Renovating a home's kitchen can make the entire house seem updated and new, and it also provides the space you need for entertaining. Kitchen renovations can even add value to your home and make it more desirable to potential buyers, if you should ever decide to put the house on the real estate market. Before you begin remodelling, however, note a few important details to remember when planning such a project for your kitchen.

Flooring

Kitchen floors usually aren't carpeted, since carpeting holds food stains as well as humidity from foods boiling on the stove, which can then cause mould and mildew to grow on the carpet's padding. This leaves you with solid surface options for flooring, but be sure to note the overall density of the flooring you choose for a kitchen and how comfortable it will be underfoot. A solid, very dense stone or laminate may be easy to clean, but it may not absorb the impact of footsteps very well, so you'll soon get muscle fatigue from standing over the stovetop. Opt for a soft clay or ceramic tile, or linoleum that mimics the look of stone or wood, as these are usually more comfortable for standing, while still being easy to clean.

Lighting

You may be so eager to add storage in the kitchen that you neglect to consider the lighting and whether the kitchen will seem bright and cheery or dark dim with oversized cabinets and cupboards. You might even want to sacrifice a cupboard area if it means being able to expand or add a window in the kitchen to bring in more natural light. It can also be good to consider track lighting, recessed lights, and lights under the overhead cabinets so that the kitchen doesn't look claustrophobic and so there are no dark and dim corners of the kitchen without proper lighting.

Accessibility

Consider the layout of the kitchen when renovating, and ensure everything is properly accessible. This means that you shouldn't locate the refrigerator, sink, and stovetop too far from each other so you won't need to walk across the kitchen to get something from the refrigerator while cooking. Avoid moving the stove too far from the sink or taking out the cabinetry near the sink for a more open space if it will also mean having to walk across the kitchen when cooking or for dishes and utensils. Remember that a kitchen needs to be functional, not just attractive, so don't sacrifice accessibility just for the look you're trying to achieve with your kitchen remodel.