Chances are, you are only going to remodel your kitchen once — the annual “Cost vs. Value Report” from Remodeling magazine puts the average price of a major kitchen remodel at $56,768. With that much of an investment, you want to make sure you make timeless choices you can live with, and when you sell, recoup as much of your investment as possible. Here are seven ideas that will help your kitchen feel comfortable, useful, and be an enjoyable space for years to come.
- White is the most marketable color.
White is usually at the top of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s list of most popular kitchen colors. It does not go out of style. White is also a standard color for manufacturers, so cabinets, tile, counters, faucets, sinks, and appliances are available in white at many price points. White allows you to add color in less expensive items such as knobs, pulls, and accessories. Accent paint colors can be easily changed — the all-white basics in your kitchen will keep the colors looking fresh and contemporary.
2. Hardwood Flooring is the best choice.
Hardwood floors are tough (can be refinished 10-12 times during its 100-year lifespan). It’s eco-friendly, warm, and is great for open floor plans, flowing from kitchen to adjoining rooms. According to a flooring industry professional, it’s also one of the few features both women and men agree on!
3. Shaker Style cabinets are plain, simple, and the clean lines are always in style.
Shaker style cabinets have a clean line that fit many styles, traditional to contemporary.
4. Subway Tiles.
Subway tile, going back to the early 1900s, was first used to line New York’s subway tunnels. The classic tile is white, 3×6 inch rectangles. The tiles are an iconic part of American design. In the kitchen, ceramic tile excels as a backsplash, where it guards against moisture, is a snap to clean, lasts forever, and always looks classy.
5. Carrara Marble for Countertops.
Carrara marble is a timeless classic that’s been used in homes for thousands of years. The marble’s whiteness is not found in other stones, and it is readily available, making it less expensive than other high-end choices such as quartz. Sealants will ensure your marble does not stain.
6. Ergonomic design.
Adaptability and universal design features mean easy living at any age. A recent survey on kitchens from the American Institute of Architects points to the growing popularity of smart ergonomic design. a sign that kitchen adaptability will stay in demand. Consider the following approaches:
Create different countertop heights: standard height is 36 inches, but you can raise or lower sections of cabinets by alternating the height of the base.
Swap a standard range for a wall oven and a cooktop. Ranges have fixed heights. A wall oven is conveniently about waist-high.
Add pull-out shelves to base cabinets. Lower cabinets with doors mean having to twist to see what’s inside; pull-out shelves ensure items can be at your fingertips.
Keep wide clearances. Kitchens attack people, and with open floor plans, you will likely have a crowd keeping you company. Keep traffic flowing with a minimum of 42 inches between counters and islands.
7. Use Smart Storage.
Don’t be part of the American population that stores up to 47% of their kitchen items in some other part of the home! Cabinet manufacturers offer many storage options: shelves and compartments that unfold, turn, extend, and slide.
Create a primary storage area, 30 to 60 inches high. Store most-used items here.
Anticipate future needs, such as a space that can easily convert to an office/desk, wine storage, or a closet. Consider lower cabinet spaces that can accommodate a wine cooler, a second dishwasher, or a new must-have appliance.
Consider an open space that fits a freestanding chair or antique that can personalize your kitchen!