REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART ONEAesthetics

Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report for 2015 lists the return on major kitchen remodels at an encouraging 67.8%, and minor kitchen remodels at 79.3%. There’s a good reason for these excellent returns: Investing in a more functional, spacious, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen can enhance your home’s appeal – and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. The following kitchen trends for this year, in particular, can point you in the right direction if you’re looking to remodel anytime soon:

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART ONE: AESTHETICS

WARM HUES

Online decorating hub DecoratorsWisdom.com explains that warm tones are all the rage for designers this year. Foremost among this trend is the surge in popularity of wood kitchen cabinets, especially those made from oak. Every warm hue works, from blond to honey-toned cabinets. Cherry cabinets are also seeing an increase in interest, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and Philadelphia.

Oil-rubbed bronzy finishes are also in – especially as they pair well with the Pantone color choice. Faucets, handles, and knobs in this finish are recommended. If you do not think your kitchen will coordinate with such bold accents, however, you can go for brushed finishes like nickel or chrome.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART ONE: AESTHETICS

MINIMALIST ACCESSORIES AND TONESNeutral tones that give off a streamlined, clean look are also still in vogue. White appliances look great against white cabinets, while gray and other metallic finishes are also top choices. For homeowners with conservative design instincts, gray is a good choice as it has been for the past several years.

NO MORE STAINLESS STEELStainless steel has been popular for many years, but designers don’t think it will be quite as significant this year. Warm-toned kitchen fixtures may be problematic when paired with stainless steel sinks. Instead, you can opt for white sinks.

Even if you have no plans to sell your home, knowing that you are surrounded by stylish beauty is enough to make a kitchen remodel worth it.

But is beauty all that it’s about? What about more space and functionality? Part Two of our three-part series will discuss these aspects.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART TWOFunctionality

We talked about the aesthetic rewards of kitchen remodeling in Part One of our e-book, particularly where trends are concerned. Now let’s discuss how such a project can benefit you in terms of functionality. A kitchen remodel is also a great opportunity to ensure full use of your kitchen. As one of the most frequently used areas in the home, it has to address

the following areas of concern.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART TWO: FUNCTIONALITY

SPACE

There are plenty of ways that you can make a small kitchen fully functional, and one of the best ways to do that is to manage space. Consider these tips:

• Multitask. A remodel allows you to make use of a space for more than one purpose. For instance, instead of having the usual table and chairs, you can install an island that you can use for meals, family meetings, and even work. Investing in countertops, too, is a good way to create extra storage or utility space. Cutting boards that can be folded over a sink can expand your available space.

• Maximize storage. Thick interior walls are a prime location for more cabinets for storage. Hard-to-reach shelves can also be used for lodging seasonal appliances or accessories.

• Install mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of more space within a room, as well as provide natural daylighting.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART TWO: FUNCTIONALITY

DURABILITY

Remodeling your kitchen also enhances its durability and extends service life by many years. Some of the most durable accessories you can install include:

• Hardwood flooring. A 2013 Home Features Survey from the National Association of Realtors indicates that home buyers do not mind paying extra for a home with hardwood flooring. And they have every reason to favor this type of flooring: Aside from the aesthetic appeal of hardwood, the material can also withstand a lot of foot traffic, kitchen stains, and other forms of wear and tear. Plus, when it is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, it is considered a green building material.

• Carrara marble. As the material from which Michelangelo’s David was carved, Carrara marble has a reputation for being a luxury material. Beyond its appeal, marble wears well with some designers even calling it timeless. Staining can be a problem with this marble, however, so plan to reseal yours every two years.

You already know that a kitchen remodel is bound to be expensive, but can it also save you money over the long term? Let’s talk about energy efficiency in the final installment of this e-book.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART THREE Energy Efficiency

Previously, we discussed aesthetics and functionality as two important reasons why you should invest in a kitchen remodel. Now, let’s look at how you can recoup some

of your costs through energy efficiency.

Your kitchen houses some of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home. But by approaching remodeling with energy efficiency in mind, you can increase

comfort while curbing energy costs.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART THREE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY

NATURAL LIGHT

There are many ways to harness the power of natural light in your kitchen. You can choose from:

• Architectural upgrades. Large, conservatory-style windows are great at admitting natural light into any space. So are skylights and French doors. Just make sure that you choose the right glazing material; look for high visible transmittance with the right U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient, depending on where you live. If you have an attic or an extra floor above your kitchen, you can also install solar tubes that channel light from the outdoors to your kitchen.

• Lighter-colored window treatments. Avoid dark-colored draperies and opt instead for sheer, cotton, or linen window treatments. These materials make it easy for light to pass through, which means extra illumination for your kitchen. If you do not need privacy, do away with draperies altogether.

We also recommend positioning work surfaces near windows and skylights to make it easier to take advantage of natural light.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

PART THREE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY

VENTILATION

High-performance ceiling fans can help with improving air circulation around your kitchen better than exhaust fans, and they make less noise. If you want exhaust fans to get rid of steam and odors, choose fans that have a variable-speed option for more energy efficiency.

MANAGE YOUR APPLIANCES

When possible, choose compact appliances. Bigger models require more space that must be built, heated and maintained. Choose ENERGY STAR®-rated products to save on energy consumption and curb utility bills. Also, don’t forget to replace old units as they may be inefficient and could be eating up disproportional amounts of energy.

REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN

GM ROTH DESIGN REMODELING12 Murphy Drive, Unit G Nashua, NH 03062

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