Whether you’re selling your home or just want to make sure you’re protecting its value, the kitchen is a great room to start. In this article, Nicholas Smith from The White Kitchen Company shares a few expert tips for getting the most out of your kitchen.
A kitchen refurb is one of the most well-known ways to boost the value of your home, as an attractive and fully functioning kitchen is on almost every house hunter’s list. But if you’re not in a position to give your kitchen a total overhaul, or you’re looking for ways to make sure you’re getting the most value out of your refurbishment, it pays to know which areas of your kitchen you should be focusing on. Here, I’ll take you through five of the best kitchen design hacks to help this important room boost your property value.
Cabinets
There are three ways you can give your cabinets a refresh. One quick and cost-effective approach is to simply replace all the hardware, such as knobs, handles, and hinges. These small details can have a big effect on the vibrancy of your kitchen, and if your cabinets are relatively new or in good condition, this is a great option for you.
If your cabinets are looking a bit tired, you can brighten them up with a fresh coat of paint or a new finish such as matte or gloss. If you want to have the biggest effect on the value of your kitchen cabinets, however, a full replacement is in order — this will have the biggest upfront cost, but it should help to increase the value of your home the most.
Fittings
When considering fittings that can boost your property value, a kitchen island should be towards the top of your list. However, it’s important that you take the time to have your kitchen island properly designed and fitted to suit your kitchen, as an island that is too big, too small, or mismatched could have the opposite effect. For cohesion, try to match your kitchen island to your countertops and cabinets — this is easiest if you use the same manufacturer for both elements — and ensure there is room for bar stools so it can be used as a breakfast bar.
Appliances
If you’re looking to sell your home soon and are actively trying to attract new buyers, then you should review your current appliances and determine whether they need upgrading. Upgraded appliances not only look more attractive and stylish, but they are typically more efficient too, which promises new potential owners a saving on their energy bills. In terms of choosing a style of appliance, matching the colour and finish to your hardware is a good way to go, but you should take your existing décor into account too. A coloured appliance in a matching or contrasting shade can be a great focal point and elevate the interior design of your kitchen.
Space
Almost everyone dreams of a bigger kitchen, so if you want your home to appeal to the masses you should look for ways to maximise the space potential of your kitchen layout. One way to do this is to go open plan and merge your kitchen, dining room, and even your living room into one large space with plenty of room to move about in and host gatherings. Another tip is to consider free-standing kitchens. Unlike fitted kitchens, free-standing kitchens allow you to play about with the space you have and try new layouts, which can open up more of the room than you may expect.
Storage
Finally, be sure to include plenty of storage in your kitchen as this can be a real selling point. Plus, the more storage solutions you have, the less clutter there is on your countertops, and clear and tidy countertops can instantly give your kitchen a facelift. Make use of vertical space with plenty of shelving and cabinets, then look for dead space which can be an opportunity for bespoke storage solutions.
If you have a spare closet outside your kitchen that you don’t know what to do with, you could also consider turning this into a little pantry for storing dry goods and non-perishables. This will free up space in your kitchen cupboards for cooking equipment and tableware, so your kitchen surfaces can be kept clear.
There are lots of ways you can give your kitchen a refresh, but these are five of the best. If you’re looking for ways to boost property value, bear these tips in mind and visit our other blogs for more advice when selling your home.
