Do you ever walk into your kitchen and just feel overwhelmed with a sense of “blah?” Are you thinking about putting your home on the market and moving into a new place? No matter the reason, our kitchens often are neglected when it comes to home improvement endeavors, and that simply should not be the case. We spend hours upon hours each week in our kitchens, whether we’re cooking up a great dish – such as my daughter’s favorite jambalaya – or talking with our loved ones. Whether you want a fresh new look for your kitchen, or you want to make some upgrades to help drive up the sale price of your home, here are four kitchen upgrades that can pay for themselves.
Countertops
Your kitchen countertops can make a world of difference in your kitchen’s overall appearance and feel. Many potential homebuyers look for quality countertops as one of their most sought after home upgrades. Whether you’re interested in an elegant granite countertop, a sturdy marble one, or even a green option, such as bamboo, you’re bound to find one within your budget that will really enhance the look of your kitchen while adding to the value of your home. If you’d prefer, going with a laminate or ceramic tile counter is another great option that isn’t as expensive as you might think, and can be the finishing touch that really makes your kitchen stand out.
Cabinets
The style, stain or paint color, and condition of your kitchen cabinetry can really leave a lasting impression, especially if your cabinets look out-of-date or a bit bleak. Sleek looking cabinets really go a long way in transforming your kitchen from drab to fab. Not only do they play an integral role in your interior design plans, they continue to remain a main selling point for many homebuyers. Remodeling Magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report states that replacing your cabinetry is a minor, yet important, remodel that can truly increase your property value.
Sometimes, our cabinets look like they could use some love, but are still in perfectly fine condition. If this is the case with your kitchen cabinets, consider refinishing them rather than replace them. There are a wide array of stains and paints to choose from to give you that perfect look. Whether you want to go with a natural wood color or go with a more modern and vibrant paint, there’s a perfect look for your kitchen that will leave your friends and family in awe.
Hardware
Some people won’t want to take on the project of refinishing their current cabinets or replacing them with brand new cabinetry, and that’s perfectly fine. Paints and stains can be a real hassle, especially if you don’t have much experience working with either. The project can also take a good chunk of time, and for some, that’s enough of a reason to leave their cabinets be. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still upgrade them.
New drawer knobs, cabinet handles, sink faucets, and light fixtures can go a long way in making your kitchen look and feel like it’s been completely remodeled. If you have a breakfast table in your kitchen area, a nice stained glass fixture is a great way to not only bring more light to your area, but it’s a great eye-catching piece that adds a lot to your kitchen for a relatively small initial cost. Recessed lighting in beneath your cabinets also adds a nice touch while providing you with better lighting along your countertops. Whatever you choose to upgrade, find a style that fits you and your home, and run with it.
Eco-Flooring
By now, you probably know all about the green movement and the benefits that come with using sustainable materials in your home, as well as choosing to outfit your home with energy-efficient appliances. However, we can also take this green mentality to our floors. Say you love the look of a hardwood floor, and want a new one to revitalize your kitchen. Not a problem; the Forest Stewardship Council can go as far as to guarantee that the lumber for your flooring came from a sustainably-managed forest. There’s no shortage of these types of wood, either, as there are literally dozens to choose from, all in different shades and styles.
Maybe you’re ready to steer away from hardwoods but aren’t exactly sure what to go with. Typically, softwoods are a no-no when it comes to flooring – especially in the kitchen – but using cork for your flooring has numerous benefits. Walking on cork flooring is simply more comfortable, thanks to the elasticity of cork. Think about it, when you have a cork from a wine bottle in your hand, you can squeeze it and slightly alter its shape. The same happens as you’re standing, providing your feet with comfort and support. Cork also ranks as very durable and won’t show any unsightly furniture marks that other floors would. With cork flooring also being hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant, and an insect repellant, cork is amongst the greenest flooring options you can choose; cork oak tree bark grows back in full every three years.
No matter the reason behind your kitchen remodel, there are plenty of ways you can increase the value of your home without breaking the bank in an extensive redesign. Regardless of the amount of time you’d like to commit to upgrading your kitchen, you’re bound to find numerous ways you can achieve the look you desire without having to put in too much elbow grease. Take some time to research the different options available, and start creating your dream kitchen today.
Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother, where women aren’t afraid to use power tools in a dress.
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