A spacious, stylish kitchen can help you sell your home.
When prospective home buyers go through a house, the first thing they want to find is a stylish and functional kitchen, according to British television host Kirstie Allsopp. In fact, a remodeled kitchen can increase your property value by 8 percent. That's something to keep in mind if you're thinking about improving your home. But perhaps more important, a remodeled kitchen can make the time you spend in your kitchen more enjoyable.
Instructions
1. Work out a budget for your kitchen redo. Factor in the cost of a professional designer or architect if you need one, materials, appliances and labor. This is a good time to start looking at cabinet, appliance and countertop options at home-improvement stores. Getting a better idea of what you really want and what you can do without will help you develop a realistic budget. Then add 20 percent as a contingency, should you be presented with unexpected costs.
2. Develop a layout for your kitchen on graph paper. Change the layout as needed to determine where you want your countertops, sink and appliances to be.
Although you should keep the work triangle in mind -- with refrigerator, sink and range in an unobstructed area -- the shape and size of your kitchen will guide your placement decisions. A galley layout is best for a long, narrow kitchen. An L-shape layout works in small and large rooms, leaving central space for a dining table. A U-shaped layout is also highly functional. One arm of the U can be used as a divider in a vast space. A central multipurpose island is an option for a large open-space plan.
3. Compare cabinet styles and colors to work out what you like best. Darker cabinets have a contemporary, elegant look, but they can make a small space feel even tighter. Pale wood is ideal for a country style and gives the impression of more space. Glossy and reflective surfaces maximize light and look modern and expensive but are not practical if you have children. This is a good time to decide whether you want custom-made or pre-made cabinets.
4. Book appointments with three kitchen companies, and ask each to produce an accurate plan, based on your ideas. Compare their cost estimates, and choose the company that best meets your needs. Tinker with the plan until you are completely satisfied with it.
5. Plan for lighting to showcase design features and provide illumination for tasks. Consider under-cabinet lighting and recessed lights. You might even consider interior lights for cabinets with glass-front doors. Interior lights can give an industrial-look kitchen with translucent-glass cabinet doors a sophisticated look.
6. Pay attention to details, such as drawer pulls and cabinet handles, to give your kitchen a quality finish.
Tags: your kitchen, good time, , This good, This good time
