From cooking to working to entertaining, kitchens are doing triple duty these days. If you have an open floor plan, your kitchen will always be on view. Get the most out of the hardest working room with upgrades chosen at your builder’s design center. Not sure where to start? We have some ideas.
Start with Countertops
Your counters receive the most wear and tear. Upgrading them can mean the difference between a kitchen you love and costly renovations down the road. If granite countertops are standard, consider upgrading to quartz. The material is nearly indestructible, resists staining and unlike granite, never needs to be resealed. It is also antimicrobial.
Move on to Cabinets
Renovating kitchen cabinets down the road is time-consuming and expensive. Why not get cabinets you love now? Invest in cabinets that touch the ceiling. You will get extra storage space, a designer look and won’t have to dust the tops. Splurge for painted cabinets in a complimentary color to your countertops. If you want to display treasured kitchen items, look into glass cabinet inserts.
What About Drawers?
Rummaging through drawers to find your favorite spatula isn’t fun. Ask your builder to install an organization system. Another great upgrade is a pots and pans drawer. These drawers are deeper than standard so storing and locating saucepans is a snap. You can also use them to store small appliances such as coffee grinders and blenders.
Upgrade Your Island
Island kitchens are pretty standard these days, but they aren’t all built the same. Install an oversized island to ensure enough room for prepping food and talking to guests. Waterfall islands add beauty to your kitchen. A tabletop island gives you more dining space.
Check Out the Appliances
Upgrading appliances doesn’t just mean going from regular to chef-quality products. This is the time to add a double oven, undercounter wine fridge or beverage station, second microwave or decorative vent hood. Research the options your builder offers and see what will work best for you.
Stylish Backsplashes
Add some pizazz to your kitchen by upgrading your backsplash. Colorful tile, metal or glass help individualize your kitchen, making it yours. A solid stone backsplash is going to be easier to clean.
Undercabinet Lighting
Undercabinet lighting makes food preparation easier. The glow is subtle and ambient — a good choice for when you are entertaining but don’t want harsh overhead lighting.
Built-in Desks
You could turn a spare bedroom into an extra study, or you could ask your builder to install a planning desk. Built-in desks provide extra office or homework space. They also allow you to work while keeping an eye on the kids.