A kitchen makeover is the perfect way to refresh your home after returning from a vacation. Updating your kitchen not only gives you a creative project to dive into after your trip, but it can also help you carry that relaxed vacation vibe into your everyday life. A makeover can range from small updates like new hardware and a fresh coat of paint to a full remodel. Here is an extensive guide to planning and executing your vacation kitchen makeover.
Planning Your Vacation Kitchen Makeover
The first step in any successful kitchen makeover is planning. Taking time to think through your goals, budget, and design will ensure your finished kitchen matches your vision. Consider the following tips when planning your vacation kitchen makeover:
Set Your Budget
Kitchen remodels can range drastically in price. Small cosmetic changes may only cost a few hundred dollars, while a full gut renovation can easily exceed $20,000. Set a realistic budget by getting multiple quotes and understanding what specific updates will cost in your area. Factor in not only materials and labor but also the loss of use of your kitchen during the remodel.
Define Your Goals
Envision how you want your new kitchen to look and function. Make a list of priorities like increased storage, updated appliances, improved workflow, or a fresh style. Define which elements are necessities and which ones you can compromise on if needed. This will guide decision making if you need to scale back due to budget.
Choose a Style
Browse magazines, Pinterest, or Houzz for inspiration. Focus on elements like color schemes, materials, lighting, and decorative styles that appeal to you. If your kitchen is open to other living spaces, ensure your new style is cohesive. Collect images of kitchens you love to reference throughout the remodel process.
Hire Professionals
Unless you are very experienced with remodeling, hire professionals to complete the work. Get referrals and check reviews to find qualified experts. A general contractor can oversee the entire project while you hire specialists for plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, etc. Discuss timelines, expectations, and costs upfront.
Shop Smart
Hit thrift stores, garage sales, clearance sales, and salvage yards to find budget-friendly materials for your remodel. Search online for coupon codes when purchasing big ticket items like appliances. Repurpose or refinish existing items like cabinets and lighting fixtures to maximize your dollars.
Implementing Your Vacation Kitchen Makeover
Once your remodel is planned, it’s time to dive in! Make the process as smooth as possible by following these tips:
Organize Your Makeshift Kitchen
Your normal cooking space will likely be inaccessible during a kitchen remodel. Set up an alternative space with a microwave, slow cooker, hot plate, fridge, sink, and basic utensils. This will allow you to cook simple meals during the renovation.
Take Detailed Photos
Before removing any elements, photograph your existing kitchen from all angles. This provides a helpful reference for reassembly and prevents overlooking important details. Measure any spaces that may impact new layouts or furnishings.
Prepare the Space
Protect surrounding rooms by covering doorways with plastic sheeting. Have a dumpster delivered for waste removal. Turn off electricity and water lines feeding the kitchen area. Remove existing cabinets, flooring, appliances and lighting. Patch walls and ceilings as needed.
Update Infrastructure
With the kitchen gutted, inspect electrical, plumbing, gas lines, and ductwork. Replace or repair anything outdated or deteriorated. Install new circuits to support additional lighting and appliances if needed. Now is the ideal time for upgrades.
Install New Elements
Work from the ground up when rebuilding your kitchen. Start with new flooring, then cabinets and countertops. Install plumbing and electrical fixtures, then drywall and paint. Reinstall old or purchase new appliances. Replace lighting, hardware, and any decorative elements.
Focus on Finishes
Finishing touches bring everything together for a cohesive look. Add molding, paint or wallpaper, window treatments, and accent lighting. Fill the space with decorative items like plants, art, rugs, and soft goods. Thoroughly clean to remove dust and debris.
Best Practices for a Successful Remodel
Follow these best practices as you execute your vacation kitchen makeover:
Communicate with Contractors
Schedule regular meetings with your contractors to inspect work and discuss next steps. Communication minimizes mistakes and keeps projects on schedule. Be responsive to requests and concerns to prevent delays.
Stick to Your Budget
Avoid going over budget by tracking all expenses and change orders. Get multiple quotes for big purchases to find savings. Look for ways to DIY small projects if costs start ballooning. Compromise on new additions to keep spending aligned.
Factor in Extra Time
Most kitchen remodels take longer than initially expected. Build a time buffer into your schedule for inevitable hiccups like shipping delays or specialty contractor availability. Plan for about 20% longer than projected to allow flexibility.
Inspect Work Thoroughly
Closely examine all materials and workmanship during the remodel and at completion. Check for damage, alignment issues, missing pieces, improper installation, and functionality. Identify any defects immediately so they can be corrected.
Support Local Businesses
Look to local and small businesses when sourcing materials and hiring contractors. Neighborhood establishments invest back into your community. You may also find more unique products than at big box stores.
Budget-Friendly Updates for Quick Kitchen Makeovers
If your time or budget doesn’t allow for a major renovation, you can still give your kitchen a fresh new vacation-inspired look with smaller updates:
Paint the Cabinets
Painting worn cabinets is an affordable way to instantly change the look of your kitchen. Use a high-quality primer and cabinet paint for a smooth finish. Opt for light, bright colors inspired by your vacation destination.
Update Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware with new knobs, pulls, and hinges modernizes cabinets on a budget. Choose hardware in a finish that coordinates with your new color scheme, like brushed brass with navy cabinets.
Change Up Lighting
Better lighting can make a dark kitchen feel open and airy. Swap outdated fixtures for new pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed cans. Add mirrors and sconces for extra brightness.
Install a Backsplash
Apply affordable stick-on backsplash tiles or panels to protect walls and add visual interest behind counters and stoves. Choose patterns and colors reflective of your vacation, like beach glass or palm fronds.
Add Accent Paint
Use accent paints or wallpaper on one focal wall to transform the vibe. Try tropical prints, breezy blues, or Mediterranean oranges. Keep remaining walls neutral for balance.
Update Flooring
Replace worn linoleum or carpet with budget-friendly vinyl plank flooring designed to mimic pricier materials like wood or tile. Select a light, sandy color for a beachy vibe.
Stage with Décor
Freshen up your kitchen’s look just by rearranging and editing décor. Store rarely used items to clear clutter. Bring in vacation mementos, fruit bowls, flowers, and accent rugs to spruce up the space.
FAQs About Vacation Kitchen Makeovers
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the average cost of a major kitchen remodel is around $135,000. However, smaller cosmetic updates can be done for under $5,000. Focus your budget on high-impact changes to control costs.
How do I choose new cabinets for a vacation makeover?
Look for cabinet colors and materials that evoke your vacation destination, like light blue for the beach. For a cottage feel, opt for white painted or distressed wood cabinets. Glass front cabinets lend an airy, open look.
How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?
The remodel timeline varies based on scope, but most full kitchen renovations take 4-8 weeks from start to finish. That includes 1-2 weeks for demolition, 1-2 weeks for construction, and 1-2 weeks for finishes and detailing. Build in extra time to be safe.
Should I change my kitchen layout?
If your current layout is inefficient, now is the time to reconfigure it. An interior designer or contractor can help optimize workflow. But if the existing layout functions fine, simple cosmetic updates often suffice to give a fresh vacation feel.
How do I add coastal style to my kitchen?
Incorporate whites, blues, greens, and neutrals for a beachy color palette. Add touches of natural woods, woven textures, and accent colors inspired by ocean and shore. Install backsplashes with tiles mimicking waves, sand, or sea glass. Opt for airy designs.
What are quick kitchen updates I can do myself?
For DIY fast fixes, paint cabinets, swap out hardware, replace lighting, apply stick-on backsplash tiles, switch out décor accessories, install peel-and-stick wallpaper, update faucets and fixtures, or refinish countertops. Get professional help for more complex projects.
Final Thoughts on Vacation Kitchen Makeovers
A vacation kitchen makeover breathes new life into one of the most used spaces in your home. With strategic planning and savvy execution, you can complete a renovation that aligns with your unique vision and budget constraints. Focus on high-impact changes tailored to your goals for the space. Seek professional guidance to ensure proper installation and follow-through. Invest time upfront in a well-thought-out design to avoid missteps later. With creativity and commitment, your refreshed vacation-inspired kitchen will become a beloved hub for family and guests for years to come.
