The kitchen is one of the most challenging parts of a home to remodel. You want to create a smooth workflow, where the family can cook together, eat and have fun.
The most successful kitchen remodels begin with a plan that embraces your lifestyle, storage needs and cooking habits.
If you get it right and deliver a modern kitchen with quality appliances, not only will life become easier, but you’ll be able to achieve a better price for your home when it comes time to sell. A kitchen can represent between 20-30% of the value of a home, especially if its impressive.
If you’re considering a kitchen upgrade, we’ve listed four ingredients that work together to create a fabulous kitchen that impresses prospective buyers when it’s time to sell.
Keeping it real
Plan your kitchen around how you live and prepare food. Do you love to entertain? Do you need two ovens or more than five gas rings, or will something simpler do? Do you prefer an induction stovetop? Be honest about your needs. Don’t act out your fantasy of being a three-star Michelin chef.
Storage
Do you love a kitchen with every utensil known to humanity and an extended family of pots and pans? If so, you’ll need storage and lots of it. The price will be to forego the current fashion for open shelving. Instead, consider wall-to-ceiling cabinets, special appliance storage and insert lazy susan-styled turnables into corner cupboards so you can reach right to the back.
Stain strain
If you’re a messy cook – no judgment here! – you might want to be judicious in your choice of countertop and back splashes. The grout between tiles will mark and stain so you may be better with glass, while some composite materials absorb foods with strong colors or acid bases.
Bask in task lighting
Focus your kitchen’s lights on the countertop, island bench, sink and cooktop. You want it to be easy to see when you chop or stir – shadows just make it difficult to cook. You don’t need to sacrifice practicality for stylish lighting that gives your kitchen an elegant wow factor.
Eating nook
Even if it’s just a small space, create somewhere to sit with a coffee, eat breakfast, a sandwich, or help a child with homework. Consider incorporating the space into an island bench with some stools, or even a table with drop down sides if space is at a premium.