5 Stunning Kitchen Updates That Increase Your Home’s Value

The tumbled travertine backsplash. The freestanding trash can that’s always in the way. The extra fridge in your garage. Does this sound like your kitchen? Maybe you’re due for an update. I’m going to tell you what the top 5 kitchen upgrades are today which will thrill you and any buyer.

1. Incorporate a Built-In Bar or Beverage Center

Beverage bars are extremely popular

By separating the bar, be it coffee bar, wine bar, kid’s snack bar, from the rest of your kitchen, you are creating specialty spaces that are focused on an activity. You should have several zones (for cooking, chopping, storing, socializing) in your kitchen in order to utilize all of your space most efficiently. How does your family use your kitchen?

2. Make Room for an Island or Breakfast Nook

Built-ins maximize your space

The appeal of a kitchen island can’t be overstated. It has become the center of today’s home. But what about a built in nook? It is also multi-functional and extremely convenient. Add some character with moldings and patterned cushions. Everyone loves a cozy nook.

3. Integrate the Latest in Kitchen Technology

The kitchen of the future is here now

There are always so many clever new innovations in kitchen technology, it’s hard to keep up. I love touch control faucets, touchless faucets, and voice command features. Not to mention appliances so futuristic, they can communicate with one another. These transform cooking into an elevated, easier and safer experience.

4. Update Lighting from Simple to Statement-Making

In your kitchen, there are 5 lighting zones, including general lighting, task lighting…but by far the most trending zone now is statement lighting. These are decorative fixtures (like chandeliers and sconces) which can be beautiful while also providing needed light. The perineal “3 tiny pendants over the island” has been replaced with much larger and unique looking pendants and chandeliers. My favorites mix traditional (be it true traditional or more mid century) style with ultra cutting edge LED technology. A tip: put these on dimmers.

5. Add Color for Character and Charm

Sage green upper cabinets add subtle color

An all white kitchen is still popular and can be quite beautiful. But if you’re bored with this, try adding earthy, medium to dark tones into your kitchen. Skip the too-trendy royal blue painted island and go for what I am seeing as the next big color trend: green. But stay earthy. Sage, fir, moss…there are so many choices. Then pop in a complementary color, like with a terracotta splash or floor with some Turkish throw rugs. Have fun with it!

These trending kitchen tips will bring you the most ROI, and give your family an updated, beautiful kitchen you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Until next time,

Adrienne Morgan Interior designer

Adrienne