Photo courtesy of Randall Kipp Architecture.
It’s impossible to own a home without pondering the occasional, or frequent, home improvement. The great benefit of a makeover is that the time, creative energy, and yes, cash, you spend on such a project doesn't just translate into enjoying the space you love, but also into a higher return on investment if you ever decide it’s time to sell. Where to start? Which updates offer the most enjoyment for the least effort? Which ones offer the most bang for the buck? How about the “Wow” factor?
Over the years, the kitchen has morphed into the heart of the home — for eating, gathering, working and entertaining. The warm, social kitchen is in, way in. Whether your goal is a full remodel, or just a refresher, there are many style options from simple to extravagant that can brighten the outlook for your favorite room. Be aware that sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts. Several surveys report that nine out of ten homeowners hire a professional to get the job done, with nearly two-thirds of renovating homeowners hiring general contractors or kitchen consultants.
Photo courtesy of Randall Kipp Architecture.
WHITE IS STILL HOT
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update any room is with a fresh coat of paint. A simple white or gray palette continues to be a classic kitchen design element for wall finishes, backsplashes and countertops. An updated twist on the all-white trend is to employ a white-on-white color scheme, using different shades of white for walls, trim, cabinets, countertops or tile. Natural wood accents add a warm counterpoint to a white palette. For a “not quite all white,” option, paint one focal point — like a wall, a center island, a table or a separate cabinet — in a favorite color for a vibrant splash. Other popular kitchen paint choices include seaside blues and greens, cheerful yellows, smoky taupes and even the intense tones of navy, plum and emerald.
CABINETS ARE KEY
Drab, worn cabinets are a clear sign that your kitchen needs a facelift. The options are plentiful, depending on your budget. Cabinetry is a focal point of any kitchen and giving cabinets the attention they deserve is important to both the look and function of the space, says Dee David, certified master of kitchen and bathroom design (CMKBD) and owner of Dee David & Company in Lottsburg, VA. If the cabinets are otherwise in good working order, there are two paths to consider, she explained. The first is to thoroughly clean the cabinets with a mild solution of Murphy’s Oil Soap and rinse them completely, following up with an application of a good cream polish. The second option is to return to that coat of paint. For instant impact, replacing the cabinet hardware is a good choice. Cabinet hardware is like jewelry for the kitchen, allowing you to personalize just about any style. A satin or brushed finish resists fingerprints; but whether you prefer classic nickel or steel, pewter, a soft honey bronze, glass or ceramic, hardware allows you to set a unique tone and style for the kitchen. Hardware and light fixtures in warm, golden tones are making a comeback in a big way.
If existing cabinet doors are shabby or ill-fitting, and the hinges have gotten too creaky, it might be worth investing in new ones. Shaker-style cabinet doors are currently a popular choice, defined by simple, minimalistic pieces, with cabinet doors featuring a flat center panel. Shaker-style cabinet doors are so flexible style-wise that they can bridge the distance between either traditional or contemporary design, depending on what you pair them with, David said. In addition, flush, slab-style cabinetry doors present “a beautiful, clean look” for those who are tired of the “fussiness” of highly decorative cabinet doors, she said.
Cabinet refacing or resurfacing is one step shy of a full rebuild. The process requires you to keep existing kitchen cabinet framework intact, while completely transforming the outside appearance. Refacing includes reinforcing existing frames, then applying a veneer of real wood or laminate. The transformation is completed with new hinges, knobs and/or pulls, and moulding. One drawback of refacing, David said, is that it doesn’t usually include new drawers and drawer guides, which are among the most heavily used features in the kitchen. “Drawer guides are often the first things that go bad in inexpensive cabinets,” she said.
When new cabinets are a must, consumers have their priorities — often involving center islands and specialized cabinetry with built-in storage solutions like pull-out waste bins, bakeware organizers, revolving corner shelves, pull-out or swing-out shelves, and small appliance hideaways. In order to keep things close at hand and out of sight, kitchen designs now include ingenious ways to house almost every necessity. Designers are frequently adding more and deeper drawers for ease of access, David noted. The “economy of motion” of drawers is a big plus, she said. “Instead of opening a cabinet and pulling out a shelf, you only need one motion to open a drawer.”
Half or more of all kitchen remodels include a new center island as an integral part of the kitchen landscape — a focal point and hub for food preparation, seating, storage and surface area. David notes that many kitchen remodels featuring islands will highlight the island with a different finish or countertop than the rest of the cabinetry. Also, specialty cabinets built to resemble furniture give the kitchen a “curated over time” appeal.
NOTHING TOPS COUNTERTOPS
Countertops are having a significant moment today as homeowners focus on sleek, decluttered kitchen surfaces. New countertops are the most common update, with 94 percent of renovating homeowners making this change. The longtime favorite material, granite, will never go out of fashion, David said. In all its many patterns and colors, granite is a timeless choice. Its single flaw is that without sealing, it can absorb spills and permanently stain.
However, engineered quartz (a composite of quartz and resin) is emerging as a favored option, she said, although it’s a more expensive choice. Quartz is a solid, non-porous material that has no need of sealing to keep it pristine. Until recently, quartz hasn’t had nearly the style of granite or marble, but that has all changed with modern techniques lending notes of design and flair. Marble is also returning as a beautiful, natural option, with flowing patterns in bold tones. A cautionary note: Although marble is uniquely lovely, it is very vulnerable to stains and must be scrupulously sealed. Many of the quartz companies have done an amazing job of replicating intricate marble patterns. Other interesting countertop materials are polished concrete, metal, and even wood. Experts recommend using cleaning products certified as safe for your specific countertop material. Natural surfaces (especially marble) will degrade, fog or pit when exposed to harsh chemicals. Also remember that replacing a countertop presents an opportunity to install a new backsplash for additional punch.
IN SINK
Given that the sink is the most used item in the kitchen, a new one will stand out. Today’s kitchen sink trends merge functionality with style, making them the focal point for food preparation. One of the hottest kitchen sinks right now is the “farmhouse” or “apron” sink. Farmhouse sinks are so named because they mimic the extra-deep, exposed-front sinks common in vintage, rural homes.
Many homeowners have discovered that having an extra sink in another area can make a big difference in a kitchen’s workflow, offering a second space for food prep tasks. Another popular option is a long, lean, deep trough sink, which offers significant elbow room for a team of cooking enthusiasts. “We have big pots and pans, and we’re tired of water splashing on our feet,” David said.
Stainless steel is still the most popular sink material, followed closely by granite composite, then porcelain or enamel. For a truly budget-friendly choice, skip the new sink and install a fancy new faucet, a quick and inexpensive update that can make a huge difference in style.
AMPED-UP APPLIANCES
Call it a need for eye candy, but shiny new appliances — refrigerator, stove, dishwasher — have a huge impact on the “Wow” factor with homeowners and prospective home buyers. Although high-end appliances are typically the most expensive kitchen renovation, homeowners are willing to splurge on them. A survey of realtors reports that 69 percent of prospective buyers will pay more for a home with updated appliances.
Stainless steel remains the favored material for new appliances. “It’s still the preference — a go-to style that suits every comfort level,” said Marian Walker, 37-year employee and sales manager with Noblett Appliances in Kilmarnock. “It’s timeless and goes with everything; and it’s not going to go out of style,” she said. “A popular trending alternative is black stainless steel,” she added, which uses a heat-treated coating over stainless steel. The benefit of this new technology is that it resists smudgy fingerprints and is easy to clean; the downside is that it will show scratches over time.
Walker recommends paying attention to the styles of handle available for every line of appliance. “Every manufacturer has its own look to convince you to go with their brand, and they’re all very different,” she said. “To narrow down your choices, compare the handle styles and pick your favorite.” Also, consider your space, she advised. Some integrated appliances are designed to fit flush at counter depth and coordinate with custom kitchen cabinetry, featuring matching panels that disappear into surrounding cabinets, offering a clean, seamless aesthetic and streamlined effect.
Incorporating technology into appliances is an ever-emerging trend, Walker said. There are dedicated smart phone applications designed to remotely monitor on/off settings, temperature regulation, self-cleaning tasks and more. Built-in hot/cold water and hands-free choices are popular. In addition, ovens and ranges can now incorporate diverse cooking methods from air frying to steam and convection.
KITCHEN MOTIVATIONS
For the most part, people are creating kitchens to please themselves — making their spaces more beautiful and functional, with an eye for upgrading appliances and improving storage. Surprisingly, the goal of increasing home value comes farther down the list of motivating factors, but still ahead of open floor plans or improved entertainment space. Homeowners are planning kitchen makeovers according to their own wish lists, with a bonus benefit of pleasing a future buyer. “If it suits your taste, it’s the right choice,” David said. “You’ll always find someone who loves what you’ve done and appreciates your style.”
Kitchen Organizing for Every Home
The kitchen is the busiest room in the house. From dawn to dusk, the kitchen hosts the essential activities of the day. It is important to set up an organizing system that helps you do it all – cook, bake, snack, dine, and entertain.
Here are three ways to maximize the use of your kitchen.
1. THE TRIANGLE – Identify what is needed for your kitchen to function well and designate “use zones”. The refrigerator, oven, and sink are the three points of the Triangle; this is the kitchen’s primary zone. Most tasks take place in the Triangle, and thereby, possesses valuable space.
Chopping, mixing, cooking, baking, plating, and clean-up happen in the Triangle. Items needed to perform those tasks should be organized and stored within the zone. Daily glassware, plates, silverware, knives and cutting boards, pots and pans are placed there.
2. THE PANTRY – Consider the size and shelving of your pantry and organize goods by category such as beans, pasta, canned goods, dried fruit, root veggies, bread, cereal, snacks, and beverages. You can make a well-informed shopping list from an organized pantry. This will help you save time and money by not overbuying.
Home organization is on the upswing and there is a large selection of organizing products. One popular practice is to “decant” your goods by removing boxes and bags. Goods can be kept fresh in seal-tight containers and easy-to-see open bins.
Once your goods are decanted, label the container. Gluten-free flour is no longer mistaken for regular white flour. Depending on the pantry size, store small appliances infrequently used and backstock of paper goods.
3. CABINETS & DRAWERS – The most challenging part of organizing a kitchen is optimizing the cabinetry. There is no right way to do it; what matters is how you use the space. Think about what you do, how you move in the kitchen, and centralize like items.
Place glasses between the sink and the refrigerator. Plates and silverware are in near proximity, establishing one place to gather table settings.
Pots and pans go near the stovetop/oven. They are bulky and can be hard to reach in cabinet corners. Placing pots and pans in deep drawers or on a pot rack makes them easy to access and put away.
Whether you are designing a new kitchen or refreshing an existing one, organizing is a smart investment in creating a highly functional and enjoyable space.
Thanks go out to Dee David, certified master of kitchen and bathroom design (CMKBD) and owner of Dee David & Company in Lottsburg, VA, as well as to Marian Walker, sales manager with Noblett Appliances in Kilmarnock, VA, for their gracious contributions to this article. For more information about remodeling costs compared to value, visit https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2020/south-atlantic/.