Eights Tips For Getting The Most Out Of A Kitchen Remodel

If you want to add value to your home, the best place to invest is always going to be the kitchen. There’s just something about a beautiful kitchen that makes potential buyers want to make an offer.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that any kitchen remodel will automatically add value to your home however. If you do a poor job, the opposite is more likely. A poorly designed kitchen can make any home an unattractive purchase.

Should you be in the planning stages of revamping your kitchen, here are eight tips for getting the most out of your investment.

Efficient Kitchen Triangle

The kitchen triangle refers to the space between the three most used areas of the average kitchen, namely the cooker, sink and fridge. You should keep the space between these three areas to a minimum. You should also avoid putting anything in between them that would have to be walked around.

Be Careful About Islands

Speaking of things that have to be walked around, be very careful about installing an island. In some kitchens, they are the perfect choice, in others, they needlessly block foot traffic and they make a kitchen feel more cramped. If you think that you have the space for an island, keep the aforementioned kitchen triangle in mind.

Ample Space

Minimalism is very much in style right now but it simply does not belong in the kitchen. Food preparation requires space.  Countertops should be large enough for you to prepare meals comfortably. If they’re not, you can expect both clutter and balancing acts. The same applies to storage space, the more of it you have, the better.

Multiple Light Sources

Lighting is important in every room of the house but it’s especially important in the kitchen. If you want to prepare/cook food comfortably, you need to provide ample lighting. Ceiling lights alone are not enough, you should install individual light sources above both the cooker and the food prep areas.

Durable Features

If you don’t want your new kitchen to look shabby within a matter of months, durable fixtures are essential. Kitchens tend to take quite a beating and when surfaces get scratched, they not only look horrible, they become a nightmare to keep clean. Invest in high quality countertops and a stainless steel sink.

Energy Efficient Appliances

If you plan on replacing one or more of your appliances, make sure that you purchase the energy efficient variety. As more and more people become aware of the importance of saving on energy, the popularity of such appliances is continuing to rise. Energy efficient fridges, in particular, are very popular right now.

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, there are two important things to remember.

• Everything in a kitchen is supposed to match. Never purchase anything without first considering how it will blend with your new kitchens overall look.
• Avoid trends. Bright unusual colours tend to go out of fashion just as fast as they came in. If you want your kitchen to appeal to potential buyers, choose a simple, neutral look.

Effective Ventilation

Finally, many homeowners forget about the small matter of ventilation when remodelling their kitchen. Effective ventilation is not only important for keeping odours at bay, it’s also important for keeping your new fixtures looking new. Fans and vents are not expensive but failing to install them can be.

James Barry is a home improvement expert and is fond of giving tips on cheaper ways to furnish homes effectively. He is currently working for Thomsen Homes