The kitchen is one of the most important functional components of any home, and it’s also essential to the aesthetics of a home. According to real estate industry research on home staging, the kitchen is one of the rooms that home sellers are most likely to stage because of its importance to home buyers. Whether you are trying to boost the value of your home or you just want to derive more enjoyment from living in it, giving your kitchen some attention will go a very long way. Here are 10 remodeling ideas to get you on your way to the perfect kitchen.
1. Repaint
Before you get ahead of yourself by adding the latest amenities and luxury features to your kitchen, consider refreshing the walls with a fresh coat of paint. This is a great compromise for those who don’t want to knock down walls or add new tile surfaces. You can also just repaint the surfaces that you don’t plan to upgrade. For example, maybe you get new stone countertops and a matching backsplash, but your cabinets get a new coat of paint.
2. Bar window
You don’t have to take out an entire wall in your kitchen in order to create some space and cultivate a more open feel. You can simply cut out a small portion of any wall that is shared with a neighboring room and put down a nice solid hardwood bar. This won’t work in every kitchen, but if you have an appropriate wall for this renovation, it can be a cost-effective way to transform the feel of your entire kitchen with just one renovation.
3. Stainless steel appliances
Replacing your old appliances — or even bringing in some new appliances you’ve never had before — is one of the simplest kitchen renovations you can make. It may or may not require any actual remodeling, depending on how far you’d like to go. For instance, your simple oven and stove could be a deluxe stainless steel oven and broiler combo next to a durable stainless steel griddle. If stainless steel isn’t the right look for your kitchen, perhaps another material or finish would be better. Smart appliances will give your kitchen a savvy modern feel, but you can still find great luxury appliances even if you don’t want to have the internet on your fridge. Whatever your style is, consider giving your kitchen a full range of matching appliances.
4. Expand your kitchen
There are basically two main ways that you could expand your kitchen. One is to take out a wall or a portion of a wall and extend the kitchen beyond its current boundaries. This will be more feasible in some homes than in others. Another great possibility is to extend your kitchen into the outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are great for entertaining, and it’s an ideal way to include a grill and some other extra appliances that might not fit so well indoors. Regardless of how you choose to go about it, going big will be a step in the right direction for your kitchen remodeling.
5. Tile upgrades
This is a really impressive addition that will work in just about any kitchen. Maybe you don’t want to go all-out on an artistic mosaic or a custom tile wall, but you could still upgrade your tile, especially if any of your kitchen walls are made out of drywall. For those who do want to go all out, you could get creative with custom designs and materials. Some rural property owners will even use stone quarried from their own properties.
6. New hardwood cabinets
You could explore other options for materials, but hardwood is a great go-to material for most kitchens. Cabinets come in many different styles, including a variety of traditional and modern themes. Not ready for new cabinets? Just repainting or refinishing your old ones can be a great compromise.
7. Stone countertops
“Stone” could refer to various materials, from quartz to marble to granite and more. Engineered quartz is the most favored material among homeowners seeking new kitchen counters, followed by granite. Take a look at a catalog of options to see the incredible variety and beauty of natural and engineered materials for your countertops. You are sure to be inspired.
8. Butcher block countertops
A butcher block countertop is a top alternative to stone surfaces. However, you can do both. Consider placing one nice wooden butcher block somewhere in your kitchen where it will add function as well as aesthetic value. It’s also a great way to build upon a wood theme or mixed natural materials theme in your renovated kitchen.
9. Install a backsplash
Here’s another relatively cost-effective idea that adds form and function to your kitchen. There’s nothing less attractive in a home than a kitchen wall covered in stubborn grease. A backsplash is a chic addition that can eliminate this problem. It’s also another opportunity to expand on your kitchen's theme, whether shining stainless steel, elegant tile, or something else you choose.
10. Kitchen island
This is one of the most stylish renovations you can make to a kitchen, and survey data shows that it is one of the most highly desired kitchen features among home buyers. It will completely transform the layout and feel of your kitchen. Your island could be a fancy wooden bar or a sleek food prep space. This option is not feasible for every kitchen. Some kitchens already have an island as the centerpiece, in which case it can always be upgraded or refinished.
Get more ideas from a Daniel Island real estate agent
Any of the above renovations will make your new home more enjoyable while you occupy it or add value when you sell it. For those ready to start renovating a new home or sell their old one, Kim Meyer is a Daniel Island real estate agent passionate about helping clients buy and sell beautiful homes. Check out Kim’s portfolio of Daniel Island homes for sale to see what’s hot right now. When you’re ready to find your next dream home or sell your existing one, contact Kim Meyer about Daniel Island homes for sale to get started.