Kitchens

Why is it that everyone always hangs out in the kitchen when there's a party?

Gone are the days when people sat in a formal living or diningroom and waited for the host to bring the food. Nowadays the "open concept" seems to be the trend and a casual atmosphere seems to be the game.
All the more reason to make your kitchen as functional and comfortable as possible

Make Your Kitchen Sparkle

Most people know that kitchen and bathrooms are the rooms that traditionally sell houses, but most experts agree that remodelling a kitchen in anticipation of selling is not always cost-efficient. So before you start taking out walls or committing a lot of money, you have to ask yourself if your kitchen just needs a minor facelift or major surgery. There is no point in ripping out cabinets or making structural changes if all that is needed are a few cosmetic improvements. Depending on your budget the question is always where you can get the most bang for your buck, keeping in mind that painting a space will always remain the most inexpensive and will deliver the greatest impact and best visual results.

Below are a few ideas and suggestions that may give you some ideas of what your kitchen might need:

• Rejuvenate with paint. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for cabinetry, walls and ceilings.

• Add an instant center work island. If you're striving for a custom look, connect two or three stock base cabinets and overlay it with a new countertop -- and leave room for bar stools on one side.

• Let molding add some flair. If your cabinets look too ordinary, spice them up with molding. Panel or picture molding redefines the flat doors and drawers while elaborate crown molding, placed where cabinets meet the ceiling, creates a classic look, sure to draw attention. If you have a few extra dollars and are feeling adventurous, add new doors with beveled glass inserts.

• Accessorize. Replace your cabinet hardware. Sometimes a little thing like that will make a world of difference and will give your cabinets a whole new look and style.

• Make a splash with a new backsplash. You can use glass mosaics, porcelain tile, natural slate, or a faux paint finish for a unique backsplash.

• Light up. Adding lighting to a kitchen can have dramatic results -- and it can be added virtually everywhere, including under and above cabinets, and from the ceiling. If you have an island, you can spotlight it with smaller pendant lights.

• Replace your old sink and faucet. If your sink is dingy-looking, try replacing it with a stainless model and a pullout faucet.

• Get rid of the old appliances. If you're selling in a buyer's market, you'll want to do everything you can to make your house -- and especially your kitchen -- more attractive. That can include replacing your appliances with updated, energy efficient models. Stainless steel appliances continue to be popular and white or bisque finishes make a kitchen appear bigger and brighter.

• Dress up your windows. Consider wood blinds or Roman shades to add style -- and keep the sun out during the time of day the sun hits the kitchen.

• Before you consider making any changes to your kitchen, it's usually best to talk to your real estate professional. If you're in a hot seller's market, you may not need to do much to sell quickly and receive top dollar for your home. On the other hand, if houses are selling more slowly in your area, then you'll want to do everything you can, including sprucing up your kitchen, to garner offers.

  For a kitchen consultation please feel to call me at Heartsong Interior Design at 604 686.3051 or email me at petraleduc@telus.net