Among all rooms, I rarely cared about but made daily life way better after renovation — the answer is simple: the kitchen.
Back then, I always believed the kitchen only needed to function.
If I could light the stove and have a shelf for dishes, I was fine.

That changed when I finally did a full kitchen remodel.
The impact? It was much more than visual improvement.
Everything—from habits to vibes—shifted positively.

Let me tell you the full journey.
You might be thinking about remodeling too, and you want to know what it’s really like, not just ideas.
I backed it up with some studies too, to keep it both informative and personal.

Why Did I Finally Decide to Renovate the Kitchen?

It actually built up over time.
The old space was small, suffocating, and unpleasant.
The countertop tiles were cracked, the wall paint faded, and the cabinets looked like they had a personal grudge against me.
Whenever I touched a handle, something dropped.

Worst part? The stove literally kissed the wall.
Each time I cooked, https://ciptarancang.com/product/jasa-renovasi-di-kebayoran-baru/ oil stains appeared and never left.

Until one day, I came across a report from the University of British Columbia’s Department of Environmental Psychology, which stated that ergonomic kitchen design can significantly improve productivity and reduce residents’ stress levels (Morris, 2021).

Then I realized something funny:
“Wow, maybe I’ve been stressed not just because of work — but because my kitchen was conspiring too.”

That realization wasn’t far from the truth.
Cooking became rare, takeouts became frequent, and the feeling of ‘home’ faded.

So I made up my mind to fix it.

How Did the Renovation Process Begin?

Before tearing the kitchen apart, I did some consulting with renovation specialists.
Just like how experts at CiptaRancang.com or KonstruksiTuntas.com would handle it.
They helped every step of the way.

I quickly learned a few key lessons

1. Defining the kitchen’s main purpose

Apparently, kitchens can be categorized by activity:

• heavy cooking
• light cooking
• snack assembly
• keeping supplies
• tiny eating spot (if space allows)

It hit me that my old kitchen had zero intention—it didn’t know what it wanted to be.

1. The work triangle setup

This blew my mind a bit.
Cornell University’s findings suggest, optimal positioning among stove, sink, and fridge boosts efficiency by nearly 30% (Duncan, 2020).

In my case, there was no triangle whatsoever.

1. Ventilation adjustments

Ventilation was the deal breaker.
Cooking spicy food made me feel suffocated.
The air circulation was barely there.

Research from the National University of Singapore showed that air quality in the kitchen directly impacts comfort and health levels of residents (Tan, 2019).

It proved that design affects your daily comfort deeply.

The Biggest Drama During the Kitchen Renovation

And this, honestly, was the part full of chaos.
You can’t survive a kitchen remodel without at least one panic scene.
You’ll definitely experience a head-shaking moment.

Let me tell you truthfully, I’ll tell it as it was.

1. Mismeasured Cabinet

One of those “it looks small but ruins your day” issues.
The first upper cabinet built was 2 cm too long from the wall edge.
Two centimeters sounds small, but in kitchen world, it’s a canyon.
Fortunately, the workers handled it efficiently.

1. Leaky Old Pipes

It pushed the schedule a bit.
The old PVC pipes had cracks only discovered after dismantling the sink area.
A study from Civil Engineering Department at Gadjah Mada University found that kitchen pipes deteriorate faster due to combined exposure to heat, oil, and moisture (Suryanto, 2020).
I witnessed that firsthand.

1. Choosing the Backsplash Wasn’t Easy

I thought picking a backsplash would be simple.
Turns out, texture and porosity matter too.
If you fry often, it makes a huge difference.
It got so frustrating I nearly quit choosing.
But the technician gave a good suggestion: choose matte subway tiles, easy to clean and timeless.

What Changed the Most After the Kitchen Was Done?

Here comes the most satisfying moment.
It’s hard not to feel amazed.
I couldn’t believe it was the same space.

1. Cooking Became Fun Again

These days, I cook simply because I want to.
Warwick University’s study linked design appeal to cooking enthusiasm (Ellis, 2022).
That’s exactly what happened to me.

1. The House Feels More Alive

Now I get why they call it “the heart of the home”.
Post-renovation, the atmosphere shifted—brighter and more vibrant.

1. Family Gathers More Often

My new kitchen includes a small island.
It’s compact yet cozy for daily moments.
Now we talk more and laugh more.

1. Easier Cleaning Routine

This changed everything.
I used to avoid wiping surfaces.
Now cleaning feels effortless and satisfying.
The pros advised using solid-surface materials for durability.
And they were absolutely right.

Most Valuable Lessons From This Kitchen Makeover

After everything I learned, I’d like to summarize what I’ve realized:

1. Build for Habit, Not Trend

Make it fit your routine, not what’s trendy.
Cooking often means you need practical materials.
Bakers need open counter space for tools.
If cooking’s occasional, go minimalist.

1. Ventilation Is Everything

Doesn’t matter how pretty—it’s useless without proper air.
No air means discomfort every time you cook.

1. Choose Long-Term Materials

Pick something durable and reasonable.
Make sure it’s sturdy and low-maintenance.

1. Professionals Matter

The most important lesson.
Kitchen renovation involves complex systems: electric, plumbing, ventilation, and finishing.
Mess one up, and it’ll haunt you later.
It made me trust expert renovation companies like CiptaRancang.com and KonstruksiTuntas.com.

What’s My Favorite Part of the New Kitchen?

Honestly, it’s tough to pick:

1. The Mini Island

Minimal but warm and functional.
It turned into my favorite home spot.

1. Warm White Lighting

It adds a soft, inviting feel.
University of Tokyo’s research confirmed warm lighting boosts mood and usability (Hayashi, 2021).

1. Soft-Close Cabinets

It’s oddly satisfying to use.

When Is the Best Time to Renovate a Kitchen?

In my honest opinion, it works best:

• During stable weather
• When you can check work personally
• When your old kitchen already demotivates you.

That’s when you know it’s time.

Conclusion: A Kitchen Renovation Isn’t Just Spending — It’s an Investment in Comfort

No exaggeration — this is real.
It changed more than the space itself.
From house atmosphere to eating habits and daily mood.

A kitchen isn’t only for food — it’s part of life.

And a clean, precise, professional renovation — like those done by CiptaRancang.com and KonstruksiTuntas.com — makes all the difference.

My advice: take the step.
It’s more than design — it’s comfort for years ahead.