We spend the majority of our time at home in the kitchen, but it’s often the space we neglect the most because renovating a kitchen can be a major undertaking. However, if you neglect it for too long, the kitchen can eventually start to deteriorate and even devalue your home. If this sounds like your kitchen, maybe it’s time to consider how you can upgrade it now. Below we’ve compiled a list of 8 kitchen must-haves to help you plan for your next kitchen remodel.
Free-standing Island
Topping the list of kitchen must-haves is an island. Ask any homeowner what they’d love to have more of in a kitchen and they’ll likely say more space. And the best way to get it is to install a free-standing kitchen island. It creates the perfect prep-area and an extra seating station. You can even have a sink installed if you want to add a separate hand washing station or simply turn your old sink into more counter space. There’s so much you can do with an island, which is why they’re one of the most popular renovation requests by homeowners.
Granite Countertop
There’s nothing more beautiful than a granite countertop in your kitchen. And beyond its attractive look, granite is also incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant – every parent’s dream. There’s also a wide variety of shades to choose from that will blend perfectly with your kitchen cabinets and fixtures.
A Hutch
If you have beautiful fine china and other personal heirlooms that you’d love to show off, then a built-in kitchen hutch could be an ideal addition. Traditionally, these fixtures were used in dining rooms but today, more and more homeowners are seeing the benefits of adding the hutch right in the kitchen. Not only can it provide more storage space than a cabinet, but it can also show off your best dinnerware. You can even add lighting inside to place everything on display and add a little extra touch of ambiance at night.
Bookshelf
Do you have a number of cookbooks collecting dust in your den or stored in a box? You can finally put them to good use and give your kitchen design a little extra boost in the process with a built-in bookshelf. A floating shelf can fit nicely below a cupboard space if you’re short on space. And if you plan to renovate your kitchen, you can easily add a narrow and vertical cookbook shelf that’s built into the cabinetry.
Modern Cabinet Hardware
If your current kitchen cabinets are dated before the 90s, it’s time to give your kitchen cupboards a fresh new look. But how do you know how to choose the right style and brand? You can mix and match hardware in a variety of ways to work with your theme or even contrast it to make a statement. Not sure where to start? Some trends that are popular right now include beautiful brass rivets on top of dark cabinetry, black knobs on white cabinetry, and gold drawer pulls on everything. Changing up a small detail like your hardware can make a seriously big difference in the look of your kitchen.
Energy Star Appliances
If you’re tired of spending your hard-earned money on expensive energy bills, now’s the time to make the switch from inefficient appliances to Energy Star® certified ones instead. The Energy Star logo is the standard for energy-saving products. And you’ll find a whole range of Energy Star kitchen items now offered at affordable prices, including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, coffee brewers, steam cookers, fryers, and light fixtures. Not only are these appliances more attractive looking and innovative than your old ones, but they can also save you hundreds of dollars a month and increase the value of your home.
Double Basin Sink
A double sink basin is an absolute necessity. With a double bowl, you can use one side for food prep and the other for stashing dirty dishes as you go. Two is better than one when it comes to cleaning. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much time you can save when you have two basins instead of just one.
Hanging Light Pendants
If you have an open concept kitchen, then you might consider installing a trio of pendants over the island. Hanging pendants are one of the most popular reno trends today. They can add better lighting to the area and add a unique décor piece to space.
Are you ready to renovate your old kitchen into a stunning remodel that you’ve always dreamed of? Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss all the possible design options for your kitchen remodel.
