Once upon a time, people would move into a home and wait a long time – think ten to twenty years! – before they finally faced the fact that the kitchen design just wasn’t working for them.
Today, the trend is different. We’re seeing many homeowners upgrading their kitchens shortly after taking ownership – especially if this is a second or retirement home. And on average, homeowners are upgrading their kitchens every 7 to 10 years.
What explains the change? Today there are a lot more design options, and social media has made it fun and easy for homeowners to explore their choices. In other words, if you’re spending hours on Pinterest or Instagram planning your kitchen remodel, know that you’re not alone.
Another reason people are choosing to upgrade their kitchens sooner has to do with the fact that our lifestyles have changed. Many people have adopted healthier lifestyles, which means more cooking at home. Families with children often use the kitchen as the heart of the home – meal preparation and home work both happen in the same space, with parent and child each working side by side.
Technology has also changed the way we use our kitchens. The Internet of Things is here, which means kitchens need to be able to accommodate smart appliances and more.
It’s important to bring your design/build company into your kitchen renovation plans early in the process so they can help you incorporate all of the needed infrastructure to support your new appliances. At the same time, your kitchen designer will help you plan your workflow and make the most of your space so you really love your new kitchen.
One of the advantages of keeping your kitchen updated and contemporary is it makes it easier to sell your home if and when you choose to do so.