Cookie McCullough - Northern Michigan Real Estate - Traverse City Real Estate

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KITCHEN MAKEOVERS THAT “SIZZLE”

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS THAT “SIZZLE” By Cookie McCullough

Designing a kitchen makeover is enjoyable and exciting and a creative activity for a homeowner. Adding simple upgrades can make a dramatic difference. The kitchen is at the top of the home improvement list for many homeowners and is one of the highest returns on home improvement costs when selling your home.

As with every home improvement project, it is advisable to start with a budget in mind and work according to a plan. There are many choices to consider - - countertops, cabinets, hardware, sinks, lighting, flooring, paint, - - all can be replaced or repaired to give a total new look to your kitchen. In kitchens, where space is a constraint, a makeover offers the opportunity to remove rarely used items and accessories and create some space. You should get an idea of the costs involved and then plan the makeover to fit your budget.

Choices, Choices, Choices . . .

Countertops
The single biggest visual in your kitchen is the counter surface. Removing your existing countertops and replacing them with new material will make an immediate impact. If popular granite or stone countertops are out of your price range, consider some of the new laminates (corian) and solid surface materials. Vary the heights of the counters to give a feeling of spaciousness.

Cabinets
Traditional kitchen cabinets come with raised panels and in a range of finishes and wood choices. Contemporary kitchen cabinets offer an uncluttered look with well-defined lines. The kitchen space will be more appealing visually by using cabinets of different sizes with different styles of doors. Contrast is achieved by using light wood stains for the island and darker stains for the cabinets. This is the time to hide unsightly appliances by installing panels that match your cabinets and cover or disguise ovens or refrigerators. Or, by installing stainless steel appliances you will reflect the colors of the surroundings and therefore the appliances are not as noticeable.

Hardware
If you can’t replace all of your kitchen cabinets, jazz them up with attractive new hardware. You can find a variety of door handles and drawer pulls at home improvement stores to match every décor, from ultra contemporary to antique looks.

Islands
A kitchen island can be added to spacious - as well as not-so-spacious - kitchens. In smaller kitchens, an island provides added countertop space for placing cooking pots and cutlery. Islands in larger kitchens offer space for family and friends to gather. Another option is an island on wheels that enables one to move the island around and alter the space setting.

Lighting
Instead of replacing all of the lighting, use dimmers to instantly change the look and functionality of the room. Pendant lights hanging from the ceiling can be very decorative lighting fixtures. A mini-pendant for a kitchen table area or several together to illuminate a kitchen bar area is a fun way to decorate while providing additional lighting. You can control the amount of light shining on the surface by installing the proper sized light bulb and by using a dimmer switch to decrease or increase the amount of light. Also popular is installing can lighting in the ceiling to try to alter the lighting so that it illuminates the stove, countertops, cabinets, sink and other work areas.

Flooring
You should ensure that the flooring is in place before moving on to the cabinets and countertops. Tile, slate, and wood are the preferred flooring in new kitchens. Cork is also being used as a flooring material for kitchens as it is soft to walk on and reduces noise.

Sinks
Kitchen sinks are mostly made of stainless steel which is a resilient and inexpensive alternative. Enamel covered cast iron sinks provide a traditional look. Quartz composite and granite-based sinks offer a high shine and are durable.

Paint
Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint for improving the look of your kitchen. This is especially useful if you have dark cabinets, which were once popular but are now costly to replace. By keeping the current cabinets and brightening everything else with a fresh coat of paint that complements your countertops, hardware, lighting, and flooring, you’ll cook up a brand new look at a bargain price.

Updates to Fit Your Dreams
Homeowners planning a kitchen makeover can apprise themselves of some of the latest trends. These trends include built-in coffee centers, stove hoods in various sculptural shapes made from materials such as steel and glass, cabinet fronts with touch-latches that reduce hardware requirements, surfaces made from materials such as bamboo, glass, and aluminum, cooking ranges that are dual-fuel and use both electricity and gas, smart appliances such as refrigerators with Internet capabilities, concealed dishwashers that can wash and store the dishes, AND customized countertops to suit your tastes - - wood in low-use areas, concrete with embedded glass, marble pastry slab inserts, - - are just a few examples of the latest trends.

Turn your dreams into reality with a kitchen makeover that matches your lifestyle and taste. Don’t wait until you are ready to sell your home to do the makeover. Complete the project now so you are able to enjoy the reality of your dreams.