Renovations are how you make a house a home. They are also a great investment. The ideal renovation is not even an entire remodel. To make back the most money down the line, try to keep your budget at approximately 25% of the value of your home. This will give you a return of about 82.7%. Over-improving one room is only a good idea if you have plans to upgrade every other room to that standard. Otherwise, the over-improved room will be out of sync with the rest! Here are the small renovations that will make the most out of your kitchen:
New Appliances
Old, outdated appliances are not just ugly — they are also a hazard. Sell them or dispose of them, but they need to go! Get a matching set of beautiful new appliances to instantly make your kitchen look better. Or you can add small items like Japanese cutlery to make your kitchen look more appealing. Plus, new appliances may bring out your inner master chef.
New Cupboards
Cupboards, and more importantly the layout of the cupboards, are the bare bones of the kitchen. Depending on your budget, you could either gut the cupboards and install new ones entirely or you could repaint them. Painting dark, dreary cupboards a bright and fresh color is an instant update to your whole kitchen. Another option is to install new doors onto the cupboard frames or replace the handles.
Beautiful And Functional Lighting
Lighting is important in any room. The kitchen needs to be bright. When you are cooking, you are using sharp and other dangerous equipment. You need to be able to see what you are doing and what your food looks like as it is cooking. You do not want a large hanging chandelier in the middle of your kitchen. Recessed lighting trim is a great choice for kitchens. It also creates a modern atmosphere.
Focal Point: Floors
You do not typically have a lot of wall space in kitchens, which is why floors become the new focal point. Whatever style of kitchen you are going for, there is a matching floor for you.
Maximize Space
Every kitchen faces one of two problems. The first is that there is too much space. The second is that there is not enough of it. If you are one of the lucky few whose kitchens open out to a dining area and you want to expand your kitchen, it is as easy as installing a kitchen island. Add more counter space and more storage space all at once.
Open The Space Up
Open kitchens become the heart of the home. They are the host’s domain; they are where parties revolve around. Open the space up by knocking down a wall, so that the room is bigger and open. Consider an island counter or a breakfast bar.
Bring In The Outdoors
Likewise, if you can manage it, install a means to get outside to your backyard. French doors are a great investment over a window, because they bring in light, fresh air, the ease of walking in and out.
For the best designs, you will have to put yourself in the hands of professionals. Stay involved and updated on progress, so you know that you are getting what you want. Renovating the kitchen should be your first call for action. It is the heart. It is the soul. It is where you are guaranteed to be several times a day.
