light to your workspace. Also, add a few well-positioned fixtures to illuminate your beautiful kitchen. Utilize a classy and stylish pendant light to let it become the center of attention. The best advice with kitchen pendants is to go big and bold, but make sure it scales the size of your kitchen. You donโ€™t want to overwhelm the space. While youโ€™re at it, add a couple of recessed lights under the cabinets to create a soft illuminating glow.

6. Add an island

Islands are multifunctional elements of any kitchen. From food prep to comfy seating, an island can provide more counter space. It instantly becomes the focal point of your kitchen. Once you transform the kitchen, youโ€™ll want to show it off. Adding an island is one way to open it for your family and friends. Youโ€™ll also be able to incorporate additional seating options as you bring everyone together right here under your new pendant light.

7. Upgrade the appliances

With so many appliances to choose from, you might want to go slow on this one. Fridge, oven, microwave, and hood are essentials. Bringing them up-to-date is one way that makes every chef feel that their dream has come true. The appliances not only augment the appearance of your kitchen, but they also enhance the cooking experience.

8. Take it outside

Some people prefer to expand their kitchen by changing the layout of the inside space of the house. But others prefer to take a portion of their kitchen outside. For those who love to host parties or barbeque, an alternate dream remodel option is building an extension of a kitchen on the deck or patio. What could be better than cooking outdoors? Just remember to use proof bug spray to get rid of those nasty critters.
With these ideas, youโ€™re armed for a great remodel. Use your inspiration to add flair to your kitchen makeover. Let decor and features incorporate style and function to the heart of your home.

Evie HarrisonAuthor Bio:
Evie harrison is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. Find her on Twitter:@iamevieharrison

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

Related

Filed Under: Kitchen Remodeling

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

  • Bathroom Remodeling
  • Kitchen Remodeling
  • Uncategorized

REVIEWS

Chad Robichaux profile picture
Chad Robichaux
August 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sterling did an amazing job on our bathroom / laundry room renovation. We now have a beautiful space that fits well into our life for years to come!!
Posted on Google Google
fin mad profile picture
fin mad
February 26, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Philip and the entire crew are amazing! Very thorough with special attention to detail and nothing short of quality work. They make sure everything is perfect. Would definitely want to use them for future projects. Strongly recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Kate Hodgins profile picture
Kate Hodgins
December 30, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Philip and the Sterling Works team were wonderful to work with on my bathroom renovation! From the estimate to completing the final punch list, the project went smoothly and stayed on schedule. Philip was at my house daily for the bulk of the project, ensuring that all of the subs were coordinated and completing the project exactly as promised. Any small issues that arose were met with solutions from the experienced team. I highly recommend Sterling Works for your next home renovation!
Posted on Google Google
Kate Ravin profile picture
Kate Ravin
June 2, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My husband and I cannot praise Sterling Works highly enough! Philip has assembled and overseen a team of pros who do gorgeous, precise work, turning our cramped, hideous 1970s bathroom and small walk-in closet into the Japandi retreat of our dreams--a room we can age into with confidence. Would we use Sterling Works again? Absolutely! If you're lucky enough to find them free, grab them fast! A+++++++++
Posted on Google Google
Nicole Zavodnick profile picture
Nicole Zavodnick
May 4, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Philip was hands down the best contractor from start to finish of a project we could have asked for. His attention to detail and understanding my vision for our kitchen was so easy to communicate. The crew he hires from demo and structural engineering work, to cabinet making to local recommendations for suppliers of appliances, countertops, etc are all top notch. The best part was his timeline and budget were accurate and we had no surprises there. I hope he never retires for my own sake. Most of all, he is an in town local and kept our house and dogs safe while we underwent this huge renovation! Peace of mind while turning a project over was such a relief.
Posted on Google Google
Sam Burnwall profile picture
Sam Burnwall
April 14, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sterling Works did an absolutely incredible job giving us the kitchen of our dreams. They werenโ€™t the first business we met with when planning our kitchen renovation, but we knew after meeting with the owner, Phil, that we had found the right company for the job. Phil understood our vision for our kitchen and was really invested in giving us exactly what we wanted. He was the first contractor that we met with that actually had suggestions and gave some of his own ideas that helped us to make some key decisions. As far as timing goes, I know itโ€™s impossible to promise an exact date for a project, but despite the hiccups that come with renovations in a 70+ year old house, they moved swiftly (not too swiftly as to make mistakes) and finished right on time as promised. 10/10 would absolutely work with Sterling Works again and would recommend them to anyone.
Posted on Google Google
Stephanie Kelly profile picture
Stephanie Kelly
October 24, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am so happy with our our 2nd floor renovation project turned out from Sterling Works. Everyone was wonderful to work with, from the flooring crew who had to pivot when the original plan wasn't going to work, to the carpenter who built our custom vanity and the rest of the crew who did excellent work. They all took our wishes into account, offered suggestions based on their professional expertise, and made sure we were happy with the end results. Our house finally feels more like a home than an apartment and we are thrilled with the results.
Posted on Google Google
Benjamin Kodish profile picture
Benjamin Kodish
June 16, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently completed a project with Sterling Works and could not be happier with the experience and outcome. We updated both our kitchen and primary bathroom and they both turned out great. The entire process working with Philip and his team was easy from initial planning to completion. Philipโ€™s team is wonderful. They are all very talented and do meticulous work. Also, they are also extremely friendly and polite. In addition to the great work, they also do the โ€œlittle thingsโ€ like cleaning up the work site at the end of every day, which really does make a huge difference with all of the work taking place in the house. Overall, the project was completed on time and there were no surprises on cost. We would highly recommend Sterling Works and are already considering updating a guest bathroom with them later this year.
Posted on Google Google
Mark Caridi-Scheible profile picture
Mark Caridi-Scheible
January 13, 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had my kitchen completely redone with a lot of special requests and Sterling Works managed it all beautifully. They were extremely professional and all the work was done on time. Philip was so easy to work with and highly responsive, as were all of his crew. The subcontractors he chose were also highly professional and easy to work with. My kitchen turned out stunning, so if you want quality work done on time, these are the guys.
Posted on Google Google
Erin F profile picture
Erin F
October 28, 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I just finished a kitchen and second room remodel, working with Phil and his crew. I cannot say enough about the process and the results. Phil really helped guide me through the whole remodel process and communicated with me next steps, schedule and the all-important budget. As we came upon a couple of issues and choices, he and his crew were able to offer solutions and options and implement them to perfection. For example, my house is very old so I was terrified of what we would find once we opened the walls. And we did find something โ€“ some of the pipes were split and leaking beneath the house, as well as into the basement. Phil and his crew were able to deal with this new situation almost immediately. Going into this, I also worried about having a whole crew in the house for such a long period of time. His crew is really the best group of guys. But by the time the project was finished I could not imagine, not having them around! They are really good people!!! I cannot overstate that! This whole scary process was so easy and enjoyable due to their knowledge, experience and ingenuity. My remodel is absolute perfection. I definitely recommend Phil and hope to have future projects with them. Sincerely, Erin
Posted on Google Google

CONNECT WITH US
Contact us for your next project

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Aging-in-Place Specialists

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Associations & Awards

National Association of the Remodeling Industry Home Advisor Screened and Approved Best of Houzz Service Award 2017
Angies List Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association SterlingWorks is An Earthcraft Certified Remodeler
National Kitchen and Bath Association WABE-90.1-Atlanta

Copyright © 2026 · Sterling Works

Privacy Policy | DMCA Policy | Terms of Use

Loading Comments...