A great kitchen isn’t just pretty—it works. In Ankeny homes, the best remodels start with a layout that matches how you cook and gather, cabinet choices that store what you actually use, and lighting that makes tasks easy while keeping the room warm and inviting. This guide will help you plan the “bones” first so finishes feel intentional, not improvised. Kitchen Remodeling →

Key Takeaways

  • Solve the layout first (zones, aisles, and clearances), then pick cabinets and lighting to support it.
  • Choose storage you’ll use every day—drawers for pots, inserts for utensils, pull-outs for pantry items.
  • Layer lighting: bright, shadow-free task light; soft ambient light; and accent light for depth.
  • Lock appliance specs early so cabinet sizes and electrical/plumbing are right the first time.
  • Coordinate design, sequencing, and trades to protect the schedule and finish quality.

What to Expect → | Kitchens Gallery →

Plan Your Layout (Before You Pick Cabinets)

  • Work zones, not triangles: Separate prep, cook, clean, and serve zones so two people can move without collisions.
  • Aisle widths: Aim for ~42″ between runs where possible; widen near islands with appliances.
  • Island fit: Right-size the island to your room; consider a mitered top or flush seating if space is tight.
  • Appliance placement: Keep dishwashers near sinks, microwaves near landing zones, and tall units at the room edge to preserve sightlines.
  • Traffic flow: Avoid fridge doors blocking entries and give ovens a safe landing zone.

Our Process → | Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines: What to Know →

Cabinet Options That Do the Heavy Lifting

  • Base drawers > doors: Deep drawers for pots/pans keep weight low and access easy; add pegs/dividers where needed.
  • Tall storage that earns its keep: Pull-out pantry columns, tray dividers above ovens, broom/utility cabinets near the entry.
  • Corners without regret: Blind-corner pull-outs or super susans make hard-to-reach space useful.
  • Inserts & organizers: Cutlery, spice, foil/wrap, and utensil crocks—designed to fit your exact drawers.
  • Materials & finishes: Enamel paint for wipeability; stained oak/ash/walnut for warmth; consider a durable conversion varnish topcoat.
  • Style: Shaker for timeless, slab for modern, beaded for traditional—match edges to your trim language.

Kitchen Remodeling → | Top Kitchen Remodeling Trends in Iowa for 2025 →

Lighting Layers: Task, Ambient, Accent

  • Task lighting: Bright, even under-cabinet light with continuous runs (no dark corners); specify warm-dim if you host often.
  • Ambient lighting: Recessed cans sized and spaced for your ceiling height; consider a central fixture for softness.
  • Accent lighting: Interior cabinet lighting for glass fronts, toe-kick or cove lighting to add depth at night.
  • Controls: Put task/ambient/accent on separate dimmers; add smart scenes for “Cook,” “Dine,” and “Late Night.”
  • Color temperature: Keep a consistent range (generally 2700–3000K) so metals and finishes look intentional.

Kitchen Remodeling → | Our Process →

Install & Sequencing: How It Comes Together

  • Field-verified measurements: Template after roughs, confirm appliance cut sheets, and mock door swings.
  • Trades in order: Demo → framing/patch → MEP rough-ins → drywall/prime → flooring (as needed) → cabinets → tops → tile → finish electrical/plumbing → hardware/punch.
  • Protection: Floors, thresholds, and new finishes covered; daily cleanup is standard.
  • Punch with purpose: Adjust doors/drawers, level shelves, and tune lighting scenes before handoff.

Our Process → | FAQ →

Timeline & Budget Cues

  • Typical timelines: Cabinet replacement with layout tweaks: often 3–6 weeks on site after design/ordering; full gut with layout changes: longer—selections locked early keep the schedule tight.
  • Budget planning: Prioritize layout, cabinets/hardware, and lighting/control packages; finishes follow.
  • Where to save/splurge: Save with standard heights/depths and simple door styles; splurge on drawers, organizers, and lighting you’ll use daily.

Reese Pricing Overview → | Kitchen Remodel Cost/ROI →

What to Expect with Reese Builders

  • One cohesive plan: Layout, cabinet specs, and lighting coordinated from day one.
  • Visible craftsmanship: Tight reveals, leveled runs, and painter-ready surfaces.
  • In-house capability: Carpentry, built-ins, and trim so your kitchen ties to adjacent rooms.
  • Clear communication: Milestones, sequencing, and site protection outlined up front.

Kitchen Remodeling → | What to Expect → | Ankeny Service Area →

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Ready to plan a kitchen that actually works?

Tell us how you cook, gather, and store—we’ll design a layout, cabinet plan, and lighting package for your Ankeny home.

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FAQs

Q: What’s the best layout for a busy family kitchen?
 A: One with clear zones, ~42″ aisles where you stand the most, and landing space at the fridge, oven, and sink. Keep tall pieces to the room’s edge.

Q: Are drawers really better than cabinet doors?
 A: For everyday cookware and dishes, yes—full-extension drawers keep weight low and make access easier.

Q: How bright should task lighting be?
 A: Bright, even under-cabinet light (continuous runs) aimed at the counter. Put task, ambient, and accent lights on separate dimmers.

Q: What cabinet finish handles wear best?
 A: Enamel paint with a hard topcoat is highly wipeable; stained oak/ash/walnut hides wear and adds warmth.

Q: How long does a typical kitchen remodel take?
 A: A focused update can be ~3–6 weeks on site after design/ordering; a full gut with layout changes runs longer. Early selections keep timelines tight.