3 Tips for Kitchen Design to Delight Owners & Add Value to a Home

Kitchen design Mar 22

When it comes to home remodeling in Royal Oak, the kitchen is almost always at the top of the list. The kitchen is a place where people spend a lot of time. It’s also one of the most valuable spaces in a residential home to upgrade. While updating a kitchen is important for current owners’ satisfaction, homebuyers look for well-designed and equipped kitchens, and are usually willing to pay more for them. Fortunately, modern kitchen designs will stand the test of time and allow people to get more use out of their space or even improve the value of their property for equity needs or a future sale. With a few design insights, a dream kitchen can take shape. Here’s what Royal Oak kitchen remodeling pros say people should know.

Decide First on the Layout

One of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel is the decision on the layout. Homeowners can stay with the current design - position of appliances, plumbing and electrical. This idea can save a lot of money, and professional remodelers can easily work with the current design, to provide an updated result. If the owner is open to modifying the layout to include moving walls, changing positions of fixtures and appliances, then the remodel can become more customized. While the cost will likely grow, sometimes kitchens are so outdated or poorly designed that the project will substantially upgrade the space. This benefits the current owner and can offer excellent return on investment when the home is sold.

Start Small and Work Up If Necessary

Homeowners don’t have to ‘go big’ on their remodels if they aren’t ready to do so. They can direct their Royal Oak remodelers to work on a few aspects of the kitchen now, then decide if they want to have the remodelers return at a later date to add to the updates. One of the quickest and most cost-effective options for updating the kitchen is to update the paint and the backsplash. After all, the backsplash takes a lot in the kitchen, from food splashes to grease to grime and more. They hold up well, so many people don’t even think about replacing them, but it can be an affordable addition to the remodel that won’t break the bank. Updating the backsplash and giving the rest of the kitchen a new coat of paint is a great start to the beginning of any kitchen remodeling project. Occasionally, some faux materials are more cost-effective and often give a similar appearance. Also, there are some durable options that will last longer than the more delicate, “real” version of the material or product in question. Homeowners should consult their remodeling professional before making final decisions on materials selection. Remodeling pros know what elements in a kitchen offer not only the best functionality, but the best potential to add to a home’s value. Installing higher-end items can typically be a better choice, as they can provide more appeal to future buyers. There’s no hard and fast rule that the kitchen remodel has to be completed in one project; especially if a homeowner is going to remain in the home for several years, at least. A phased approach might work well for people who have not yet decided on all aspects of a remodel, but know what they need to streamline their kitchen for now.

Choose Appliance Finishes & Premium Upgrades Carefully

Most guides will tell people that modern, futuristic stainless steel is the preferred choice for appliances today (and for the most part, it is). However, it’s also important to think about the finish of the appliance material and how easy it will be to keep clean. Having a stainless stove from which it is impossible to remove smudges will not work for those who want a clean space with no mess left behind. On the other hand, choosing white appliances could allow for grease buildup, food stains, and more. Stainless steel is still the preferred choice for most, but homeowners will be happy to know that there are multiple finishes offered, including ones that resist smudges and help prevent dirt buildup. Everyone deserves to be able to splurge a little here and there on their kitchen design. The key is determining what the “here” and “there” will be — splurging on everything cancels the concept of the “splurge” in the first place. For those who cook a lot, having extra burners or a built-in countertop range could be nice. Perhaps someone who bakes a lot will choose to add a wall oven in addition to the range oven. It’s all about what matters most. Years ago, appliances that matched and a few updated fixtures, and maybe the addition of an island were considered amazing kitchen updates. Today, the lines of luxury and ‘must-have’ are blurring when it comes to kitchen remodels. Top-end kitchens can even feature two islands and other upscale prep and storage areas. It’s these unique additions that can set a kitchen apart and not only provide years of service to the owner, but cause a potential buyer to take another look when deciding between several homes. For those who are upgrading to sell, stick with common features and basic designs that will attract all types of buyers. It’s still possible to add a special upgrade. Sellers can do some research, talk to their remodeling pro, and consult a realtor to ensure they’re choosing something desirable in the market of the listing.

The Choice is With the Homeowner

There is no “right way” to decide how to remodel a kitchen; the choices involved are those of the homeowner and what they want from their new kitchen space. Homeowners don’t have to worry about coming up with all the answers themselves; in fact, that’s why working with a professional kitchen remodeler is such a good idea. By researching and interviewing Royal Oak remodeling professionals, people can find the perfect remodelers to bring their dream kitchen to life.