The kitchen is most often thought to be the heart of a household. It’s where food is prepared, people talk, and memories are formed. When planning a kitchen remodeling project in Tampa, the choice of cabinets can establish the look and feel of the room. Cabinets occupy the most visual space in most kitchens, and their appearance, build, and layout significantly affect the result of the renovation.

Understand Your Layout and Space

Before deciding on materials or designs, it is a good idea to consider your existing kitchen layout or planned layout in your remodeling scheme. Galley, L-shape, U-shape, and open-layout kitchens require different cabinetry needs. Consider ceiling height, where windows and doors are placed, and where appliances will go. Tall cabinets maximize vertical storage in smaller kitchens, whereas more expansive base cabinets are more useful in larger rooms.

Working with a designer or contractor during this phase can provide insight into what will complement your kitchen’s footprint without crowding it or reducing its usability.

Select a Style That Matches Your Vision

Cabinet style will also have to complement your taste and the character of your home. While some homeowners desire a traditional appearance, like raised-panel doors with embellished molding, others desire a flat, modern appearance with flat-panel doors and little detail. Transitional styles blend the two and provide balance and flexibility.

Hardware options like pulls and knobs can also customize the look of the cabinet. Brushed brass, matte black, or stainless steel finishes impart distinct impressions. Remember, even slight differences in trim or panel depth can impact how your kitchen feels.

Choose Materials That Support Longevity and Beauty

The material that your cabinets are made of directly influences their performance and appearance. Solid wood remains popular and savored for its hardness and sophistication. Maple, oak, cherry, and hickory possess unique grain patterns and color tones.

For those on a budget, plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) offer durability and flexibility of finish. Laminate and thermofoil cabinets mimic wood grain patterns but are less prone to heat and moisture damage, traits particularly beneficial in hot, humid climates.

It is also worth inquiring about the internal construction of cabinets. Dovetail joints, soft-close hinges, and full-extension drawer glides are signs of attention to detail and functional integrity.

Color and Finish Considerations

Cabinet color has a profound impact on a kitchen’s mood. Lighter shades will open the space and create an illusion of the room being larger, while darker colors bring a sense of richness and sophistication. Painted finishes give a smoother color and are less hassle to update, while stained finishes enhance the natural wood grain.

If you are looking at a two-tone kitchen style, in which upper and lower cabinets have different finishes, ensure the shades complement and do not clash. Coordinating cabinet finishes with flooring, countertops, and backsplash materials is also beneficial in creating visual coherence.

Storage Features That Make Everyday Use More Convenient

More recent cabinets are not just storage containers; they can have considerate designs to facilitate workflow. Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, deep pot drawers, and in-drawer spice racks increase kitchen efficiency.

Personalized inserts, such as tray dividers or divider drawers, assist in holding cooking tools conveniently, within hand’s reach, and organized. Designing ahead in your day-to-day use of the kitchen may guide the decision of cabinetry accessories that efficiently make cooking and cleanup.

Working Within Your Means Without Compromise

Kitchen cabinets can account for a significant portion of a remodeling budget, so setting some budget limits upfront is a sound idea. Stock cabinets offer economies and quicker lead times but only come in limited sizes and configurations. Semi-custom cabinets offer more significant configurations and finishes, while custom cabinets allow complete design and dimension control.

Balancing aesthetics, quality, and cost might determine where to splurge. Sometimes, cheaper box construction with more doors and hardware is the best option.

A Cabinet Decision That Reflects Your Lifestyle

Selecting the right cabinets for your Tampa kitchen remodel involves reconciling functional planning and design acumen. Material and layout through finish and storage function, every choice shapes the kitchen into a space that adapts to your routine and serves your aesthetic.

For guidance tailored to your perspective, Hybrid Construction offers professional input to assist your cabinetry in helping shape your new kitchen’s shape and structure.

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To decide whether you need to replace your kitchen cabinets, we’ll consider some of the main reasons why homeowners decide to get replacements. Doing so can help you to keep your kitchen looking and functioning as well as it can.

Changing the layout of your kitchen
Kitchen cabinets cannot be easily moved, so if you want to change the layout of your kitchen, you may need to move the cabinets too. In some instances, homeowners may choose to plan a new layout around the existing structure to keep costs and resources lower. However, this isn’t always possible, and you may want to completely rearrange the kitchen layout. To replace kitchen cabinets appropriately, you should ensure you know exactly which layout you want before going ahead and buying or installing new cabinets.

Your kitchen cabinets are old
If the kitchen cabinets have been there for years, it might just be the right time to get them replaced. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, replacing the kitchen cabinets should be a priority as you plan the work. You can often tell whether kitchen cabinets are getting old, as they may break or start to show signs of substantial wear and tear. The quality of the cabinets will also have an impact on how long they last – it is essential to replace kitchen cabinets that are breaking down, especially if they are made from a cheaper material.

They are starting to smell
Over time, your kitchen cabinets may start to give off an unpleasant smell. This may also occur when you move into a new home that hasn’t been looked after well or has had the same kitchen cabinets for too long. If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your kitchen cabinets, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to think about replacing them. If you’re tried to clean your kitchen cabinets and eliminate the smell but have not had much luck, it may be time to replace kitchen cabinets and find the ultimate solution.

The structure is damaged
Some kitchen cabinets cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced entirely during a kitchen remodel or separately. When the structure of furniture cannot be repaired, the only option is to replace it or discard it entirely. In some cases, some of the kitchen cabinets may be damaged while others are still structurally intact. This can occur where wooden cabinets have been damaged in some places or where there have been leaks inside the cabinets that have not been fixed soon enough.

The cabinets are of low quality
Perhaps you installed lower-quality cabinets during your last kitchen remodel, or maybe you’ve moved into a new home and discovered that the kitchen cabinets are not up to a very good standard. This is one of the reasons why your kitchen cabinets might need to be replaced with items of a higher standard. They will last longer and often offer more functionality and sturdiness.

Getting your kitchen remodeled
The process of getting a kitchen remodel can seem challenging, but Hybrid Construction in Tampa is available to help you every step of the way.

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The scope of work for the project included floor plan layout changes, along with complete remodeling of the kitchen, bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms. The transformation was challenging but turned out beautifully.

Close coordination with the owner and the building management was critical to keep the project on schedule and according to plan. Due to the positive reception with the project and building management, this led to additional work on other condos in the building still occurring to this day.

The duration of this project was approximately 4 months from start to completion.

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The biggest decision here to make is if it is better to replace or reface kitchen cabinets. Replacing them is almost 50% less expensive than refacing them completely. In cases where it isn’t possible to reface the existing cabinets, the only alternative you have is to replace them.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

You can reface cabinets in three different ways, namely:

• Refinish or paint the existing cabinet drawer fronts and doors
• Install new laminate veneer or wood over the existing drawer fronts and doors
• Only keep the boxes and install completely new drawer fronts and doors

Each of the three cases above can be completed by upgrading the hardware and replacing the hinges as well as pulls. The cabinet interiors can also be painted, sanded, or stained for a makeover.

Households who have refaced their cabinets believe this makeover gave their kitchen a new, faster, and fresher look at a considerably lower cost than replacing all-new cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Replacement

Replacing the cabinets is a far more complicated, expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming process. It starts from the removal of the existing cabinets and then ordering replacement cabinets which often takes several weeks to construct and install.

Next experienced installers set and precisely level the base cabinets. It is a critical step for ensuring that the counters remain level for years. Improper leveling base cabinets results in cracks while you use them for the years to come. Next, the upper cabinets are set, lifted, and secured followed by installation of the hardware and doors.

Pros and Cons of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

There are numerous benefits and a few drawbacks of refacing cabinets. Some of them have been listed below:

Pros

• Cost-Effective (50% less expensive than Replacement Costs)
• Convenient and Quick (usually takes less than a week)
• Avoids hassle and mess due to Ripping out of cabinets
• Wide range of finished look choices to choose from
• Numerous types of veneers are available in different patterns, textures, grains, and colors
• Allows you to keep using the kitchen (isn’t possible in case of replacement)
• Lower environmental impact and more sustainable

Cons

• Doesn’t help if you have a bad kitchen design
• Kitchen lacking functionality or awkward in looks cannot be fixed through refacing
• Enormous options often result in overspending on exotic veneers or hardware

Considerations Before Selecting Replacement or Refacing

Although kitchen cabinet refacing saves hundreds or at times thousands of dollars, it isn’t perfect for every kitchen. Before deciding if you should go for refacing or replacing, there are several factors to consider.

In case your cabinets are not of high-quality boxes, it doesn’t make any sense to reface them. Spending more money to re-front them won’t work on most occasions here.

Kitchens made a few decades back were made from strong materials. For example, cabinets used to be made of 3.4-inch plywood and were much stronger. If your kitchen was built using strong materials that are meant to last for years, you can follow the modern trend of having open shelves. You can merely remove the doors and repaint the boxes to make your kitchen far livelier and up to date.

However, if the existing cabinetry is in the best shape, but the layout and design aren’t functional, open shelves might not be the best option to go with. Additionally, if the existing cabinetry isn’t deep enough to hold essential items such as cookware, a replacement will be a better idea.

Overall, refacing the kitchen cabinets despite being cost-effective aren’t suited for deeply damaged cabinets or the ones lacking functionality. In those cases, a replacement will be the best way forward. But if the cabinetry is strong from the inside, refacing will be a great idea for a quick and cost-effective overhaul.

If you are looking for a reliable contractor for replacing or refacing your kitchen in Tampa. FL, consider calling Hybrid Construction. They are a full-service licensed and insured general contractor in Florida and have been doing both small and large projects over the last several years.

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Lack of preparation and storage space

It doesn’t matter whether you are the largest foodie in the area or not, you are going to need sufficient space for storing the food and preparing the meals. Unfortunately, many kitchens especially in larger cities just lack cabinet and counter space. And whatever space that is available is poorly laid out. It makes for an awkward time while cooking. Even in cases where your kitchen was upgraded at some point in time, these changes can amount to nothing more than a straightforward facelift. Lack of sufficient space available is not an issue normally. You may have dozens of drawers and cabinets that are not well designed and they do not give you sufficient organized space for storing appliances and cooking gear. A carefully planned and new kitchen remodel can work wonders for the family.

Change in requirements

Things such as the addition of children in the family and moving to another home many times triggers the requirement for redesigning the kitchen. A kitchen that was functioning well for you before the entry of kids might drive you crazy in the current situation. Or, it is possible that your children have packed off for college study and you are in the need of a more inviting space for entertainment. It is a fact that requirements keep on changing and many times households have to change with them.

Appliances are past their best

It is a common occurrence that kitchen appliances are becoming more difficult to use over time. Their lifespan is also restricted. Most gas ranges are expected to last for around 15 years while refrigerators last for around 12-13 years. If the previous time you refashioned your kitchen was before 2007 the forecast for your appliances is not all that good. The older appliances may yet be functional however, they will be energy hogs and, in some cases, downright dangerous. For having a consistent appearance several homeowners opt for an overall appliance replacement at the same time. There is no need for an overall kitchen remodel. However, it is a good idea to explore this alternative together with other desired layout changes. This is true especially when you are facing a host of falling appliances.

Poor lighting

Your lighting design is many times an afterthought however, it will make a huge difference for the usability and enjoyment of the available space. Although the work of having proper lighting may not be more significant than the kitchen remodels, we often get inadequate lighting and poorly placed fixtures. A properly designed lighting plan for your kitchen with provisions for under-cabinet lights, statement pendants, and in-ceiling lighting can result in your kitchen becoming more attractive and functional than before.

It is tough to clean the kitchen

It is tough to find the time for cleaning the kitchen anyway however, it is even more of a hassle when the various surfaces are poorly designed or worn out and it is next to impossible to make them appear clean. Take into account abraded enamel sinks, tiles, and countertops with stained grout lines, faded linoleum flooring harboring deeply set dirt, and wooden cabinets having years of smudged grime around the handles. If you can have new surfaces, you will need so much lesser efforts for cleaning.

Any well-designed and thoughtful kitchen remodel can be an involved process however, this may pay a massive dividend for the enjoyment of your household. If you find yourself relating to the signs describes above and if you live in Tampa, FL, get in touch with Hybrid Constructions to start exploring a kitchen renovation. They can provide a thoughtful design that goes a long way in the creation of a kitchen that you will enjoy for several years to come.

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1. Get the special occasion dinnerware out: There isn’t any better time than present to add a bit more color to the table. Therefore, take out china, fancy wine glasses, and special silverware. Due to the fact that everyone is eating at home, there is a perfect opportunity to sip a bit of wine in a stylish glass or savor food by using your favorite pieces. You can think about hosting a virtual dinner party.

2. Clean the kitchen drawers: This must be one of the tasks you have put off when you didn’t have the time. The kitchen drawers take a lot of abuse and after emptying them you may find debris, broken kitchen appliances, etc. Once you free the insides of the drawers from junk toss away the rubbish and keep only the good ones.

3. Clean the closets: Let’s face the facts. Even the cleanliest people among us have messy closets in the kitchen. It is time to set this right. Begin by taking out all the things from the closet, purge the things that are not needed, and clean the interiors. If it is the kitchen trolley, sort the utensils by their types such as spoons, dishes, bowls, etc. Be sure to take care of delicate items and you stack the thick once such as dishes. Place the most used items in the front and the rarely used or seasonal items will go in the back.

4. Moisturize the wooden cutting boards: Do you remember the beautiful wooden cutting board you used for cheese and charcuterie? When did you moisturize the board the last time? For preventing the board from cracking or warping, oil the board and spoons once every month. Begin by cleaning the boards and allowing them to dry. You can use food-grade oils such as mineral oils or beeswax and allow the board to soak overnight before cleaning it.

5. Take Stock: Clean the liquor cabinet and the spice shelf. Try to figure out the things you have and what you are missing. There is no way that you are going to be aware of the presence of three bottles of Cointreau or two bottles of Smirnoff unless you take stock.

6. Clean the kitchen appliances: Most people among us, clean the refrigerator and also clean the stove regularly. But other items are neglected quite often. You can hand-wash the detachable parts of the coffee maker and run the machine by using distilled water. Empty the toaster oven along with the trap door and shake the appliance on top of the sink for removing the loose crumbs. The instant pot can be deep cleaned by wiping the cooking chamber using a damp cloth. You can wash the silicone sealing ring in soapy and hot water and run a cycle of water. You can use lemon peels and white vinegar for removing odor.

If you have any home improvement ideas that will need the help of professionals you can get in touch with Hybrid Construction LLC. They will offer good advice about kitchen improvement as well. You can do many things for home remodeling and lead a healthy life. You can bring into practice several other kitchen improvement ideas to make the kitchen a better place.

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Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

It’s not important for you to completely replace all your kitchen cabinets when you do a kitchen remodel. Simply by painting them you can feel like they’re new again. If you have a small kitchen, you should opt for white paint because this will provide a look that’s both clean and fresh so it brightens up the space. On the other hand, dark colors can make a bold statement, especially in a big kitchen.

Add new Hardware to Your Kitchen

Adding new hardware (e.g. pulls and knobs) to help you look like you’ve done a kitchen remodel. Instead, you’ll only spend a little money at the hardware store in your neighborhood. They’ll have lots of styles and colors for you to choose from. If you can’t afford this either, try repainting your hardware with some spray paint in either silver or bronze.

Install a new Kitchen Sink

Adding a new sink will make as significant of an impact as if you were to add new cabinets or flooring. However, the sink will cost you much less money. Simply measure your current sink then buy a granite, stainless, or composite replacement that will fit right in the same hole and make sure you buy a new updated faucet to go with it.

Add Recessed Lighting

Dark kitchens make spaces seem small and uninviting. By installing some recessed lighting under your cabinets, you can easily add more light to the whole room. If you don’t feel as though you can manage the electricity, you can choose a battery or plug-in option for your kitchen remodel.

Install new Countertops

You’ll pay thousands for granite, custom-made countertops, but laminate looks better today than in the past. Not only is it durable, it’s also stylish. Other available options include soapstone and butcher block. Although they cost more than laminate, they’ll update your kitchen for less than granite costs.

Add Additional Counter Space

A creative way of adding more kitchen counter space is to simply push two carts together, creating an island made out of butcher block. This can also add storage space without requiring you to install new cabinets.

Update Your Backsplash

Stylish backsplashes give your kitchen a focal point. Tile backsplashes are relatively inexpensive too. Instead of using traditional tiling, opt for tiles that you simply peel off and stick to your walls or use beadboard to make your life easier.

Update Outdated Appliances

Stainless appliances are more stylish than white ones. An easy kitchen remodel here is to simply apply contact paper that looks like stainless steel. You can also use appliance paint.

Conclusion

By following these tips you’ll be able to create a kitchen that fits both your life and your lifestyle. This is something that Hybrid Construction LLC can help you with. In fact, they’ve helped many clients successfully update their kitchen in this way over the years. Give them a call so you can be next.

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Matte Black

The hottest trend when it comes to kitchens this year is matte black. It’s also completely different from yester-years’ all-white kitchens. While you may think that this kitchen remodel would include stainless-steel appliances, not true. Matte black appliances and wood floors and cabinets offer a sophisticated contrast to each other without making your kitchen too dark. A touch of gold will make things look even more elegant.

Concrete Finishes

When you think about your kitchen, you probably don’t automatically think about using concrete there, but this is something that’s being embraced today. This is mainly because younger people really enjoy industrial designs. It’s also because exposed concrete makes a bold statement, especially in contrast to other natural elements. Regardless of the reason, it’s nice to know that concrete is so durable it’ll outlast many of the more traditional surfaces (e.g. stone, wood). Additionally, it’s very affordable and can be so easily molded and shaped that you can use it anywhere in your kitchen remodel – from countertops to kitchen cabinets. So, when you’re after a modern industrial look and feel, this should be your “go to” material.

Using raw Materials

Besides concrete, other raw materials like wood, stone, shiplap, and jude can also be used in your kitchen remodel. This is something minimalists really enjoy. While they mostly prefer to use stone because it provides a great, natural look in other places beyond your kitchen countertop, the options are limitless. With this stone, for instance, you can use it in backsplashes and for accent walls. As this trend grows, many people believe the growing popularity of using raw materials in the kitchen reflects a growing push for more sustainable, eco-friendly homes – a trend we’ll continue seeing in the future if this is the case.

Incorporating Pendant Lights

For many years now, wide open kitchens with recessed lighting have been popular. However, people are now noticing the dramatic ways pendant lights can easily change these layouts. This is why they’re starting to use them to define and anchor various areas, make bold statements, and create conversational pieces. Many people simply like how versatile they are – lighting up spaces, regardless of their style. Throughout 2019 designers believe we’ll see many more mid-century modern and Italian designs.

Adding Terrazzo Surfaces

Remember the material that was used in your school’s hallways when you were a child, especially if you went to school throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s? That’s what’s known as “terrazzo” and today it’s making a comeback, especially if your kitchen remodel has a mid-century modern design. Of course, you can also use it to add a playful touch to your modern kitchen. Whether you choose granite, quartz, or marble it’s a strong, durable material with many creative uses (e.g. accent walls, wall facings, countertops).

Concealing Vents

One of the biggest trends right now is a sleek, minimalistic kitchen without fixtures and appliances. Things like those big, industrial hood vents are now being removed to create a more seamless look above your oven. Sometimes these vents are being hidden in the front of kitchen cabinets and at other times people are being much more creative. Regardless of how you do this, it lets you emphasize your design’s other elements, like your backsplash.

Including new Technology

As technology continues finding its way into our daily lives, it should come as no surprise that it’s also finding its way into every kitchen remodel today. One of the best ways this is happening is via integrated appliances. Nevertheless, any time that technology creates a clean, seamless look is popular. In fact, it’s become a standard in more expensive homes today. There you’ll find things like slim oven hoods that turn themselves on automatically, induction cooktops, smart lights, and even WiFi-enabled coffee makers.

At Hybrid Construction LLC we see this year’s top trends significantly departing from tradition. This is refreshing news, but it also means there’s a lot of work to do when conducting a kitchen remodel. Remember, you don’t have to undertake this work yourself. We’re here for you so contact us today.

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