The kitchen of any family home is the center of the space. Over the years design trends have led homeowners away from segmenting the kitchen from the rest of the living space and instead connecting it with the rest of the home. The kitchen thoughts evoke memories of good smells, happy noises and comforting food. The kitchen is also the only room in most homes that is shared by all family members on a regular basis. When it comes to buyer appeal, upgraded kitchens add the most value to any home.Â
Enjoyment and Efficiency
Almost all kitchen designers promote a working triangle which is a line drawn from the center of the sink to the center of the refrigerator to the center of the cooking station. Traffic patterns and islands should not be inside of this triangle. Efficiency experts recommend the legs of the triangle should range from about 4ft. to 10ft. max.
Some kitchens have more than one sink station, but if there is only one, it should be between the cooking surface and the preparation area. As kitchens expand, work areas become larger and the triangle concept becomes more abstract. The triangle is a good design foundation that allows for plenty of adaptation.
Kitchen Improvements for Every Budget
New life can be added to a kitchen on a limited budget with paint, counter tops, pendant lights and/or new flooring. If you want to brighten up the kitchen a simple coat of paint to either the walls or countertops is an easy way to make the space feel light and bright. For a higher budget reno, new appliances will deliver a sparkling and modern look to any kitchen. Updated hardware on cabinets and updated back splashes will add personality at a reasonable cost. If you are looking to really open up your kitchen then taking down a dividing wall may be in order. This is a higher-cost renovation, but if you are looking to add value, then open living spaces are definitely a good investment.
If you are updating your kitchen always keep in mind the function. You can pick the trendiest countertops and tile, but what remains popular over the years is counter space and storage space, along with most buyers need for open-concept living. So if you are planning on moving don’t necessarily invest in the top-of-the-line appliances, but rather the higher end stainless steel appliances that are proven to last. Searching for the newest trends for your kitchen? Check out our highlights below:
- Light filled looks with more windows, less cabinets and open shelving.
- Double wall ovens creating easy access and more cooking potential.
- Under-counter drawer style storage options.
- Refrigerators, wine storage and even microwave ovens that are drawers under the counters.
- Easy-fill faucets over the stove.
Home buyers will look closely at the potential of any kitchen, but more intentionally how they will live in that kitchen with their own family. At the end of the day, your kitchen may already be a dream kitchen for incoming homebuyers. In this case your home may already be ready to sell! If you are looking to sell your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us. For more information about what seller mistakes to avoid along the way, check out our helpful infographic below:
