Remodeling your home is a great way to make it look and feel new. However, which room should you remodel first?

It depends on where you spend the most time. For example, if you enjoy entertaining guests, then you should start with the kitchen. But if your idea of a relaxing evening is ordering in and taking a bubble bath, then you should remodel the bathroom.

Custom Cabinetry

When you opt for custom cabinetry during a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ll have the freedom to choose wood style, stain color, and hardware. You’ll also have the ability to install specialized features like “soft-close” drawers, which prevent your cabinets from banging shut every time you use them.

The right cabinets can transform your new kitchen or bathroom into a space that’s uniquely you. For example, adding glass front cabinets to your kitchen is a great way to showcase pretty ceramics and glassware. Or, you could create a pantry in the corner of your kitchen to store spices and canned goods.

Choosing custom cabinetry over stock will naturally increase your storage space, since you can add more shelves and drawers without making the room look cluttered. You’ll also be able to eliminate filler spaces and have the cabinets fit the exact dimensions of your room for a more fitted look.

Many people are surprised to find that a kitchen remodel can include additional, unique storage solutions that make life in the kitchen much easier. For example, installing an appliance garage in your cabinetry allows you to keep mixers and other large appliances together and easy to reach.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are the classic, luxury choice for your new kitchen or bathroom. They’re heat-resistant, durable and bring a sense of elegance and beauty into your home. Plus, granite countertops are easy to clean and can withstand a lifetime of wear and tear.

There are many different colors of granite to choose from, so it’s possible to find a look that will suit your kitchen and bathroom design. Granite also comes in a variety of textures, making it an excellent choice for both traditional and contemporary designs.

While granite is very hard-wearing, it does need to be sealed on a regular basis. You’ll need to consider this cost as well as the fact that some chemicals may wash away the sealer.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of granite vs marble before making your final decision. While both materials are durable, granite is considered tougher than marble and it’s also less prone to cracking or chipping. However, marble is softer and may need more maintenance to keep it looking great. It’s also worth considering how long you’ll be living in the house before deciding between marble or granite. Children grow up, trends change and a gaudy color might not be suitable in four years time.

Full-Wall Cabinetry

Cabinetry can make a big difference in the overall look of kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms, bathrooms and even home offices. When you’re ready to cultivate your style, a bold finish on your wall cabinets can create an eye-catching focal point that inspires adjacent spaces.

To create a more seamless appearance, coordinating upper cabinets can cover exposed walls and ceilings. Wall end cabinets, also known as crown molding or a soffit, are another great option for covering up unattractive venting and electrical wiring.

Consider adding a butler’s pantry, hutch or buffet for a more formal feel in the kitchen. These cabinets are ideal for entertaining and can hold everything from linens to wine glasses.

During the kitchen remodeling phase, workers may need a place to stash boxes of tile and other materials. It’s best to find a room that isn’t adjacent or above the kitchen because you don’t want construction debris spilling over into your living space. If possible, make sure this space is easily accessible for workers so they can get to the materials quickly. This will help keep the project moving along smoothly. It’s also a good idea to add a primer coat on the drywall at this time to protect it from damage as the contractors install your new cabinets and appliances.

Stainless-Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances are the current trend in kitchen design and for good reason. They are durable and can withstand a lot of wear-and-tear. They also look stylish and fit in with any kitchen design. Whether you have a modern, sleek design or a more rustic and traditional style, stainless steel appliances will work with your overall design scheme.

Besides their beauty and durability, stainless steel is non-porous and resists bacteria more effectively than other materials. This is why you often find them in restaurants and professional kitchens, where they need to be easy to sanitize and clean. It is important to keep in mind that stainless steel can be expensive, especially compared to white appliances.

Stainless-steel appliances first became popular in the early 2000s thanks to the Food Network. The cable channel made cooking cool – macho, even – and inspired people to want their homes to look like the commercial-quality kitchens they saw on TV. Today, most new home buyers opt for stainless-steel appliances. However, for some homeowners, they are a bit too high maintenance and can leave their kitchen looking dirty all the time. They also show every fingerprint and smudge, making them a pain if you have children or pets.

Tile Flooring

A well-installed tile floor makes a stunning design statement in your home. Not only does it create a durable, moisture-resistant surface that is easy to clean, but it also can complement any wall or backsplash tile you may have chosen.

Like backsplash tiles, flooring tile comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes. From pristine, glossy whites to linen-textured sage greens and from geometric and modern to old world and rustic. If you want your tile floors to look cohesive and pulled together, it is always best to choose a consistent color scheme that carries through via a few different types of tiles in similar shades or materials.

When laying floor tile, it’s essential to plan out your layout on paper before you begin. Snap chalk lines that cross at the room’s center to make sure the first row is square and that there is sufficient space on either end of the room to accommodate full tiles. Mortar dries very quickly, so it is best to lay only a couple of rows at a time and use tile spacers to ensure consistent joints. Save any cuts that require a wet saw for last so you don’t have to go back and forth with the tool too often.

Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are a great choice for bathrooms of all sizes, especially when you need to replace an existing tub. These sleek fixtures can save space in a small wet room or make a spacious primary bathroom feel updated and modern. They can even be installed in tandem with a soaking tub to provide both options for your family’s bathing needs.

You can use a variety of materials to create the look you want for your walk-in shower. For example, you could opt for a glazed tile with a bold color to brighten up a white bathroom or choose a natural stone to add texture and visual interest. A walk-in shower can also be framed in glass for a sleek, minimalist appearance.

While many people think that showers should be encased or outfitted with curtains and divider walls, you can actually go quite large with your walk-in shower. Just be sure to take into account the size of the rest of the bathroom and the amount of space you’ll have available when choosing a basin shape and layout.

Storage

Streamlining home living spaces is a major trend this year, and storage solutions are a big component. The best kitchen and bathroom remodels prioritize a clean design aesthetic that’s free of clutter. This allows your new kitchen or bath design to shine and gives you a canvas to work with when choosing the finishing touches like a color palette and accents.

Whether you opt for open or hidden storage, it’s important to carefully curate what goes on your shelves so that your space doesn’t look cluttered. The latest storage trends include displaying copper pans on ceiling racks, using decorative metal hardware in kitchen cabinetry, and adding stylish containers to your countertops to keep essential items, such as a sponge or kitchen sink stopper, at hand.

If you live in a condominium, co-op or HOA community, it’s important to be aware of your building’s alteration rules before starting a kitchen remodel. Some upgrades, such as placing a “wet” space, such as a kitchen, over a “dry” space, such as a downstairs living room, can violate your alteration agreement and result in costly repairs down the road. Talk with a professional remodeling contractor to learn more about your specific situation.