Kitchen Makeovers on a Budget

handy-kitchen-cabinet-tips

Yesterday I talked about kitchen makeovers, but the thing about totally redoing a kitchen is that it can be very pricy.  If you’re wanting to give your kitchen a face lift in a more budget-friendly way, consider some of the following suggestions.

Stick to the Ws.  Window and walls that is.  There are basically endless options for wall coverings that can be easily cleaned.  A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room!  Changing up the window treatments can also give the room a whole different feel.

Keep what you have.  Installing new cabinets can be expensive, but your whole kitchen can feel like new if you refinish your existing cabinets.  Just make sure you do your research and use high-quality prep products.

Repurpose other pieces.  Consider using an armoire as a pantry or a unique table as an island.  Repurposing individual pieces of furniture can save you money and add interest to an otherwise neutral room.

Appliances only.  If you have some money to work with, but not enough for a full makeover, consider replacing only your appliances.  Especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear.  And remember that appliances can be expensive if you get all the fancy gadgets, but basic appliances that will fit your requirements can be just as nice if you are on a budget.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Kitchen-Remodel

It is no secret that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but they are also the centerpieces of family life too.  A kitchen makeover can give your home a whole different feel.  Whether you want a kitchen update to help sell your home faster or just to enjoy yourself, here are some helpful tips for design planning.

Plan for space.  Kitchen design pros recommend walkways of at least 36 inches in all kitchen areas with 42 inch pathways in cooking areas and more if there is more than one cook.

Plan for traffic.  Place the refrigerator accessible to anyone wandering in looking for a drink, but still convenient to cooking and cleanup areas.

Plan your corners.  Keep all cabinets and appliances fully functional by planning space for the doors clearance and swing.  Keep appliances away from corners and make sure doors won’t bang into each other if they are open at the same time.

Plan your landings.  Landing space is work space for cooking.  There should be a minimum of 15 inches of counter space on each side of the refrigerator and stove top as well as 15 inches near the microwave.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Tricks To Make A Small Kitchen Seem Larger

In keeping with yesterday’s topic, let’s continue to talk about kitchen remodeling! If you are like me and have a small kitchen, it may seem like kind of a drag to spend so much time there. If you’re thinking of remodeling, consider some of these tricks for opening up the space and making it seem larger.

In keeping with yesterday’s topic, let’s continue to talk about kitchen remodeling!  If you are like me and have a small kitchen, it may seem like kind of a drag to spend so much time there.  If you’re thinking of remodeling, consider some of these tricks for opening up the space and making it seem larger.

Bleach It.  Okay, not literally, but I’m sure you’re probably tired of hearing me say that paint is a great solution for everything!  By going for an all white kitchen (walls, countertops, cabinets, etc.) you are tricking the eye into thinking the room is much larger than it is.  Of course, if you’re going to go all white, be sure to choose a variety of textures and beautiful fixtures to keep your room from feeling bland.  You’ll also want to throw in an accent color or two through the use of accessories to create interest.

Let In The Light.  As I’m sure you know, natural light makes any space seem more open.  Of course, adding windows or a skylight may not be an option for you.  If that’s the case, keep any windows you do have clean and use minimal window treatments.  Valances and sheers work well to dress up kitchen windows without blocking light.  If it’s privacy you’re after, consider splurging on a shade that will block prying eyes while still allowing the light in.

Go For Open Concept.  If your budget allows it, knocking down a wall or part of a wall that separates your kitchen from the rest of your house will make the room appear much larger without actually increasing the size at all.  If a wall isn’t in the budget, consider creating a pass through, which will have the same effect on a much smaller scale.

Clear The Clutter.  If your small kitchen lacks storage space you probably use a lot of counter space for storage.  (I know I do!)  Consider installing an appliance garage in the corner of your counter to hide all that clutter (but still keep in close at hand) and your space will seem instantly larger.

Simulate Height.  By adding decorative molding around the tops of your cabinets, or displaying colorful pieces that mesh with your kitchen décor around your soffit, you can draw the eye upward, giving your ceiling the illusion of height, thus making your room feel larger.  If you have dead space between the tops of your cabinets and your ceiling, consider a cabinet design that extends all the way up.  This gives you valuable extra storage without taking up any added space.

Use Glass.  Consider changing out solid cabinet doors for glass.  Of course, if you use glass for your cabinets you will need to keep your cabinets neat and organized!  If you don’t think you can keep clutter-free, consider using glass in some, but not all cabinets.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen

It’s no secret that one of the rooms homebuyers focus on most is the kitchen. Whether you are thinking of remodeling to sell or remodeling to enjoy, money spent in the kitchen is almost always wisely spent. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, here are some design tips to keep in mind.

It’s no secret that one of the rooms homebuyers focus on most is the kitchen.  Whether you are thinking of remodeling to sell or remodeling to enjoy, money spent in the kitchen is almost always wisely spent.  If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, here are some design tips to keep in mind.

Conserve Energy.  Your energy, that is.  Think about the layout of your kitchen before you do anything.  For example, storing cutlery and dishes near the dishwasher will make unloading a breeze.  Similarly, placing the dishwasher near the sink is much wiser than placing it halfway across the room!  Another great tip is to put your refrigerator in a space that is open to both the cook and anyone who may wander in looking for a drink.  This way, someone grazing in the fridge won’t block valuable work space during hectic meal prep time!

Clear Space.  Make sure the walkways through your kitchen are wide enough.  Consider whether you want a one or two cook configuration and plan your space accordingly.  You don’t want anyone bumping into a hot stove when you’re hanging out in your new kitchen.

Think Counter Space.  Any cook will tell you that counter space is a necessity, but not all counter space is created equal.  The most important counter tops are those on either side of the stove and refrigerator and the space near the microwave.  Make sure these areas have plenty of work space.  In addition, people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen will want a good range of space in between the sink and cook top.

Consider The Details.  Little details such as multiple outlets along your backsplash or in your island make plugging in small appliances a breeze whenever you need them.  A pot filler installed near your cook top eliminates the need to lug heavy pots back and forth from the sink.  Shelves near your cook top can hold oils, spices, and other often grabbed ingredients.  You get the picture.  Think of things that will make your life easier and strive to build them into your new kitchen.  Many of these ideas do not cost very much money, but they all add great value to the space.

When done well, remodeling the kitchen can add a lot of value to your home.  Make the process as stress-free as possible by considering the way you use your kitchen and designing around your needs.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.