How to Remodel a Basement Kitchen

A basement kitchen works well with a walk-out sliding door unit.

Creating a new look for a basement kitchen will help an entire basement area, such as a family room, look more appealing. New flooring, fresh colors and some stretch a budget further, but, never compromise important upgrades needed for wiring or plumbing. Spend money first on safety upgrades and functional upgrades, while using paint and less-expensive materials to freshen the look of the space.

Things You'll Need

• Kitchen remodeling books
• Home improvement magazines
• Sketch pad
• Graph paper
• Color charts
• Kitchen catalogs

Instructions

1. Create a new design on paper. Review kitchen remodeling books and magazines to see what might work. Sketch the kitchen's layout from various angles, and experiment with new additions. Create a new design that incorporates a free-standing island or L-shaped counter space, for example. Keep in mind that new flooring will probably need to be installed if base cabinets are moved.

2. Lay out the new floor plan, using graph paper. Start with the triangular pattern of placing the refrigerator, stove and sink in close proximity. Incorporate new appliances, such as a new dishwasher or stove, if needed. Plan to place floor-to-ceiling cabinets on a single wall if storage space is limited.

3. Recycle or upgrade cabinets and other fixtures. For example, refinish old cabinets with fresh paint or stain. Add new door handles and drawer pulls to make the cabinets appear new. Install a new sink faucet to make an existing sink seem new. Consider adding a new stove hood over an existing stove to add pizzazz to the kitchen.

4. Use color to give a like-new look. Paint the walls of a basement kitchen pale lime green, for example. Add a couple of coats of high-gloss white paint to old cabinets, accented by black hardware. Paint bar stools or a table and chairs navy blue to contrast with the pale lime green walls. Refer to kitchen remodeling magazines for interesting color combinations.

5. Add new amenities to enhance the kitchen. Refer to kitchen catalogs and online websites for ideas. Install appliance garages along a counter under upper wall cabinets, or add recessed lighting in the ceiling. Consider adding one or two rows of tile work along the backsplash area of a counter. Figure out ways to add just a small amount of wood trim or crown molding to give the space an upscale look.

Tips & Warnings

• Find ways to add more light to the kitchen, especially if the basement area has no windows. Use solid white vinyl flooring, for example, or paint at least two walls solid white. Create a false window to reflect more light by using mirror tiles above the sink area.

• Don't overlook opening the basement to a yard area by installing sliding glass doors.

• Add a fire extinguisher to a remodeled basement kitchen. Include an extra smoke detector, too, since getting to a stove fire quickly is important in this vulnerable part of the house.

References

• Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Trends Slideshow
• Kitchen Remodeling: Kitchen Design and Construction
• Millennial Living: Add a Kitchen To Your Basement

Resources

• Remodeling Center: Basement Kitchens and Bar Areas
• Webshots: Basement with Kitchen/Bar