Because kitchen renovations are a major upgrade, you want to be sure you’re going to enjoy the end result on a long term. There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a kitchen you don’t love. So take these tips on how to avoid design disasters and makeover mistakes.
Tip #1: Forget the Fads – Be True to Yourself
Kitchen design is as prone to trends and fads as much as anything else. So what happens if your perfect kitchen is not the least bit trendy? Follow your heart, especially if you’re in your forever home. As kitchen designers, we’ve seen the most satisfied homeowners are those that build new kitchens to suit themselves.
What about resale value? Doesn’t an overly unique kitchen make the home hard to sell? While we’re builders, not real estate professionals, we know that an overly trendy kitchen can be hard to sell too. That being said, the current market has reduced some level of anxiety regarding the kitchen design and home prices.
Tip #2: Remember – You’re The Person Who Wil Be Living In & Cleaning This Kitchen
When you talk to people about elements of kitchen remodels they regret, many times the answer involves surfaces that require lots of care and attention. Whether this is the pricey stone countertop that needs sealing or the stainless steel refrigerator that shows every single fingerprint, the amount of work involved in keeping the kitchen looking great was just not worth it. Avoid regret with easy clean surfaces.
Another angle to consider is the sustainability of the products used in your new kitchen. If you’re a person who’s concerned about the environment and you want to minimize your family’s carbon footprint, take the time to choose building materials, cabinetry, countertop, and other kitchen essentials that are in alignment with your values. A great kitchen designer can help you do this while sticking to your budget.