Six ways to give your kitchen a modern makeover

Making your kitchen upgrade a five-star feature is one of the best ways you can improve 

the value of your home.

Even small kitchens can be expensive to renovate if you’re planning a rip-and-replace strategy. So, it’s important to take time to understand all the latest gadgets and design improvements that are being offered.

Recent research by the website Houzz found many owners emphasize sustainability when building their dream kitchen.

Houzz found 92% of owners prioritized sustainability. Their favored features included LED bulbs (65%), energy-efficient appliances (61%), and water efficiency (34%). Their motivation was to reduce running costs, according to the survey.

Some 47% chose a timeless design rather than opting for fashionable colors that are likely to date over a five to 10-year period. And 84% said they hired professionals for the installation.

These key features of a great kitchen remodel are likely to appeal to buyers when you decide the time is right to sell.

Layout

Opt for an open-plan kitchen. Many owners are designing their homes so the kitchen opens onto the garden or entertainment area. Cafe doors or double doors are popular methods for linking the indoors with the outdoors.

Doors

Flat-panel cabinet doors are the timeless choice when upgrading. They are an increasingly popular choice for the modern home. Shaker doors with a flat center and a framed edge remain the most popular and another sound choice.

Bar pulls

You might be amazed how handles impact the look and feel of a kitchen. Avoid picking handles that are so big they dominate the space. Bar pulls are the first choice for 72% of renovators, according to Houzz. Only a third said they chose knobs.

Colors

Your choice of color can date your kitchen. A classic white or natural wood hue are the safest options. 

Lighting

We all love recessed lights. They’re a feature in almost three-quarters of all upgrades. Another must-have is under cabinet lighting. When designing your kitchen, ensure you light the kitchen’s work areas appropriately.

Hi-tech

If you want to get a little fancy, faucets with touch-free activation have a serious wow factor. Integrating wireless speakers into the kitchen is also a classy, high-tech addition.