Today I’m at the International Kitchen & Bath Show in Las Vegas, an annual event where brands from around the world come together to showcase the latest in renovations and designs. I haven’t been since before the pandemic, so it’s exciting to be here.
Time and time again statistics show that kitchens and bathrooms are the fastest selling home or in a competitive market. Year after year, in an annual survey of real estate brokers and appraisers, kitchen renovations rank high as one of the best returns on investment.
My personal experience with homes I’ve renovated and clients I’ve helped over the past six years is that remodeled kitchens and bathrooms are what add the most value to a home and get properties “for sale” under contract in less than two weeks. If you’re careful with your budget and don’t go overboard on improving your space, you’ll get your money back dollar for dollar and even more. My husband Matt has been a broker and appraiser for over 30 years and he would tell you the same!
In honor of today’s hot topic kitchen and bath design fair, I’ve written these tips for those homeowners who are thinking about reselling in a few years (not living in their “forever” home) and want to get the biggest return on their investment and be competitive in the listing when they go to sell their home. All of these updates will give your kitchen an instant look and feel fresh.
1. New/refinished cabinets and backsplash
For the common area that is used the most in the home, the kitchen area must be functional and neutral in order to attract the most customers. You don’t have to go for a white kitchen with subway tiles (although the look is still classic), you can opt for a color as long as it’s neutral, think white, taupe or soft blue or green grey. Wood is back in modern shakers and paneled front cabinets. It’s best to avoid wood stains that have red or yellow undertones, which look like an outdated choice and don’t always coordinate with your floor or wallpaper tones.
It is not always necessary to change the cabinets if they are in good condition and you do not need to change the layout. You can also choose to replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts (as we did in this client’s kitchen) and the fresh look is just as beautiful as new cabinets.
2. Floors
The best kitchen floors are luxury vinyl planks, stone or tile. The only time I would use hardwood in a kitchen is if it is original to the house. I find real wood impractical in kitchens. Fortunately, waterproof wood-look options are amazing due to modern advancements, so vinyl planks or wood-look tiles will give the look of tile without the risk of water damage. Classic terracotta, natural stone or large-format neutral tiles in kitchens are also a nice choice.
3. Appliances
Outdated or malfunctioning appliances are an eyesore and can cost more in your monthly electricity bills. Choosing more efficient, high-performance devices will give future buyers peace of mind. There is a range of appliance prices, so install new appliances that are in line with comparable homes in the neighborhood. High-end appliances in modest homes won’t always give you a great return on investment.
Stainless steel is still a classic choice, but I chose slate appliances to pair with the darker wood, and also white appliances for a light and bright look.
4. Countertops
Quartz is the new standard for kitchen renovations, I can’t imagine choosing anything other than this surface designed for beauty and practicality with built-in heat, moisture and chip resistance. A beautiful stone is always a nice choice, but more personal. Marble is also classic, but is more porous and prone to cracking, so I always recommend a subtle marble look or pure white quartz to any client, and I also choose them whenever I remodel a kitchen. However, I’m always on the lookout for other options in neutral tones, and I still love the pale olive quartz that was used in my brother Nate’s kitchen renovation from a few years ago.
5. Faucets
How many times a day do we use our kitchen faucet? Countless. A beautiful faucet will catch the eye of a potential buyer. Now there are so many great faucets to choose from, those with attractive shapes and functional sprayers. It’s best to choose one that matches the style of your kitchen space, and you can always thoughtfully mix metal finishes (chrome and black, brass and nickel, etc.) since all metals are timeless.
6. Hardware
Hardware is functional as well as kitchen jewelry. Modern shapes give the kitchen a fresher look, and at the same time make the space cohesive when the same style is used on all cabinet elements. Brass is currently the hottest in kitchens and has been for several years, but nickel or black are also classic choices.
7. Lighting
Often overlooked, but one of the most important elements to consider is kitchen lighting. Over the years I have removed the fluorescent boxes and replaced them with a combination of recessed and task lighting for function. Over the sink and island or peninsula, you can add decorative drop-down elements that add both ambiance and style. I’m a firm believer that every kitchen light should have a dimming option for evenings, as the space is often close to the family or living room.
Pendants that complement the style of the kitchen, but are an opportunity to add a little flair. I chose distressed wood and glass pendants in this kitchen remodel from years ago to complement the coastal style of the space.
all images displayed courtesy of better homes and gardens
There are a few things I don’t need to keep in mind when renovating a kitchen. I never spend too much money on the neighborhood because local companies are what will be used to appraise the house when it is on the market. I don’t add unnecessary upgrades or non-essential luxuries like built-in coffee makers, ice makers or warming drawers, those options are personal to the homeowner or for a more upscale market where those amenities are expected.
I avoid anything too personalized like a bold wallpaper or a busy backsplash and rarely remove storage, in fact I try to add more. There have been times in the past when I have removed large bulky cabinets that make the kitchen feel cramped and replaced them with open shelving. As much as I like the minimalist look of kitchens without upper cabinets, they are less appealing to prospective buyers looking for all the storage space for kitchen utensils and belongings.
These are lessons I’ve learned over the years whenever I’ve renovated a kitchen for a house to sell. Here are seven updates that I believe are worth the cost.
what about you? What is your experience good or bad with kitchen remodeling choices?