Kitchen Renovations Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Mom, or dad, may not spend the entire day in the kitchen anymore, at least on a regular basis. Yet this room is still considered an important gathering space for family and friends. It is the place where sugar and spices rule and the chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven is king. Take a look at some of the trends in modern kitchens before undertaking your own renovations.

Today’s gourmet-chefs-in-the-making are looking for high quality kitchens when searching for their dream home. Not too long a go granite countertops were only found in high-end properties. Today they are commonplace. It’s the same for stainless steel appliances, which gives kitchens a look of understated elegance. Luxury homes today go for brushed copper appliances, sometimes with colored glass accents. Open floor plans are in, but separating the kitchen from the front door is even better.

Walk through pantries that go from the garage to the kitchen are a big draw. This makes it easy to take the groceries from the car directly into the pantry without tracking through the house. Gas stoves are sought after, even though they are more expensive to install. Hood fans, especially decorative ones, are in, helping to rid cooking odors. Kitchen islands, particularly those that are large enough to serve as impromptu buffet tables or entertainment surfaces are a plus. Ambient, accent and/or colored lighting, as well as the creative use of dimmer switches adds class and style. Cabinets that reach to the ceiling and plenty of drawer space are a must.

All of the above will add to the value of your home. Other niceties that are fun, but don’t necessarily increase your property’s bottom line include wine racks and small kitchen walkways. Appliances should have plenty of room to open without hitting anything, or anyone. Sinks in kitchen islands are not necessarily a great idea, unless it is a second sink, making that island into an impromptu wet bar. Just set some rules so you don’t have dishes piling up in two sinks.