Looking for ways to improve the look and feel of your kitchen, but want to make sure you’re getting a good return on your investment? The reality is that the extravagant kitchen and bedroom additions of a few years ago, when credit was easy and home prices were skyrocketing, are a thing of the past. Now, money is tighter, you’re probably planning to stay in your home longer (due to lower market valuations), and the need to be cost and value conscious is essential. Here are 5 ideas to guide you through a functional and attractive kitchen remodeling project in today’s economy:

Idea 1 – Remodel inside the box – Yes, it would be great to be able to blow up the back wall and make the biggest kitchen of your dreams. Today, you must contain your desire to splurge. Consider upgrading the look and function of your kitchen by working “inside the box” (don’t add a room and build, work within your existing space). If you need more space, see if you can “borrow” something from an adjoining room that isn’t well used.

Idea 2 – Work on the important things first (cabinets and countertops) – The key to a better kitchen look, function, and resale value starts with the cabinets and countertops. Do you have a laminate countertop that is old, worn and dated from the house? Consider these upgrade options to make your counters stand out:

• Stone– marble or granite provide unique pieces
• engineered stone– Zodiac and Silestone are natural quartz materials made from resin that are hard, durable, scratch and heat resistant.
• solid surface– Corian and Wilsonart made from acrylic and other plastics can be easily shaped and routed to also include the backsplash and sink area
• Metal– Typically wrapped over a water-resistant fiberboard core, various metals can create a contemporary look (stainless steel) or an older world look (zinc and copper that patina (older look) over time)
• Concrete– Strong and can be designed in custom shapes.
• Wood– This material will add some warmth to a kitchen. There are various types and hardness characteristics of wood to choose from.
• recycled surfaces– If you’re looking for sustainable design, consider products like Icestone (terrazzo-like material made from concrete and recycled glass shards) or Paperstone (made from recycled paper mixed with resin) as two examples.

Idea 3 – Choose your design, look and feel- What design style are you looking to create? Want a sleek contemporary kitchen with European cabinetry and clean lines? Looking for a country kitchen, a Tuscan theme, or a more ornate design? Do your research and choose a design theme. Make sure it will work well with adjoining rooms.

Idea 4 – Don’t get carried away, but design some fun elements – With the average price of a kitchen remodeling project running between $25,000 and $30,000, you’ll be shelling out a pretty significant dollar amount and should design some items that you’re excited about, but in today’s economy you’ll want to keep these decisions in mind. Make purchasing decisions based on the value of your neighborhood. Don’t go crazy with items like commercial appliances that will quickly increase in cost but have limited ability to recover resale value. Choose some smaller, fun design elements, perhaps a backlit glass block counter bar or a glass tile backsplash behind the stove or a cool lighting fixture in a main focal area in your home. design.

Idea 5: Make it work for everyone, now and in the future– Seek to create a universal design that works in the short and long term where your cabinets, range hoods, appliances, etc. It can be used by everyone (young, old or people with reduced mobility). Look for cabinets with simple or no handles. Maybe use pull-out shelves and sliding drawers. Get a remote control for the range hood so everyone can use it.

Now that you’re equipped with these 5 kitchen remodeling ideas, you’re ready to begin your design and improve the look and function of your kitchen while keeping in mind the realities of today’s market.