The kitchen is considered the heart of the home and for good reason too! It is where families gather, where guests gravitate towards during house parties, and where a significant amount of time is generally spent.

 

Kitchen renovations are almost always guaranteed to add value to your home. Real estate experts agree that kitchen renovations have the greatest returns on investment. Even if the rest of your home is in top shape, a dated kitchen can take away from the value of the home. A kitchen remodel should be in proportion to your home’s price point and what is standard in your neighbourhood, otherwise you will end up with an incredible kitchen and the rest of the house looking different.

 

Design and product selection are important with kitchen upgrades, so before you get started, decide what needs updating and come up with a plan so you can achieve that modern kitchen you desire.

 

Cabinets

 

Cabinets are one of the main focal points in any kitchen and can make or break the entire room. If the cabinets are in good condition, a fresh coat of paint and installing new hardware can offer you an updated look. Switching to stylish knobs, pulls, and handles will give a quick facelift to an out-of-date kitchen. Kitchen cabinet refinishing jobs are a more affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to replacing cabinets while giving you the freedom to choose from thousands of colours and finishes.

 

Wood refinishing companies such as N-Hance Canada, use low VOC water-based polyurethane cabinet paints, which are more eco-friendly with the added bonus of having very little to no odours. Odours are associated with high VOC levels and can have adverse health effects.

 

If you are interested in selling your home, updated kitchen cabinets accompanied with stylish hardware can greatly increase the value of your home.

 

Appliances

 

Stainless steel appliances have become a hot ticket item for all buyers. They present a sleek and modern design that give off an expensive look. If you prefer something slightly different, many manufacturers now offer black stainless steel appliances.

 

While the coveted ‘chef’s kitchen’ is an excellent upgrade, appliances such as built-in coffeemakers, pizza ovens and hibachi grills do not increase the home’s value or bring returns on investment. To create the look of a chef’s kitchen, installing a stainless steel hood will give your kitchen a more luxurious and higher end feel. Hoods vent the air outdoors and require ductwork during installation. Alternatively, installing a ductless range hood is an excellent alternative and comes with charcoal filters which need replacing every few months.

 

Sinks are another important part of any kitchen. Under mount and seamless sinks have become increasingly popular for their sleek design and give the impression of a modern and updated kitchen.

 

Countertops

 

In today’s market, buyers prefer plenty of counter space. Granite countertops continue to reign as the most desirable surface in kitchens. Other materials such as concrete, a beautiful slab of wood, and commercial metal are unique alternatives to granite, quartz, and marble countertops.

 

Kitchen Island

 

Keeping up with buyers’ demands for larger spaces, kitchen islands are multi-functional and make an excellent addition. If your kitchen has the space and design for it, consider installing a kitchen island where people can gather around as well as for additional storage purposes. Installing features such as extra burners or a prep sink can amplify the look of a ‘chef’s kitchen’.

 

Backsplash

 

Adding or replacing your backsplash can give your kitchen a polished look. It is generally advisable to stick to neutral tones as they work with different colour palettes and make the kitchen appear bigger and brighter. There are plenty of timeless tiles that can be installed in different patterns for a unique look.

 

Lighting

 

Kitchens with plenty of lighting give the appearance of an open, larger, and higher-end kitchen. Adding under-the-counter lighting can provide a more open look and eliminates dark spaces. Emphasize your kitchen island by placing pendant lights for a clean and luxurious feel. Proper lighting noticeably enhances a kitchen’s appeal.

 

Flooring

 

Floors are another one of the major focal points in the kitchen. Floors in excellent condition can enhance the overall look of the kitchen. Linoleum floors look outdated, meanwhile ceramic tiles and hardwood give any dated kitchen a much-needed facelift. While both are the ideal options for kitchens, hardwood is softer than ceramic, so if you accidentally drop any dishes, there may be a chance they could survive on hardwood.

 

Whether you plan on staying in your home for a long time or are planning to sell, timeless finishes and appliances are a better option than following the latest trends. Fashions and trends will change and your kitchen will eventually need further updates.

 

If you plan on selling your home, remember that buyers will be seeing many other kitchens, so upgrading will definitely play to your advantage. While kitchen upgrades add value to your home and the return on investment is important, it is still important that you too are enjoying your new kitchen while you are living there.