With the kitchen being the heart of any home, it’s bound to take a hit every now and again. Spills and accidents add up quickly, so it’s important to focus on picking quality materials when you’re remodeling your kitchen. Here are some things you should avoid:
1. Inexpensive Laminate Countertops:
Laminate counters are extremely prone to wear and tear. They can melt if you forget to place a hot pad under a pan that’s fresh out of the oven, and the edges easily chip off from repeated exposure to moisture and heat. Splurging on countertops are often worth the money; some good options include granite, quartz, or marble countertops if you want a look that lasts.
2. Flat Paint:
A flat or matte finish on your walls would work well in rooms with lower traffic, but in a room like the kitchen, spills, and accidents are bound to happen. You’ll want to make sure your paint choice can withstand an occasional heavy scrubbing, so opting for gloss or semi-gloss finishes may be better to keep your kitchen walls looking new and clean.
3. A “Trendy” Backsplash:
So many home remodeling shows show kitchens with expensive and elaborate backsplash designs. Those trendy backsplashes can be pricey, and can easily look dated after a few years. A classic, less expensive option could be subway tile; it will never get old, plus it allows wiggle-room in your budget to purchase quality materials to be used elsewhere.
4. Poor Quality Flooring:
Similar to countertops, kitchen flooring needs to be able to withstand wear and tear too. Cheap flooring easily scrapes and peels, especially when in contact with moisture. Quality flooring is worth the investment; some good choices for flooring are hand-scraped hardwoods, bamboo, or tile over vinyl.
