Kitchen Remodel Ideas: Where to Start Before Hiring a Contractor

ethan92483
Nov 26
3 min read

Thinking About Remodeling Your Kitchen?

If you’ve started searching for “kitchen remodel ideas,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners, especially along Maine’s southern coast, begin the remodeling process by looking for inspiration before they ever reach out to a contractor.

Whether you’re remodeling your primary residence or updating a second home in Wells, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, or York, gathering ideas early helps you define your style, set expectations, and make smarter decisions once the project begins.

At Property Essentials, we guide clients from early concept to completion. Here are some essential ideas and insights to consider before you hire a kitchen remodeler.

1. Start with Function, Not Finishes

The most beautiful kitchen in the world won’t work well if the layout isn’t right. Before looking at colors or materials, ask yourself:

How do you use your kitchen daily?
Where does traffic flow naturally?
Do you need more prep space or more seating?

A good contractor can help you reimagine your layout—opening up walls, relocating appliances, or adding storage—but defining these needs now gives your designer a strong starting point.

Pro Tip: Focus on how you want the space to feel and function, not just how it looks.

2. Choose a Style That Lasts

Trends come and go, but coastal Maine homes look best when timeless design meets modern comfort. Consider:

Transitional kitchens: A mix of classic shaker cabinetry and sleek hardware
Coastal contemporary: Natural textures, white oak tones, and soft blues or grays
Modern traditional: Clean lines paired with warm finishes and mixed metals

Aim for longevity: Pick colors and materials that complement your home’s character rather than chasing fleeting design trends.

3. Invest Where It Matters Most

Even before hiring a contractor, it’s helpful to understand where to spend and where to save. In high-end kitchens, these features deliver the biggest impact:

Cabinetry: Custom or semi-custom for a perfect fit and premium finishes
Countertops: Quartz or quartzite for durability and timeless appeal
Lighting: Layered lighting with pendants, under-cabinet, and ambient sources
Appliances: Prioritize performance and reliability over flashy tech

When you use our online kitchen remodel estimator, you can get a realistic sense of how material choices affect your overall budget.

4. Think About Lighting Early

Lighting design is often overlooked but has a huge impact on the final look and feel of your kitchen. Plan for:

Natural light: Maximize window and door placement
Task lighting: Under-cabinet lights for prep areas
Statement fixtures: Pendants or sconces to anchor islands and dining spaces

Good lighting design adds both functionality and elegance, and is beneficial to plan before construction begins.

5. Plan for Everyday Luxury

High-end kitchens aren’t just about luxury materials, they’re about thoughtful details that make daily living easier:

Hidden charging drawers and outlets
Soft-close hardware and organizational pull-outs
Built-in coffee stations or beverage fridges
Heated flooring in open-concept spaces

These touches bring lasting comfort and add value to your coastal home.

Final Thoughts: The Best Remodels Begin with a Vision

Before you hire a contractor, gather ideas, define your goals, and think about how your kitchen fits your lifestyle. The best remodels start with intention, not impulse.

When you’re ready to take your ideas from inspiration to execution, Property Essentials can help you design and build a kitchen that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Property Essentials proudly serves homeowners across Southern Maine’s coastal communities, including Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, York, and Cape Neddick. We specialize in high-end kitchen remodels, luxury bathroom renovations, custom builds, and large-scale additions designed to enhance both lifestyle and long-term value. If you’re searching for a trusted coastal Maine contractor with a reputation for craftsmanship, design expertise, and professionalism, our team is here to guide your project from concept to completion.