Updated Kitchens Good Investment
Whether you’re remodeling your entire kitchen by knocking down walls to create an open space or simply upgrading the flooring, countertops and appliances, your end result will be functional and modern for both you and any future homeowner. Outdated kitchens are inconvenient and unnecessary. Today’s open floor plans make the kitchen the central room in the home, allowing the host or hostess to be part of the conversation while preparing the food. The kitchen is the gathering place for the family, where they can come together over meals, coffee, or homework, in a kitchen that serves many purposes.
Women are the real decision-makers when it comes to buying a home, and a modern kitchen with all the latest design and technology will be a deciding factor in whether or not they purchase a home. A kitchen remodeling project can add the “wow” factor to your home, as well as provide much-needed conveniences. In addition to the open floor plan, dual work zones in the kitchen are becoming more popular. Borrowing from the industrial chef’s kitchen, homeowners are asking for two separate sinks in the kitchen with personal work areas and easy-to-access appliances. According to an article on kitchen trends in the upscale magazine Westchester Home, the first zone features the main sink, dishwasher and counter space for the casual user and clean-up helpers. The second area is for the cook, where there is a sink, counter space and cooktop and oven.
Kitchen designers agree that the first place your eyes go when you walk into a kitchen is the countertop and backsplash. Granite is still the popular choice, but others like Silestone and quartz are making headway. The key is to get something durable and easy to clean. Built-in appliances that are hidden with cabinetry are also gaining momentum. Microwaves can be found in pull-out drawers, and refrigerators are behind cabinet doors. Westchester Home designers also note a built-in wine cooler is a must for resale value.
