Thinking of making some upgrades and then selling? Call me first! I know what sells and doesn’t sell in today’s market. Let me help you before you pick up that drill, hammer or paintbrush!
What’s cooking in kitchens? Simpler styling, hidden appliances and a bit of color to make life interesting, to name just a few things. If you’re getting ready to update your kitchen, you may want to pay attention to the following trends that are popular in kitchen showrooms right now.
Clean lines
Fancy is fading. Kitchens are moving away from ornate looks such as “European Style” in favor of more transitional design.
Built-in dining
More homeowners are opting for an eat-in kitchen rather than the formal dining room. Whether there is space at the bar or counter, or a table, having the dine-in option is more preferred in today’s casual lifestyle.
Safety, sustainability
Energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, low VOC paints – buyers are opting for these “green” options, whether it’s for saving money or the planet. LED bulbs will last longer, put off less heat, and use less energy than standard bulbs or CFLs.
Lighting
Kitchen lighting isn’t just a matter of function anymore. Using interesting fixtures is a way to inject personality and style with low commitment. Not only that, updating the lighting is much more cost effective than remodeling the entire room.
Layers of light continue to be common in kitchen design—for example, a ceiling fixture combined with under-counter task lighting and ambient lighting. LEDs are becoming more popular, mainly in under-counter lighting but also in recessed ceiling lights. They’re available in both cool and warm lights to fit different decors and preferences.
Refrigerator options
Side by side, French Door, 4 door – so many options you’d think they are cars! An important factor to keep in mind is the interior cubic footage. Do you need counter depth, or will a standard depth work in your space?
Bars
Bars are coming out of the great room and into the kitchen. The butler’s pantry has been upgraded to feature a beverage fridge and stock the bar.
Color
Most homeowners still tend toward the safe and neutral in their kitchen’s more permanent items—cupboards, countertops and flooring. But that doesn’t mean kitchens can’t be colorful.
Walls are sporting bold hues, accessories and appliances bring spots of color, such as a range with colored knobs or a cobalt oven interior.
Individualism
It’s your kitchen, love it! If you are designing a custom kitchen, make sure there is plenty of storage, but don’t skimp on custom features for what you need and love.
