The smell of bacon frying in the kitchen and coffee percolating in the coffee making will transform any crabby morning person into a glowing beacon of sunshine.

But if you don't have the facility to make that magic happen, mornings will become the worst part of your day.

When you decide to spend money renovating a kitchen, you decide to transform your mornings. But as you begin to explore how to renovate a kitchen, you quickly discover you have hundreds of choices to make. You also quickly discover you will have to spend more money than you can imagine renovating this key part of your home.

How do you know what to do and which choices are best? How do you know where to spend your precious money?

Keep reading to learn about what you should and should not do to renovate your kitchen when you have a strict budget.

Make a Clear Budget

Your budget will dictate your budget. So before you begin to make any decisions, establish a clear budget. Have your budget on hand when you contact a contractor about the renovation.

When the contractor knows your budget, they can help you make wise decisions that allow you to stay on track and not spend money frivolously.

Function First

Once you've established a budget, it's time to design your kitchen. Focus on the function of the kitchen as you begin this plan. How do you use your kitchen?

A cook who spends hours preparing gourmet meals will need a different kitchen than the homeowner who has meals catered in for dinner parties. If you do not have a practical, functional kitchen, you may as well not renovate your kitchen.

You should be able to have a clear triangle of movement in your kitchen from the stovetop to the sink to the refrigerator. This will create a space for easy movement across your kitchen.

If you do not have this triangle, you will spend unnecessary time and effort preparing meals. Create the most efficient space you can. Think about all parts of the kitchen from the preparation area to the renovated kitchen cabinets.

Work With What You Have

After you set your budget, look at your current setup. Then work within the space you have. How much space do you currently have in your kitchen, and how do you want to use it?

For example, if you want to completely remodel your kitchen, look at the cabinet space you have right now. Then consider different cabinet models to give your kitchen a new look and give you more space in the kitchen.

Overutilizing your kitchen space will result in giving you a cramped space that you cannot use.

Store Smart

As you decide how to choose kitchen cabinets, you should consider your storage needs. Do you have pretty items you want on display? Do you want to keep your kitchen counter clutter-free?

You can always use clear glass cabinets to display your pretty things, and you can use solid-door cabinets to hide your ugly, more functional items.

Look specifically for cabinets that help you organize life. Then you'll have a beautiful kitchen that is also clean and tidy. Never compromise on your storage space.

Paint With Purpose

Look at the rest of your home as you consider what color to paint the kitchen. Some colors simply work better and stimulate the appetite better in a kitchen. For example, red, orange, and yellow all stimulate hunger whereas blue and green do not.

The colors you choose will affect your mood as well. For example, bright, strong colors add life to the space. Keep colors subtle with little contrast in the kitchen to make small kitchens feel roomier.

When you're working on a kitchen renovation on a budget, paint is an inexpensive way to influence the renovation.

Counter Your Plans

Consider the amount of counter space you need. Look first at the amount of cooking you do along with the type of cooking you do. A baker, for example, may need more counter space for mixing, kneading, and preparing.

Some plans allow for different countertop heights. You can create an eating space at an island with a lower counter space or a place for kids to prepare meals alongside you.

Light Things Up

Look at where natural light enters your kitchen. This will help you and your contractor determine the best placement for light fixtures. Examining the natural light will also show you where your warm spots are in the kitchen when the sun stays in those places too long.

Think of where you will spend the most time in the kitchen as you plan the fixtures. You need to see what you're doing to prepare food well. You also want to see the food when you eat it, so if you have a dining area in the kitchen, have adequate light.

If you spend copious amounts of time in the kitchen, incorporate as much natural light as possible. Natural light plays a key role in staving off depression and boosting Vitamin D levels. You need natural light to stay healthy as you work in the kitchen.

Renovating a Kitchen With Ease

When you keep these basic do's and don'ts in mind, you can move into renovating a kitchen with confidence and ease. Know your budget, understand your space, and then begin to make the best decisions for your cooking and entertaining needs.

Are you considering renovating your kitchen? If so, contact us. Our company produces the best in cabinetry and helps you remodel your kitchen.

We can put together a custom kitchen remodel design around all of your culinary needs and personal desires. We make sure your kitchen reflects your style with our six-step design process.

We use only the best materials hardware, finishes, and construction techniques on our Signature Line of cabinets. Our cabinets come with a 20-year warranty. You can trust our work thanks to the A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Give us a call today at 714-693-1111. We will help you have the kitchen of your dreams.