The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home, and the principal representation of you and your family’s health.
Since it is also one of the most used rooms in the house, giving it a makeover is one of the best ways to improve your home resale value. Whether you decide to spruce up old cabinets, and add new flooring or completely remodel the space, there are countless options to consider when remodeling. The process may seem overwhelming at first but can easily be overcome if organized properly.
Here are a few tips below to give you a good start:
1. THINK FUNCTION:
No matter what shape the kitchen is, put function first by thinking ahead to where the sink, refrigerator and cook top should be located. They should form a triangle, with no more than 6’ between each for ease of movement.
2. STORAGE FOR ORGANIZATION, NOT CLUTTER: People often do not allow for enough storage in the planning stage. Consider deep drawers for easier access to pots and pans and include enough storage for appliances that otherwise would clutter up countertops. Those countertops should only display items you use everyday. Remember to also watch out for clutter in your cabinets and get rid of items you haven’t used in the last year or so (except for seasonal items).
3. SPACE AND SURFACE:
Counter space is essential. Choose a surface that is easy to work on and care for. But keep in mind that grout between tiles is hard to maintain and that stainless steel scratches easily.
4. LIGHTING:
Unlike other rooms in the home, overhead lighting is often not enough in kitchens. Lighting needs to fall in front of you and not behind where it casts a shadow on the workspace. Position lights under cabinets where they will shine directly on countertops.
5. APPLIANCES: START FRESH!
Don’t reuse appliances or items from the old kitchen to save a few bucks. Old appliances will stick out like a sore thumb in a new environment. Give away your old appliances to charity and choose energy-efficient and quality brands.
6. LOOK OUT BELOW:
On flooring, consider slip-resistance, ease of maintenance and porosity. Stone floors (marble, granite, etc), which are somewhat porous, may need periodic resealing. Hardwood floors, as beautiful as they are, wear out faster by the fridge, stove and sink. Hard, natural stone works wonderfully and the earthy look and feel of it is very powerful to encourage a clean and healthy environment.
As always, I hope these recommendations will inspire you. Just be creative, enjoy the process and have fun with it!
fengshui2design 