Chic vs. Geek: Kitchen Upgrades

We’re thinking about upgrading our outdated kitchen, but it’s a big project to undertake. Any suggestions for making sure we get it right the first time?

CHIC (PEARL)

For people around the world living through this pandemic, home has never been closer to the heart. And what’s the heart of the home? The kitchen, of course. When it comes to renovating, as a real estate agent, I always think about resale value. But why not make a change that not only satisfies your lifestyle but also brings higher value if and when the time comes to sell? From my experience, here’s what savvy buyers want from a kitchen, in no particular order:

• Storage, storage… and storage

• A BIG Island

• Wine fridge

• Stainless steel appliances

If you’re looking for a simple upgrade, think about repainting in a light, warm grey or an off-white shade and adding new cabinet handles.

GEEK (KEVIN)

As much as aesthetics matter in making any kitchen more attractive, function is just as important, and it goes a long way with buyers.

First developed in the 1940s, the “working triangle” (also known as “the kitchen triangle”) arranges the three main elements of the kitchen — sink, stove, and refrigerator — to create a streamlined workspace for the three fundamental tasks performed in the kitchen: food preparation, cooking, and storage.

In an ideal kitchen, you could draw a line from one appliance to the next to create a triangle, hence the phrase “kitchen triangle”. This “work zone” approach is becoming more and more popular as homeowners shift to open concepts.