If you’ve got a plan to update your kitchen, you’ve probably wondered what the best choices are. Figuring out what updates will stand the test of time is no easy feat. The stainless-steel appliances of today could end up as tomorrow’s almond colored refrigerator. What kinds of things should be non-negotiable in your kitchen?
Cabinets
Trends come and go and there is no better place to look than cabinets. A more recent trend is to use open shelving. While that adds to the functionality of a room, it also adds to the clutter if you’re not perfectly organized.
The best choice is to find cabinets that work for you both in design and in practicality. You also need to consider your short and long-term plans for your home. If you plan on selling, you need to limit your choices to that are more conservative in nature. Natural wood cabinets have been a steady presence through so many trends that it would really pay to consider this as an option.
If you plan on staying in your home indefinitely, you get the ability to add personal touches and customize in a way you wouldn’t otherwise think of. When you do that, it’s a good idea to consider what will work for you as you grow older. Knobs may look fantastic on cabinets, but you might consider pulls because they tend to work better with arthritic hands.
Lighting
Lighting can be flexible because of the way you can easily change in and out pieces that may see their end stylistically. It’s important to have lighting located conveniently so you light up key areas of the kitchen. You will never be sorry to have a light fixture located exactly right in your space. If you’re thinking of customization, this is an easy way to do it without worrying about personal style until you’re ready to sell.
Countertops
Bottom line: natural stone countertops are here to stay. You do need to think about your long-term goals for your kitchen before style enters into the equation. As we see every year, colors can go in and out of style, but real estate experts continue to tell us that granite or another solid surface like it are here for the long haul. Since natural stone tends to make a splash, it’s always right to consider because buyers demand it so often.