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The kitchen is the heart and soul of most homes. It’s where we start our day, come together and share meals and memories.
If you’ve been in your home for years or recently moved in, you may feel like your kitchen has fallen behind the times.
Because your kitchen is so important, not only to your family but your property value as well, you want to make sure it’s always up to date.
Kitchen upgrades will not only improve the look and feel of your space but make it more convenient and comfortable as well. Here are five signs that your kitchen is due for an upgrade.
The Layout Doesn’t Flow
An open layout is good for air ventilation and ease of movement. If you have kids or pets, you’ll want as much room as possible to easily navigate and maneuver around little feet or curious paws.
If you ever feel like there’s just not enough space for everyone in the house, then it’s likely time to reevaluate your kitchen layout design and consider a large-scale upgrade. Some points to consider are:
- Does the island add to your space or take away from it?
- Is there enough storage?
- Are your cabinets sensible or cumbersome?
- Is it easy to seamlessly transition from appliances and cooking spaces?
You Don’t Feel Comfortable in It
You should be able to enter your kitchen and immediately let out a sigh of relief. You are home.
But do you find yourself rushing in to grab a coffee or hurriedly prep a meal so you can eat it on the couch or in front of the TV? Your space should be a place to savor all the flavors and seasons of life.
If you feel unhappy in it or just don’t even consider it a place for repose, then you definitely need to address the elements that don’t contribute to your mood.
Is the coloring unwelcoming? Old wood cabinets with chipped laminate finishing don’t elicit feelings of relaxation.
You may be surprised to learn just how much fantastic flooring options or full-functioning appliances can elevate your attitude towards your home.
Lighting also plays a crucial role in mood and atmosphere. Beyond function, you should have a light that feels warm and welcoming.
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There is Constant Clutter
You know you have counters, but you can’t remember the last time you saw them. Clutter feels like a permanent fixture in your kitchen, and you’re always at a loss for how to move things around or find a clean surface to cook on. Clutter can indicate three things:
- You own too much for the space you live in
- You lack organization, either as a skill or the proper tools
- Your space is not optimized to neatly hold your belongings
You may find a little truth to all three, and that’s okay. Getting organized starts by taking inventory and being honest about what needs to go, what isn’t working, and what you’re holding onto.
If you know that you need more space and better ways to stay organized, then you’ll want to consider that as you look into your remodel options.
It may be expensive to completely overhaul your cabinetry or install a storage pantry. The cost of kitchen renovations is one of the most expensive home improvement projects.
But there are ways to work around the cost and make upgrades on a budget. In addition to small, systematic changes, you can also look into borrowing money.
Home equity lines of credit are a great resource for homeowners to fund home improvements. You need to know how these loans work before you borrow, and this helpful guide covers all the details.
The Appliances Don’t Work as They Used to
If you must wait 20 minutes for the water to boil or constantly throw out food because it doesn’t keep in the fridge, your appliances have likely reached the end of their lifespans.
Unless you can identify a mechanical problem that’s causing the issues, you should look into buying all new kitchen appliances.
In addition to working better, they also save power, which lowers your usage and utility bills. You should also explore what’s on the market and find features you never considered before.
Maybe you’ve always wanted a high-end ice maker or water dispenser or an easy-to-clean induction stovetop.
Upgrades should always be thought out so you get the best deal and everything you want on top of a good price.
You Rarely Cook
Do you opt for takeout or frozen meals over home-cooked dishes? The hassle of cooking in your kitchen might make it feel like it’s not even worth the effort.
Maybe you can’t even remember the last time you actually prepared a full-blown meal. Avoiding the main function of your kitchen is a telltale sign that it needs a serious upgrade.
Identify what puts you off the most, whether it’s the countertops, aesthetic,s or appliances. Then you can begin plotting a renovation plan that lets you make changes in an affordable, timely fashion.
