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Health & Fitness

What's in Your Kitchen? Trends in Transforming the Top Renovation Space in 2014

According to the Zillow Digs Home Design Trend Report for 2014, kitchens top the list of spaces homeowners plan to remodel in 2014. 

Michelle Sanchez, interior design expert with San Diego-basedRenovation Realty, confirms that when it comes to renovations, kitchens are a main focus for most homeowners. 

“The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home,” said Sanchez. “It often connects the living and dining spaces and is almost always the favorite gathering spot for family and friends. Kitchens can also be one of the most expensive areas to renovate. When making the investment in updating your kitchen, the key is to focus on what you will enjoy most and also appeal to future homebuyers.” 

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Sanchez says it’s easy for homeowners to create a fresh look in their kitchens by painting walls with a neutral palette, replacing hardware and brightening with updated lighting. Sanchez offers the following tips on trends for 2014: 

  • Before getting started, homeowners can find inspiration from popular websites like Pinterest, Houzz and Google Images. Select designs that you like and then analyze what they have in common, such as color schemes, finishes and accessories. It’s important to know exactly what you want in the planning and creative stages before getting started, as it’s expensive to make changes once renovations are underway. With smart research and planning prior to renovations and visualizing the end result, homeowners can achieve their dream kitchen.
  • When renovating, it’s best to have a large, open kitchen layout. The kitchen is the main entertaining area of the home. An open concept is better visually and also gives the current homeowner more functional space, while also adding to resale value. According to the Fall 2013 Houzz Kitchen Remodeling Survey, which includes 7,500 Houzz users in the midst of, or planning a kitchen remodel, only one third of those renovating a kitchen are increasing square footage, while three quarters are opening up their kitchens, typically as part of a great room, to create a free-flowing open concept.
  • Lighting is very important! Because homeowners spend so much time in the kitchen, it’s essential to have a bright, inviting kitchen with ambient lighting. Install as many ceiling can lights as possible to cover all areas. If you are trying to achieve a contemporary look, install drum pendant fixtures in your dining room or over your kitchen island. Drum lights are trendy, stylish fixtures that are becoming more common in kitchen overhauls, and will make a simple yet refined statement in any space.
  • Updated countertops are essential to creating a fresh look in the kitchen. Quartz countertops are becoming more popular and the use of granite is slowly fading away. Quartz is a great option for an upscale look. It’s durable, resists staining, requires less maintenance and is more forgiving than granite, not chipping as easily.  The Houzz survey found that granite and quartz are the top picks for countertops, with 86 percent of respondents using one of the materials in their kitchen renovation.  
  • Dark espresso cabinets are becoming increasingly popular, as are having upper cabinets with frosted glass doors. Homeowners can also mix up the cabinets, and install two to four upper cabinets in random placements with frosted glass doors for visual variety.
  • Glass subway tiles are a popular trend for backsplashes. When installing a dark tile backsplash, try not to match the grout and tile. Grout always looks best in lighter colors, and will help the tile to stand out. The Houzz study agrees, stating that tile is a top choice for backsplash accents.
  • Stay away from boring knobs and hardware. Upgrading hardware is an easy, cost-effective way to personalize your space. It’s also an easy fix for future homeowners who may have different tastes. The Renovation Realty team recommends straight five inch brushed nickel pull bars for cabinet hardware, which will give the kitchen a contemporary, modern look.

With a little research, planning and creativity, you can turn a dated kitchen into a modern centerpiece of entertaining – and one with a great future return when you go to sell. 

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