Ten or fifteen years ago, your kitchen was everything you thought you would ever want. Now, you look around and realize that it’s outdated and poorly laid out. What can you do about it?
If you’re debating whether or not a kitchen makeover is in order, you’re in good company. Survey after survey reveals that when it comes to home remodels, kitchens are the most popular target.
Deciding to break ground on any kind of home remodel isn’t always easy. How do you know that it’s worth it?
Read on for five definite signs that you’re in need of a kitchen makeover this year.
1. The Layout Isn’t Functional
How smoothly can you move from one end of your kitchen to another? When you open cabinets, the oven, the dishwasher, or the refrigerator, do you have enough clearance? Does the layout of your kitchen lend itself to a smooth cooking process or have you gotten used to a layout that isn’t intuitive?
One way to think about the functionality of your kitchen is to consider what we call the “work triangle.” The work triangle refers to the three primary points of contact in any kitchen: the sink, the fridge, and the stovetop. These elements should be spread out enough that if one person is, for example, standing at the sink while another is at the stovetop, the two aren’t bumping elbows.
A smooth layout can change everything from the appearance of your kitchen to the way that you cook. If you feel like you’re fighting your own kitchen to make a meal, it’s time for a kitchen makeover.
2. You Want More Storage and Counter Space
One of the biggest problems we see with outdated kitchens is a lack of storage and counter space. Limited space may have worked fifteen years ago, when your primary countertop appliances included a microwave and a toaster. Now, most of us use a wide range of tools and appliances to cook throughout the week, and we need more space to store those tools and appliances.
A simple countertop expansion and kitchen cabinet makeover can do wonders for the overall organization of your kitchen. This type of makeover makes it easier to set up specific stations for things like chopping and meal preparation, countertop appliance use, and plating. If you feel like you’re overcrowded in your kitchen or like you’re running out of storage space, this type of makeover is right for you.
3. Your Appliances Are On Their Way Out
All major appliances have an average lifespan that you can expect to meet with regular maintenance. Your oven and range may last between 13 and 15 years while your refrigerator may last for about 13 years. What happens after they hit that point?
Old appliances may exhibit noticeable warning signs that they’re coming to the end of their usefulness. Your oven may struggle to hold a set temperature or parts of the range may give out. Your fridge may start to make strange sounds or produce excessive amounts of condensation, or your food may start to spoil faster than normal.
In some cases, however, it can appear that your appliances are working well while they’re, in fact, using up more energy than necessary. Over time, appliances stop running as efficiently as they once did, which can take a toll on your energy bill.
You can replace one appliance at a time, but you may run into problems or limitations. Newer appliances may be larger than the ones you were using, requiring a change in counter space. You may want to change the location of your appliances when replacing them.
If all of your appliances are on the way out around the same time, a full kitchen makeover may do the trick.
4. You Don’t Like the Aesthetic
Kitchen aesthetics have changed in the past few decades. Old vinyl flooring isn’t as strong as new vinyl flooring and can start to buckle over time. Small recessed lights create dark, cave-like kitchens that don’t scream, “Spend time here.”
If you’re tired of the aesthetic of your kitchen, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find that they want to embrace new trends, like open or colorful cabinetry, dramatic accents, linear lighting, and tiled backsplashes.
Some of these trends can seem easy enough to DIY when in reality, the results of a minor DIY makeover can end up feeling lackluster. Professional kitchen makeover ideas tend to provide more value and a bigger impact so that you can get more bang for your buck.
5. You’re Considering Selling
If you’re considering selling your home, it’s time to scrutinize what your home has to offer. Most home buyers don’t want to move into a home that will require a home remodel to suit their needs and desires. One of the things they desire most is an updated kitchen with modern appliances.
Tackling a small kitchen makeover before selling can make a huge difference to your selling experience. The less a home buyer needs to fix after move-in, the faster your home will sell. Don’t waste time on negotiations and indecisive buyers when you could tackle a quick kitchen makeover now and save everyone the trouble.
Ready to Break Ground on Your Kitchen Makeover?
When it comes to home remodeling and home additions, a kitchen makeover remains the most popular choice. Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, where movement, organization, and aesthetics are king. Are you ready to break ground on your kitchen makeover?
Higgason Homes is proud to offer design and home building services to Seattle area homeowners. If you’re ready to start talking about kitchen makeover ideas and book your first appointment, contact us today. We look forward to helping you turn your outdated kitchen into a modernized dream.