If you are looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, the single most crucial item to consider, above and beyond the practicality of the finished product, is how well your investment will hold up over time. It seems that each age has its own set of culinary dos and don’ts, the majority of which don’t last more than a decade.
Not only is this a letdown, but it also represents a significant blow to your financial plan. How can one make an investment in a kitchen that will continue to appear as lovely as the day it was first constructed even after many years have passed? Always go for timeless elegance instead of following the latest trends, regardless of how fashionable they may be right now.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while planning a remodel of your kitchen that will endure the test of time:
1#: Give preference to white home appliances
Stainless steel has been extremely popular for some time now, and it is an absolute must in commercial kitchens. One could make the case that stainless steel would never go out of style; after all, it is so simple to make it look as good as new. But the way history has unfolded up to this point has not been stainless.
White is the hue that has endured the test of time the best, and this statement is accurate beyond all doubt. According to the results of a survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Survey, white is the most popular color for kitchens. Additionally, it has been ranked first on the list in even years.
The good news is that this information is genuinely beneficial to homeowners. Stainless steel home appliances are significantly more expensive than white ones, which means that you will be able to get a superior range and refrigerator by opting for the more traditional hue of white.
2#: When choosing to the floor, keep long-term wear in mind.
Vinyl has been around for a very long time, and there are many gorgeous variations available. Vinyl, on the other hand, has a finite lifespan, and it’s not an unusually long one either. You will be delighted if you consider the durability of the item in addition to its aesthetic appeal.
In addition to the fact that it is certain to never go out of style, wood flooring is more comfortable to walk on than the alternative, tile. It is possible to stain it and give it a new finish, and even if it is subjected to severe use, it will still look lovely many years from now. Should a tile sustain a chip, you will be required to repair it.
Even when it’s brand new, wood has a sense of history, which is another reason why MSN Lifestyle recommends it. It has the ability to serve as a focal point in a way that very few other materials can.
#3: Don't bother with granite for the countertops
Along with stainless steel, granite is unquestionably enjoying its heyday right now. Granite is a lovely substance, but if you think about its aesthetic attributes, you’ll notice how easily this pricey material, which is also attractive, can look antiquated. Marble is a better and more classic option than other materials.
The majority of granite features hues and patterns that are very distinct. However, do you believe that you will still want to live with them in fifteen years? Maybe, but maybe not. In addition, the stakes are quite high.
Consider using Carrara marble for your countertop if you’re looking for something timeless. Calacatta marble, on the other hand, is characterized by brilliant whites and striking gray veining; this stone is quite dissimilar to that. Carrara marble is distinguished by its lighter grays and whites, which allow it to sidestep the appearance of making a striking fashion statement. It will never become outdated, and its cost is far lower than that of granite. It will stain, but so will granite, and sealants will prevent that from happening.
#4: Storage, storage, storage
The straightforward and uncluttered lines of Shaker-style cabinets make them a popular choice for a wide range of interior design styles, from the sleek and modern to the warm and homey. They are an excellent choice for practically every house out there. However, storage is more significant than appearance in this case.
There are a variety of creative ways to furnish a kitchen, including built-in cabinetry, open shelving, and freestanding cabinetry, which can be seen in home decor magazines and on websites. The winner should be built-ins that have a lot of storage space that can be used effectively.
Look for clever storage options such as pull-out organizers that make the most of every square inch of space rather than opting for traditional boxy cabinets that contain nothing but hollows and shelves on the interior. If such cupboards can be reached without the use of a lazy Susan in the corner, then you do not need to use one.
5#: Pay Attention to the Little Things
Always prioritize the product’s quality over its appearance, no matter what you’re purchasing. It’s the little things that count, and those are the things that will make any kitchen appear lovely in a few years.
Be sure to inspect the joinery on your cabinets made of wood as well as the seams on your faucet. Are you able to see any flaws in them, or are they flawless? You’ll come to appreciate the fact that perfection is feasible in both of these areas as you utilize these fixtures on a daily basis. When there is a flaw in something, there is always the possibility that it will come apart.
It can be difficult to resist the urge to pick a fixture based solely on its aesthetic value. Unfortunately, these decisions rarely have a long-term impact. Therefore, you should shell out a little bit more money to acquire excellence where it counts.
According to This Old House, despite the fact that remodeling your kitchen is one of the most expensive projects you can undertake, it also provides one of the highest rates of return on the money you put into it. You can significantly increase the value of your home as well as the quality of your life, so make informed decisions and focus on classic style rather than following current design trends.