Investing in your own home has never been more rewarding as the property market continues to enjoy one of its most significant boom periods.
Countless ways to maximise the value of your home exist, but there are few better than installing a modern kitchen.
If you’re thinking of selling, this is a great strategy to drive your price higher – a great kitchen can add up to 5% to the value of your home. And if you have no intention of moving, a new kitchen will enhance your enjoyment of your home.
Below are 11 tips to help inspire you.
Island paradise
No renovation is complete without a kitchen island, it seems. They command a premium among buyers who appreciate the extra countertop space and additional storage, power outlets and USB ports. Add stools to an island, and your kitchen becomes a social centre of your home.
Be light, bright
If you’ve gone down the path of installing an island, make sure your benchtops are light and bright. Darker stone and Formica are very 80s. The contemporary approach will make the kitchen feel larger and more welcoming.
Get stoned
Not literally, of course! But today’s buyers want benchtops made of natural stone, such as granite, marble and quartzite. If you’re budget-oriented, choosing options such as Formica look fine but you’ll not gain the same rewards when the time comes to sell.
It’s a ‘steel’
If you’re seeking a great return on investment, buy the best-quality appliances you can afford. Opt for a stainless steel finish – it’s a timeless look and will serve you well whether you want to sell today or in 10 years.
Let there be light
Don’t forget the importance of lighting in a kitchen. It needs to be practical, but the right choice of fitting can make a stunning statement. Pendant lights over a benchtop are super-hot right now.
Floor it
Tiles are durable and great for those working on a tight budget. Luxury vinyl plank is waterproof and looks like hardwood without the risk of warping or discolouring due to exposure to water. If you want a wooden floor, then bamboo and oak are the top choices.
Big ‘drawer card’
Designs that integrate smooth not sharp edges and soft-close drawers are winners. Make these elements a priority at the outset of your renovation journey.
Make a splash
Whatever you do, don’t skip installing a splashback. Always opt for glass ahead of tile as dirt, especially grease, can get into the grout and make cleaning a chore.
Reach for the ceiling
Storage is always at a premium. Your cabinets should go as close to the ceiling as possible. But leave enough space to clean the tops easily. If you adopt this approach, you could increase storage by up to 25% in an average-sized kitchen.
Susans are cool
Buyers love a lazy Susan in a corner cupboard. Everything is easy to access because the shelves swing around. And who’s Susan? No one is sure, but common lore suggests she was the daughter of inventor Thomas Jefferson, the third US President. He named it after her because she complained she was always the last to be served at the table.
Handling error
When selecting handles and knobs for the doors and drawers, be conservative. These need to be proportionate, or they’ll dominate the aesthetic.