Have you ever worked in a poorly designed kitchen? It’s hard to feel inspired to cook dinner when there isn’t a natural flow to your space. Usually, the lack of flow is due to the poor placement of the most important features like the refrigerator, stove, and sink. I know, placement of your coffee maker and wine storage is important too :-) We will get to those.
More than just flow, a poorly designed kitchen may lack lighting, storage spaces, or sitting areas. Today, I’m sharing 5 kitchen updates that will help you increase your kitchen’s flow and your home’s value.
1. Create a Beverage Center
Back to the coffee and wine... I don't know about you, but I grew up in Puerto Rico, and the kitchen (and the food) was the heart of the home and for all the gatherings, large and small.
Creating a coffee station or a wine and beverage bar can make entertaining a lot easier and enjoyable. It makes it easier to plan where to have your drinks and cups or barware and it also makes it foolproof for your guests to make themselves at home!
2. Incorporate an Island or Breakfast Nook
Kitchen islands offer a variety of options to homeowners. They can be a place to prepare and enjoy meals with the family, as well as a great gathering place. When entertaining, islands can also serve as a buffet or a bar. Larger kitchens with islands and extra nooks are starting to replace traditional formal dining rooms because they can add a warmer, more inclusive vibe to a kitchen.
3. Update Appliances for the Latest in Kitchen Technology
Consider integrating technology into your kitchen. Adding appliances with advanced technology to your kitchen is seamless and makes your experience more enjoyable. Many appliances can be managed with apps. For example, smart ovens allow you to start cooking before you even arrive home.
You can select a dishwasher with a lower decibel level and with a timer so that it runs during times that are more convenient for your family.
Pro Tip: The decibel level of a quiet dishwasher can be as low as 38 dBA, but any dishwasher with a decibel level of 44 dBA or lower may still be considered quiet.
4. Update Light Fixtures to Add Value
Changing out kitchen lighting updates the room, changes its perceived value, adds uniqueness and style, and makes the room more functional. Having different sources of light is ideal. Strategically place lighting like recessed lighting, pendants, under cabinet lighting, and in the right space, chandeliers to add ambiance. Added lighting also creates a more safe and useful space.
5. Add Eye-Catching Color
We can never forget color! Color is perceived before shape or wording, it has the most impact on first impressions. It also affects the way we feel and experience the room and the way we remember it. I love the impact that color can make.
Choosing the right colors and their placement is crucial. There are certain colors we want to avoid if we are not designing our "forever home" since some are perceived as "cheap" and can very taste specific. On the other hand, the right colors, in the right place, applied in the right finish, can update a kitchen, make it a destination and add value.
Once the colors are selected, hardware, backsplash, and other accessories can complete the look and add to the enjoyment of the room!
Are you ready to update your kitchen and increase the value of your home?