Everyone loves a modern, affluent kitchen since having a beautifully designed space that’s clean and organized makes cooking and cleanup less stressful and more enjoyable. According to real estate pro Taylor Lucyk, founder of the New Jersey-based Taylor Lucyk Group, homebuyers are willing to pay more for an attractive kitchen since no one wants to see an outdated space that’s disconnected from today’s style and trends. “Modern kitchens bring together sleek design, functional layouts, and the upgraded features that make the space both beautiful and practical for everyday life,” he adds.
Remodeling your entire kitchen not only significantly increases your home’s value, but it also allows you to personalize the space to match your lifestyle. But if you want a budget-friendly option to refresh your kitchen, consider a partial renovation so you can update specific areas while keeping your existing layout, plumbing, and electrical system in place. Here are some partial remodel ideas for an elevated kitchen that works for real life.
Install Quartz or Marble Countertops
Many kitchens in newly constructed homes and apartments come with laminate, ceramic tile, or epoxied concrete countertops since these materials are inexpensive and DIY-friendly. However, they can look dingy and dated over time, and low-quality countertops can significantly ruin the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. For this reason, if you need to change just one thing to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen or bathroom, think about upgrading your builder-grade surfaces to countertops for kitchen & bath made of marble or quartz. Fans of classic design will love marble since it never goes out of style, while homeowners who prefer modern design are bound to appreciate quartz since it offers consistent patterns and color, making it perfect for achieving a minimalist or contemporary look.
Marble and quartz countertops can make your kitchen design look current without being trendy. Both materials come in different patterns and colors, so be sure to choose slabs that will work with your interiors. For instance, if you want a traditional kitchen design, choose pure white or cream marble with subtle veining, like Carrara or white Danby. Prefer kitchen interiors that looks rustic but chic at the same time? Choose beige slabs with warm, soft veins. Don’t forget to consider functionality when choosing countertop materials. If your kids like to hang out in the kitchen, consider picking slabs with low contrast veining. These are better for hiding crumbs, food bits, and daily wear than marble or quartz slabs in dark colors.
Add Hidden Storage
An elegant kitchen is devoid of visual clutter. However, it can be a hassle to keep all of your small appliances, condiments, and cooking tools inside drawers or cabinets everyday just to have a visually attractive space. The solution? Hidden storage that keeps everything out of sight yet accessible whenever you need them. Think about hidden appliance garages for a sleek and clean look while keeping your kitchen’s functionality intact. See to it that electrical plugs are built into the back or side walls of the appliance garage so you can use your coffeemaker, toaster, or blender without moving them.
To maximize space under cabinets, install toe-kick drawers to store wide, flat items like baking trays, cutting boards, and cheese boards. You may also want to conceal your pantry behind bifold or slimline pantry doors, then the pantry itself should have deep drawers to store bulky pots and pans, adjustable shelving, and spice racks built into the doors. For a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, consider eliminating all drawer and cabinet pulls, and rely on push-to-open mechanisms for a seamless and uncluttered look.
Consider an Oversized Island
Having a spacious meal prep space improves workflow, and it acts as a hub where guests can chat or children can do their homework while you cook. If you love having people around you while you’re cooking, think about adding an oversized island to your kitchen. Incorporate storage to keep surfaces clear of clutter, then add some chairs to make the area more inviting. To prevent your kitchen from looking cramped or stuffy, make sure that the island doesn’t take up more than 10 percent of the space.
Every homeowner deserves a beautiful kitchen that’s safe, organized, and functional. Consider these ideas to have a luxurious kitchen that combines form with function so you can enjoy meal prep and cooking every day.
