Remodel Archives - Maura Allard Realtor

It has long been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a place where you eat, drink, share conversations and make memories together as a family. It is a place where friends and family come to gather for special occasions and holidays. It is a place where you try out new recipes and indulge in a big glass of wine after a long day. The kitchen is one of the most important (and most used) spaces in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a change, ready for an upgrade, or preparing your home for sale, redesigning your kitchen is always a good option. From big changes like new cabinets and countertops to smaller, more subtle, but equally beautiful options like a refreshed backsplash or new hardware, kitchen makeovers can be a wonderful way to increase equity in your home while also boosting the aesthetics of your space.

Here are my top 5 ways to refresh your kitchen this season.

1. Replace or refinish kitchen cabinets.

The majority of your kitchen space is showcased by your walls of cabinetry which can be a beautiful focal point of the room. If you have never replaced or refinished your cabinets, now may be the perfect time to dive headfirst into this home improvement idea. If your current kitchen has darker wood cabinets and you’d love to make the space light and airy, consider updating them to a white finish. This clean look brightens up a room and instantly makes it feel larger. Another big factor when it comes to cabinetry is overall layout. Are you happy with the way your kitchen layout works now? If not, consider replacing the entirety of your upper cabinets to a layout that you find easier for your specific needs.

Some other cabinet refresh ideas include:

Adding a wine rack into or under your cabinets.
Replacing the hardware on your existing cabinets to give it a fresh look.
Sanding down your existing cabinets and refinishing them with a different stain to give it a weathered or worn look. Think farmhouse style.
Adding under cabinet lighting.
Complimenting your current cabinets with a fresh new backsplash that matches your kitchen design.

2. Upgrade your appliances.

Nothing says fresh and clean like brand-new appliances. The things that make us happy as adults sure can seem funny sometimes, right? But, in all seriousness, new appliances instantly upgrade your kitchen space. If you’ve had the same white or black appliances forever, consider moving on to stainless steel. This is especially important if you’re in the market to sell your home. New and fresh appliances increase the value of your kitchen space exponentially. Another thing to consider when replacing your appliances is refrigerator size and layout. Do you like the double doors or the double doors with the drawer fridge at the bottom? How about the extra large fridge with a peek-a-boo glass door? There are so many options so go out there and explore new appliances to touch, see and feel which options work best for you. This may also be a great time to update your range from electric to gas, or vice versa. It will take a bit of extra legwork when it comes to needing an electrician to replace the lines, but choose what makes you happiest cooking at your stovetop.

3. Add a kitchen island for extra seating and prep space.

Have you always yearned for island vibes? The kitchen kind, that is. Updating your kitchen may include space for a new island or a refreshed version of the one you currently have. Islands are great spots to add extra seating and eating space while allowing more countertop space for more elbow room while prepping and cooking your meals. If you have the space available to you in your kitchen, give a kitchen island the green light. Match the countertop to the rest of your kitchen’s countertops and consider adding things like a wine fridge, a small prep sink and more storage space in the form of cabinets and drawers. Make sure to include outlets on both sides of your island, allowing it to be used as a functional eat and work space.

4. Add a focal wall.

No matter the room, focal walls are always a “yes” from me. Adding personalized touches to your space is essential to turning a house into a home.

A kitchen focal wall can include things like:

A pop of color that accents your current wall color
A colorful wallpaper that compliments your existing style
Floating shelves to house your best dishes
A photo collage of all things food
A coffee bar and mug rack
A wine rack
Kitchen decor

5. Don’t forget the lighting.

Lighting is everything. It can set the mood and tone for an entire room. Lighting is especially important in rooms that are highly trafficked within your home. Replace outdated light fixtures with fresh new options to create a fresh ambiance in your space. Recessed lighting is another great choice for kitchens as it allows the room to be evenly lit throughout the space. Consider opting for dimmable lighting so you can set the mood based on the company you are having. Other great lighting options include under cabinet lighting and motion activated baseboard lighting.

When it comes to kitchen redesigns, no project, big or small, will feel lost. Kitchen updates are a valuable way to upgrade the heart of your home for years to come. If you’re in the market to list your home, but unsure what upgrades your kitchen needs, let me help. I would love to walk you through the design process for an overall better, and more profitable selling experience.