any advice on a total kitchen remodel?

Answer 1

Do not get marble countertops. Marble does not seal like granite and it will stain from spills. It's also softer and will get damaged easier.

The kitchen triangle approach is an absolute must. Basically, there are three kinds of work areas in a kitchen: food storage, food preparation, and clean-up. These should be arranged relative to each in a triangle for a good working kitchen. And, the more equilateral the triangle is, the better.

For example, you wouldn't want to have a wall of your kitchen that contains the refrigerator, the sink, the dishwasher, and the stove. A better arrangement would be to have the refrigerator and the sink/dishwasher on one wall, with the stove on the other side of the kitchen (if it's a galley-type of kitchen).

Kitchen cabinets can also be insanely expensive. Good cabinets usually cost at least a couple hundred dollars a linear foot, and can get up to a few hundred dollars a foot. Consider that you'll have upper and lower cabinets, too. Then there's the cost of installation.

Definitely consider granite countertops. But, also consider that you're looking at a minimum of $20 per square foot, with the exotics being more like $50 a square foot. Then, you can add on about $50 a square foot for fabrication, more for bullnose edges and sink cut-outs. But, it will last forever and can't be damaged like just about every other kind of counter top (heat and stain resistance).

For flooring, nothing beats ceramic tile. If you do go with tile, consider having it installed at a 45-degree angle. It makes a room look bigger for some reason. Also, make sure it gets installed right. Don't scrimp on the floor, because you don't ever want to have to replace it. Go with hardybacker, a mesh and leveling compound, and a layer of mastic under a slip sheet. This allows thermal expansion and contraction of the subfloor without affecting the tile layer. And, use a good quality ceramic tile. Avoid travertine or other porous tiles, or you'll be resealing your floor every year or so for the rest of your life.

If you're getting custom made cabinets, consider having a couple of the doors made with glass fronts. This is a really cool effect and you can show off some nice china or whatever.

If you like the look of a stainless steel sink, go for it. But, get an expensive one. The more expensive ones have a coating on the back that dampens sound. They're also a heavier gauge and withstand denting better. Also, consider that a stainless sink doesn't look completely clean unless it's dry (no water spots). If that's going to be an issue, go with ceramic. And get two basins, even if one is a bit smaller than the other. I had a very expensive sink in a house that I owned that was only one basin and I hated it.

Make sure you have lots of lighting. Can lights and undercounter lights are a very cool feature. And consider getting a pot rack. If you don't have a nice, expensive set of pans, now is the time. And, a pot rack will prevent scratching of the inner surfaces from stacking them in a cupboard.

Oh, and don't forget to run the water line for the ice maker before you seal up the walls. And, make sure there's a cutoff valve at both ends.

Answer 2

Go to NKBA.org for kitchen design tips. This is the website of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. They can tell you how much space to allow for different areas, how to create a "work triangle" that really functions properly. How much counter space, cabinet space, aisle space, etc.
Also try Kohler.com for more tips (with a Kohler bias, of course).

Answer 3

Oak cabinets with matching oak trim. Granite counter tops are a must. You can take a pan off the burner or out of the oven and set it right on the counter. It can handle 450 degrees F. I have no regrets on mine. Also got matching granite window ledges.

Answer 4

the best advice I can give you is to be sure you have everything you need before starting. Nothing worse thenalso if you are putting in new flooring the patteren you chose getting your cabinets and finding out one or two are back-ordered. when they come they could be a whole different color.
Also if you are putting in new flooring,the pattern you chose could be dis-continued

Answer 5

marble worktops, its a must!