As the old adage goes, “the kitchen is the heart of the home.” If you and your family spend more time in your kitchen than anywhere else in your house, there is no doubt that you want it to meet all of your wants and needs. If your current set-up is far from ideal, there’s a good chance you are considering a kitchen remodel. This can, however, be a daunting thought, especially if you are worried about how much time and money will be required. In this guide, you will discover four kitchen remodeling shortcuts that are sure to make any renovation as stress-free as possible. 

1. Ditch expensive counters – Although granite countertops are becoming less popular than they once were, most homeowners still desire natural stone counters of some kind. Quartz, for example, has risen in popularity in recent years. If you simply don’t have the budget for pricey stone counters, though, consider modern laminate options instead. Many of today’s laminate styles are designed to look just like real stone, right down to the texture. It is also worth noting that laminate is more durable than actual stone, making it ideal for families with children and for those who do a lot of cooking. 
2. Consider a pre-made island – Kitchen islands are extremely useful, but sometimes the money for a custom-built style simply isn’t there. If this is the situation you’ve found yourself in, consider a pre-made island instead. More and more manufacturers are producing high-quality, free standing kitchen islands. One of the perks of these islands is that they can easily be moved around for parties and holidays to allow for more open space. They are also much less costly than built-from-scratch styles. 
3. DIY architectural features – If you’ve always wanted a kitchen with great architectural features, like thick decorative molding and exposed beams, but your home simply doesn’t have these features, you might think you’re out of luck. In reality, though, all you need to do is visit some local salvage yards and antique stores! Finding architectural pieces from historic buildings is relatively easy; you just have to figure out how to best use them in your kitchen. If you’re struggling, talk to your contractor or a designer for assistance. 
4. Buy a buffet – Custom cabinets, like custom islands, tend to be quite pricey. If you lack the budget to install cabinets on a big, blank wall, but you need extra storage, consider investing in a freestanding buffet instead. Not only will this save you money, but it gives you the opportunity to play with color and styling. You might, for instance, want to buy an old buffet and redo it in a bold color to add visual interest to your new kitchen. 

If you are in the throes of planning your kitchen remodel and you are feeling lost, we hope you’ll visit our showroom at Fabrizio Kitchen & Bath for assistance. Not only do we have design professionals who can provide you with guidance, but our displays are intended to give all of our clients the inspiration they need to create their ideal spaces. We look forward to seeing you soon!