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We’re thinking about upgrading our outdated kitchen, but it’s a big project to undertake.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.

A gentle reminder to be prepared

Did you feel it? Earlier this week, we were mid-conversation at a listing appointment in Milpitas when we felt a little jolt. Turns out it was a 2.1 magnitude earthquake! But even though it was just a "baby" quake by California standards, it was a good reminder to be prepared:

Make sure tall dressers, cabinets, and furniture are secured to prevent them from tipping over. Water heaters should also be tied or bolted in place. While you're at it, bring all of your appliances and utilities up to code. And don't forget to keep emergency supplies of potable water and non-perishable food in multiple places — especially water!

Need more tips? Let us know in the comments or send us an email.

We're in this together!

These days, it’s easy to see that we have a lot of reasons to be grateful. So many people are struggling just to get by, and so many people have lost their loved ones, livelihoods, and homes because of the pandemic, wildfires, and other disasters. For those who are suffering, the tiniest gift can be a lifeline, and even a moment of joy can be a reason to celebrate. 

So much of our industry revolves around the idea of luxury. But there is no one definition of luxury. It’s different for all of us, and it’s all tied to our perspective and experiences. A luxurious home for one person could be a small cottage to the next person. Our role is to understand this and listen closely to our clients when assessing their needs.

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, the greatest luxury of all may be having someone in your corner who can guide you through the home buying or selling process and help you find exactly what you’re looking for without a lot of fuss.

That’s how we roll, and we’re always ready to talk! - Pearl & Kevin