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We can’t talk about renovations in the NOVA and D.C. areas without talking about Row Homes. Figuring out how to make the most out of small and tight living spaces is a very difficult thing to do.
Fortunately, Monumental Contractors has the professionals that know how to make any room feel bigger, look nicer, and change the way you live in your Row Home.
I’ve come up with 5 Row Home renovations that will help you get every square inch out of your kitchen. And speaking with an interior designer at Monumental will help you discover the possibilities for your budget.
When I first started learning about real estate and renovations, I thought an interior designer was only for rich people with money to burn. It was a pleasant surprise when I found out that it’s more of the opposite.
As I walk through my top 5 ideas to save space and make your kitchen more functional, pay attention more to the ideas than the actual product I’m recommending. This will help you build your own ideas to relay to our licensed contractors.
You may have seen these in places like Japan, China, Europe, NYC, or Korea. A convertible table is perfect for row homes because of the amount of space they save.
For example, a convertible table can act as a counter while you prepare your food and fold into a dining room table when ready to eat.
There are many different types of convertible tables for your kitchen, but I like the designs that have the most function.
For example, there are convertible tables that our contractors can get for you that act as a bench and convert into a nice kitchen table with drawers for your silverware or cooking supplies. One popular design offers homeowners a coffee table for the living room and converts into a kitchen table for 4-6 people.
As of right now, it all depends on the type of materials used and the design of the table. However, the most common prices right now are anywhere between $600-$6,000 for custom convertible tables.
A moveable kitchen island is a great way to save space in your kitchen. Having a shelf or area of the kitchen to store the moveable island is a must to optimize your space.
Monumental Contractors can show you how to get the most out of your moveable island. Ask our contractors about adding space-saving features to your island, such as pull out drawers or tiered racks.
A moveable island is perfect for being able to prepare your meals with instant added space and the ability to put it away once you’re done cooking.
The best part about a moving island is they’re relatively cheaper than the stationary islands that are built into the ground. A rolling cart island will cost around $2,000-$4,000 depending on the features you want built into the island.
The most important thing about remodeling small kitchens is trying to find ways to save space. You can do it with a moveable island or convertible table for sure. You can also save a bunch of storage space with a Lazy Susan style cabinet.
A Lazy Susan cabinet is one that has a built-in track that allows the base of the cabinet to rotate, offering more items that can be stored. A Lazy Susan is great for small spaces because you can store more kitchen supplies and hamper items in these types of cabinets.
Roll out trays are similar to a Lazy Susan, but instead of rotating, the draws and cabinets pull out. The roll out cabinets allow you to stack the drawers on top of each other and have easy access to the items stored in each drawer.
Pull-out countertops are great for things like cutting boards and building prep stations. I like pull-out countertops because they are seamless and take up no room at all when not in use.
Luckily, these items are not very expensive unless you go for a custom hardwood or unique design. You can have a Lazy Susan, pull-out countertop, or roll-out tray installed in your Row Home for less than $1,000 on average.
I know this might sound like an obvious thing to consider, but many people don’t know that they can get great appliances that are small and compact to fit small kitchens. Buying new small appliances will open up your kitchen more than you thought was possible.
Ask our contractors about changing out some of your appliances for energy-efficient (green) smaller appliances. For example, the biggest item to change out is the stove and oven combo in the kitchen. Normally the stove and oven are a huge part of the kitchen and take up a lot of room.
However, if you’ve seen some of the hot plate designs that can be stored after cooking, you’ll save 3-5 feet of usable space with a hot plate addition. According to Home Advisor, you can get a hot plate for less than $500.
Changing out your microwave and placing a built-in microwave will save you valuable countertop space as well. Many companies now make appliances that are specifically designed for smaller homes, such as a Row Home.
Anytime you have limited space, using the walls and ceiling can be a game-changer for your livable space in the kitchen.
Many people have seen the custom racks above the stove that hold pots, pans, and knives. However, I’m willing to bet that many people haven't seen some of the newest designs in knife and pan storage for your walls and ceiling.
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