Have you ever wondered why the kitchen is often considered the heart of every home? This cozy little nook in your house is about much more than meal preparation! It’s where families gather and bond over games, long chats, and special occasions. For many people, it may even double as a home office.
The kitchen is also one of the primary rooms a potential buyer pays attention to when visiting your home. If they love what they see, you have a better chance of earning top dollar from your sale. That’s why kitchen upgrades are some of the most valuable renovations you can undertake. Where should you start? Let’s take a look at a few of the ways you can make your kitchen dazzle.
Start Organizing
Nothing will make your kitchen look new and improved than getting it clean and organized. Spending an hour or so sorting through items you no longer need helps you create a clean canvas that can also be the catalyst for even more inspiration.
Even if you do nothing else, sparkling and clutter-free counters can elevate the appearance of your kitchen. You can’t ask for a more simple or less expensive upgrade! Plus, going over your kitchen with a fine-tooth comb will help you identify other areas for improvement.
Should you upgrade your home instead of renovating? The posts below will give you some things to consider:
- What Etobicoke Home Is Right for Your Growing Family?
- Should You Buy a House Close to a School?
- Must-Have Features for Luxury Home Buyers in Etobicoke
Create a Plan
Renovations are a big commitment, both in time and money. In addition, your kitchen may be out of order for weeks or even months, which makes cooking at home a challenge. Such a significant endeavour is worth taking the time to plan to ensure you get it right. There’s a reason home renovators like the expression, “Measure twice, cut once.”
Keep in mind that remodels aren’t forever, but they are for a long time. A little strategizing today can mean your remodel is a “one-and-done” process without expensive mistakes to fix. Before hiring a designer or contractor, it helps to have a few ground rules in place. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you map out your plan.
- Are you upgrading your kitchen for resale value or for your personal enjoyment? This distinction is critical since buyers likely want different things than you.
- How extensive does your remodel need to be? Will you rip out your cupboards, counters, and appliances to start over from scratch? Or will a few minor updates be enough to breathe new life into your kitchen? Perhaps changing out the cabinet doors and a fresh coat of paint is all it takes.
- What kind of design matches your lifestyle? Pure white everything may look divine, but it isn’t always practical. Keeping normal wear and tear in mind will help you avoid disappointment later.
Pay Attention to Minor Details
It’s critical to “rough in” your design before adding the final finishes and hardware. For example, avoid drilling holes for handles until you are 100% certain what direction you want the cupboard doors to open.
Working from the top down can also help. It reduces the risk of an item falling from your cupboards or counters and landing on your expensive, brand new floors. Details like these will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches later.
Functionality First
When it comes to kitchen upgrades, functionality should always take priority. This may seem counterintuitive to those who care deeply about design. But your gorgeous kitchen will be little consolation if you can never find or reach what you’re looking for.
Putting functionality first with design as a close second will not only make you love your space but also make buyers take notice if and when you ever decide to sell.
Make the Best Use of Space
Plenty of storage space makes your kitchen valuable and beautiful. A space for everything makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Plus, nothing makes a kitchen more attractive than a clutter free appearance.
Fortunately, you can maximize the space even in a small kitchen with strategic use of drawers and cabinetry. You can also expand the space by adding shelves higher up for those less-used items. Pull-out shelves and turntables can also allow you to make use of what would otherwise be dead space at the back of deep cupboards.
Elevate the Lighting
The lighting in your kitchen should also consider form and function. Chandeliers and pot lights can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for dinner parties and other gatherings. Bright under-cabinet lighting can help you read recipes and instructions more easily.
Looking for even more decor ideas? The posts below will give you some inspiration:
- Can You Elevate Your Bathroom Decor In An Afternoon?
- Lighting Techniques That Give Your Home an Instant Facelift
- Redesign Your Home Decor With One Trip to Your Local Hardware Store
Add Your Personal Flair
One of the first rules of selling your home is to remove all traces of personalization. However, it’s easy enough to take down personal photos and pack away any memorabilia when and if that time comes. In the meantime, you want to maximize your enjoyment of home. Adding a sense of personal flair and style can turn your kitchen into a space that is uniquely your own. This can be the easiest and least expensive way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Below are some ideas to get you started:
- Attend an art class: Why not get together with friends for a paint night or a pottery workshop? You’ll end up with a unique piece that adds flair and sparks conversation.
- Visit a vintage store: You never know what treasure you may find at an old vintage or thrift store. You can adorn your walls with something no one else will have, and no one needs to know you got it unless you want them to.
- Add a splash of colour. This might mean re-painting your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to. Something as simple as a vase filled with colourful flowers can add warmth, colour, and even scent to help make your kitchen pop.
A beautiful kitchen is the pinnacle of functionality, form, and timeless style. Once your transformation is complete, it’s also a room you’ll be proud of for many years to come.
Do you want to know more about how you can increase the value of your home? Our real estate experts are full of ideas! Reach out today to ana@asantos.ca or call 647.232.7317 for more information.