5 Design Features That Will Enhance Your Kitchen and Improve Your Life
Faith Led Interior Design Show | Episode 33
As you are in your kitchen a lot this holiday season, it may occur to you that it is in need of an updating, beautification, and all-around general home value addition.
Did you know that an updated kitchen can add value to your home for resale? But it isn’t all about the money. Your time in your kitchen, which is usually considerable, can be an enjoyable addition too.
In today’s episode, I share several beautiful kitchen features that can be a great addition to your kitchen design, if your space and budget allow. If you are thinking of kitchen renovation in 2023, these ideas could help.
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Be Blessed Verse
Our verse for the week is Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
When I first read this verse, I was like, really? How cool is that!
These days that might be a little scarier to entertain strangers than way back then, but the concept is beautiful. Have you ever had a person show up in your life, help you and then disappear into thin air, never to be seen again? I have, and it always made me think of this verse - could they have been angels from God? I’ll have to ask Him when I get to heaven, LOL! But, I have always been thankful for the experience of awe and wonder!
While kitchen renovations are one of the most costly renovations you can do, they are a great investment and, in many cases, it is the updated kitchen that influences the sale of a home at or above the asking price. As a realtor also, I can tell you that it is the first thing that buyers look at. It really can make or break the sale.
Although it can be easy to get swept up in the newest kitchen gadgets, be sure to be mindful of where you are spending your money on your kitchen design. The best places to put the bulk of your budget are appliances, cabinets, counters, and floors.
Since trends come and go, opt for fixtures and finishes that are timeless instead of trendy. Kitchen design is a long-term investment and it is best to opt for conservative, classic selections that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. This is especially important if you plan to sell your home within the next few years.
Photo by Aaron Huber on Unsplash
5 Design Features That Will Enhance Your Kitchen and Improve Your Life
In addition to all the traditional items, here are several beautiful kitchen features that can be a great addition to your kitchen design, if your space and budget allow…
1. Built-In Coffee Bar or Beverage Center for Entertaining
Beverage centers that function equally well for morning coffee and entertaining are all the rage and for good reason. Today's modern living kitchens are designed to be social areas as well as functional and fun.
A built-in bar or beverage center can vary greatly depending on the size of the space available. Once added and well-stocked with everything needed for entertaining, this kitchen addition will certainly be enjoyed by the homeowner and guests alike.
Photo by Tina Dawson on Unsplash
2. Kitchen Islands With Seating & Cozy Breakfast Nooks
Many kitchen designs utilize adjoining areas to create more open space. The kitchen island functions as a nice transition into the open area beyond. This is a great hub for family time to sit around and chit-chat while dinner is being prepared. It also doubles as a perfect spot for the kids to do homework projects while reminiscing about their days.
If you are able to make room for a breakfast nook, you won’t be disappointed. I love a bench or banquette on one side of the table or even in a corner. It looks so much more interesting and exciting than a matching kitchen set.
In fact, I had one client who wanted to seat 14 at their table. Space was limited in length, but on one side we used two benches that could seat 6-8 children. We never could have accomplished their goal with chairs alone. The clients loved this solution and enjoy great family dinners with their beautiful families to this day.
3. Easy-to-Use & Integrated Smart Kitchen Technology
There are so many wonderful smart features that are available in today's kitchens. Some of these seamlessly integrated gadgets are touch faucets, multi-functional appliances, pot fillers, drawer microwaves, touch screens, and voice-activated appliances…just to name a few.
Of course, in your smart home, you can schedule on and off functions as needed. This is fabulous and can even be controlled remotely via a mobile app or a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa. Voice-activated functions are very convenient and helpful, as well as a definite selling point in today’s real estate market.
4. Layers of Lighting to Make a Statement in the Kitchen
Kitchen lighting is very important. There are a few types of lighting that are must-haves in any good kitchen design.
General lighting in the center of the room usually takes the form of recessed cans, statement chandeliers, or decorative pendant lights over the island. If you have higher ceilings, suspended lighting can be very pretty while still functional.
Task lighting usually exists in appliances, like that handy light above the kitchen stove or the light above the kitchen sink.
Lastly, a way to make a beautiful statement is to install accent lighting: above cabinet lighting, under cabinet lighting, or baseboard lighting. But don't use all three at once because it can be overkill and lose its effectiveness. Use accent lighting to highlight important areas of the room. The light does draw the eye to those areas.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
5. Creative Uses of Color Throughout the Kitchen
Color is definitely making a comeback. Color adds personality and comfort to any space. Color creates an emotional impact, which should be taken into account when designing.
Kitchens are seeing big changes in this area. Move over, white and gray kitchens—hello, color! Bright and muted shades of blue, green, red, and more are once again returning to kitchens in the form of cabinetry, backsplash, and even appliances.
But that doesn’t mean we have seen the end of gray and white either. These are beautiful neutrals that work oh-so-well on kitchen cabinets. If you like those, I would say they are definitely usable still.
Warmer tones and wood are making a comeback this year, not only in the kitchen but all over the house. I love this warmth because it is my personal coloring.
Photo by Chastity Cortij on Unsplash
One beautiful design could be a neutral white classic color as the main kitchen cabinets and the island cabinetry are a bright Classic Blue, 2020 Pantone Color of The Year, finished with a white quartz countertop. Sounds stunning, right? I always thought blue and white are so elegant.
In a kitchen I am working on right now, there are 3 cabinet colors: white, black, and wood-toned. It is very pretty, but since this is a more advanced design, I recommend working with a designer if you want to use multiple colors and finishes of cabinetry.
Gone are the days of everything matching…main cabinets are now often different from the island cabinets…metal hardware often has a different finish than the exposed plumbing…and sometimes different countertops are used on the main area than on the island.
Photo by Roam In Color on Unsplash
So guys, by making a few of these updates. large or small, you can change the look and feel of your kitchen so that you and your family can be more comfortable and relaxed in your living space.
Your loved ones may thank you, too, for making your kitchen more beautiful, functional, and enjoyable. I truly hope that these are fun projects that make you happy at home and put a spring in your step as you go out into this crazy world! Stay safe and healthy!
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I pray that the Lord is with you, delighting and rejoicing over you with singing this week.
As our verse for this week says,
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
Let me know if this has happened to you. Great stories abound, I am sure! One of mine was a man who showed up when I was traveling. He helped me onto a bus with my luggage, and his face was angelic. I kept thinking, “He is an angel; he is an angel’. That is not something I have thought about often. I looked back, and he was gone. I have never forgotten that encounter; who knows, he may have been an angel! I sure was thankful for him at the time!
Next episode, I’ll talk about Holiday Cheer, Celebration, and Happy New Year!
Now, Stop Dreaming, Start Designing your luxury home within your budget!
Blessings and See you next episode…
