Kitchen renovations can be challenging because you want to create a smooth workflow, where the family can cook together and have fun.
The most successful kitchen renovations begin with a plan that embraces your lifestyle, storage needs and cooking habits.
A kitchen can represent between 20-30% of the value of a home, so it needs to be impressive if you’re going to maximise its value.
If you’re considering a kitchen upgrade, here are four ingredients that work together to create a fabulous kitchen that impresses prospective buyers when it’s time to sell.
Life’s realities
Plan your kitchen around how you live and prepare food. Don’t act out your fantasy of being a three-star Michelin chef. Do you love to entertain? Do you need two ovens or more than five gas rings? Do you prefer an induction stovetop? Be honest about your needs.
Storage
Do you love a kitchen with every utensil known to humanity and an extended family of pots and pans? If so, you need storage and lots of it. The price will be to forego the current fashion for open shelving. Instead, you’ll have to order up wall-to-ceiling cabinets.
Stain strain
If you’re a messy cook (no judgment here!) you might want to be judicious in your choice of benchtop. For example, avoid marble because it will stain if you don’t wipe down as you cook. Favourite staining villains include turmeric, pineapple, soy sauce, red wine and cordial.
Bask in task lighting
Focus your kitchen’s lights on the benchtop, island bench, sink and stove top. You don’t need to sacrifice practicality for stylish lighting that gives your kitchen an elegant wow factor. Pendant lights are also very popular right now and can make a great statement.