A lot of customers buy an old house and remodel their kitchens by themselves or hire others to remodel their kitchens. A kitchen may last more than 30 years. Interior designer Brooke Cover said that when you remodel your kitchen, you may consider balancing timeless features with elements that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. As a real estate broker, I suggest that you may also consider it as a selling point for your investment in the future. If the design of your kitchen is too personal, it may make the home harder to sell later. Because different people have different preferences, it is very hard to match everyone’s particular style. Even though you try to design your kitchen to suit the personality of you and your family, keeping the design more neutral will make your home easier to sell in the future. You will need to pay most attention to the following key elements as you finalize the design for your kitchen remodel:
1. Cabinet:
Cabinets come in all kinds of different styles and materials with a wide range of costs. Some cabinet materials, such as oak or maple wood, are harder and more durable. Some cabinet materials are softer and more easily scratched or dented. Some materials last longer than other materials. When you select your cabinet material, you may consider how long it will last before you have to redo your cabinet again. The color of the cabinets is very important. It is the first thing that attracts or repels the customers when they consider buying your home in the future. Neutral cabinet colors, such as white, light gray, dark gray or maple, make your home much easier to sell. Even though white cabinets cost less and are the most neutral color, for those who cook often, white cabinets may tend to get dirty, and they may need to replace them sooner. If you don’t cook often, white cabinets can last for a long time and have a very clean look. If you and your family cook a lot, you may consider maple or dark gray as the best color for your kitchen cabinets. Light gray is more suitable for a modern house. If designed well, good quality cabinets can improve the house dramatically. Besides the material and color of the cabinets, you also need to consider the function of the cabinets. Some cabinets have multiple layers of slide out shelves, special storage for garbage and recycling, and rotating shelves in the corner cabinets. These hidden features provide more functionality and convenience for your daily cooking.
2. Countertops and Backsplash
The countertops and backsplash are the second most important element to creating a great impression for your kitchen. You want to select materials, colors, and style that are in harmony with your kitchen cabinets and make your kitchen cabinets more attractive. If we say that kitchen cabinets are like your clothes, then the countertops and the backsplash are like your hats, shoes, and jewelry. The colors of the cabinets, countertops and backsplash must go together and enhance each other. For example, if you have a darker color like cherry in your kitchen cabinets, you may consider light colors for your countertops and backsplash to brighten up your kitchen and provide a contrast to soften the darker color of the cabinets. If you have white cabinets, you may consider a light gray backsplash to make your white cabinet more attractive. If you choose white cabinets and white countertops and backsplash, it may be too much white in your kitchen and make it monotonous and boring. Don’t be afraid to use bold or contrasting colors on a selective basis to make your kitchen more vibrant when your cabinets are a neutral color. You can always add some personal touches in your kitchen and make it more attractive. Interior designer Brooke Cover says that marble slab backsplashes will be a trend in the future because it is easy to clean, and it also sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement. I think marble slab backsplashes provide a clean look in the kitchen and make the kitchen simple and elegant. However, if your kitchen is a white monotone, I suggest you add some colors to make it more attractive. Don’t be afraid to try other styles as well. You also need to consider what countertop surface is easier to clean and maintain. Granite, quartz, and marble are still the top selections for most new kitchens nowadays.
3. Appliances
Appliances are also a very important feature in your kitchen. They provide functionality for your kitchen. If you cook often, a range hood fan would be very important. Many appliances nowadays are beautifully designed and sleek. They add to the beauty and style of your kitchen. Like jewelry, you want your appliances to reflect your kitchen’s beauty. You should choose the appliances that best reflect the aesthetic of your kitchen. Nowadays you seldom see the refrigerator hidden behind custom cabinet doors because the design and style of the refrigerator enhances the look of the kitchen. Some kitchens have two ovens. I think that is great. One small oven for daily cooking and one big oven for holiday cooking. If you cook at home almost every day, two dish washers may be even more be better than two ovens. You may seldom use two ovens, but you may have a good use for two dish washers if you cook every day.
4. Kitchen Island
Nowadays more and more kitchens have an island. Some big kitchens have a huge island to make a dramatic statement. Even some small kitchens have a functional island. Kitchen islands really provide the convenience for your cooking. If your kitchen does not have a built in island, you can always add a piece of furniture as your kitchen island. In some kitchen designs the island is a different color than the main kitchen cabinets to provide more variety in the kitchen. If all your kitchen cabinets are white, you may add a light gray or dark gray color for your kitchen island. Some people even use subtle blue, vanilla or cream as a kitchen island color. If you have a maple cabinet color, you may add a contrasting light color for your kitchen island. The contrasting colors make your kitchen more vivid and animated. Your kitchen island not only provides functionality for your daily cooking, but also can improve the attractiveness of your entire kitchen. In some designs you can have a different countertop for your kitchen island; it should enhance the functionality and beauty for your kitchen.
5. Lights and cabinet nobs
Last but not least, light features and cabinet nobs are an important final touch in your kitchen. When you have party or family and friends gathering in the kitchen, you don’t want your kitchen to be dark. You want your kitchen to be bright and display the beauty of your kitchen and create a friendly and welcome environment for your guests. Cabinet nobs can be a very attractive feature in your kitchen as well. Some cabinet nobs are too big and dominate the whole kitchen. It is like some people who wear a huge golden necklace. It may look great, or it may distract from your kitchen’s other features. So, you should pay attention when you select the cabinet nobs. Some cabinets are a more traditional style, so you may not want to select modern style cabinet nobs and light fixtures. For cabinets that have a more modern style, you would go with modern style cabinet nobs and light fixtures. If your cabinet have a transitional look, you should select a transitional style. Cabinet nobs are like your jewelry and handbags, they should enhance the beauty of your cabinets and your whole kitchen. Make sure they are not dominating or distracting from your kitchen’s beauty.
Design your beautiful and gorgeous kitchen as a piece of art. You may need to study or get advice on the harmony of colors and different cabinets, countertops, and backsplash materials, and don’t forget functionality should be the primary consideration in designing your kitchen. If you desire a dream kitchen in the new year, go for it.
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