When a family decides to buy a new home, they turn to a builder. They tour homes already built and then talk about things they would like adjusted. Builders understand that. Entering the home (and then the various rooms in a home) must have a major “Wow” factor.
For many years the living room was the room designers paid the most attention to. Vaulted ceilings, custom blinds, beautiful stone fireplaces and woodwork would stun the potential buyer.
They would put equal effort into the master bedroom and master bath. The master suite would reach the decor level of a 5-star hotel.
The other bedrooms, dining area, and entry would be well built and decorated with understated beauty. These areas were judged primarily for their size.
The final room that would be toured is usually the kitchen. The kitchen with modern appliances, warm and cozy breakfast nooks and sunny windows would bring the feeling of home. The kitchen was considered functional if it had plenty of cabinets displayed around the room.
A pantry was a bonus, and not much more was expected. The biggest wow factor kitchens managed to get was islands and the trends of going to stainless steel appliances. However, after falling in love with the other selling points, a family friendly kitchen would seal the deal.
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The Changing Trend
As society evolved, families changed. Two career families became the norm. Why would this change require visually complex kitchens of the home? Because more people used their homes became the social setting for people in growing careers.
Mothers were no longer spending half of their day preparing food and cleaning up. The kitchen has an important purpose, but it no longer was the center of life in the home. Inviting an employer, investor or client to your home had a direct reflection on your style. That told people a lot about you.
People on the move up the corporate ladder wanted a home that reflected their desire for the best. It is unsettling to walk from a living room that reflects a fine wine and cheese personality, to a kitchen that says “chicken noodle soup.” Every room in the house had to reflect the owner in a positive way.
Unusual things to look for:
Kitchen designers have gone “all-in” with the sudden freedom they have been given to make kitchens modern and chic. Below, we will point out some of the features that are happening:
- Hardwood floors
There are so many beautiful hardwood floors available, that you are sure to see many of them in the modern kitchen.
- Long metal handles
The long metal handles on the cabinets, drawers, and cubbies look more like decorations than openers. There is no knobs in site and brass, or stainless are really beautiful.
- Look for built-in shelves with lovely track lighting.
This is a very pretty way to brighten the room. Display crystal wine glasses, or bowls of glass fruit. Whatever you use your shelves for, they will add depth and fun to your room.
- Colors
Look for colored appliances. Usually, all the appliances will be one color except for one. Imagine a kitchen done in black and white with a bright red stove! It is enough to make your eyes pop.
- Dual islands
One island has the sink, a modern vessel sink, and lovely faucet. It faces a second island that has bar stools. Guests can sit and carry on a conversation comfortably.
- Mixed finishes
Consider a finished concrete floor, hanging brass lights, a wooden picnic or cafe corner table, with overstuffed chairs covered in fabric. The mix and match look is hot this year. One reason is nothing is off limits. If you want a small shelving unit for growing your own herbs, any type of plant container will work.
Be yourself
You do not have to have an island for cooking. Opt instead for a breakfast table. Take advantage of the open space for a small den or coffee nook. The bright open windows, gives you the look of a lot more room. It adds charm to the home.
Trending colors
The colors of this season are white and natural colors of wood. Any combination goes. You will add metals to the room in brass or stainless steel. It is okay to select one item to be a bright red, yellow, blue, or green. Plants are kept to a minimum.
The colors of nature are outside and visible through the unique windows. The kitchens are elegant, yet cozy and comfortable. Outside the windows, landscapes and flower beds give the impression of wide open lands.
The Choice Is Yours
Builders, decorators, and designers are wonderful to have. They have an education to determine what is the best method of installing. They have a trained eye that gives them concepts for the look they think will be stunning. They have studied many themes and layouts and can offer you wonderful advice. But, let’s not forget that this is your home.
There are a variety of cabinet doors, finishes colors, and shapes to choose from. There are many ways to make your kitchen unique. You may love the idea of an island, but you want one that is versatile. Your decorator may think white walls, ceilings, and cabinets give the room a modern and open feel. However, you may feel with a toddler and a dog, white is too much maintenance.
Consider all the suggestions, and take advantage of anything that will grow your property value. But, there are few things that cannot be changed if you decide to sell. Some built-in accessories never go out of style. But color, appliances, carpets, and even landscaping can be changed in the future. Do not let the little things keep you from building your dream home.
Your Wow Factor
Keeping the home in good order and the landscape current and maintained adds to your curb appeal. Having a nice layout and well-cared interior keeps your home marketable. When you design your home, keep the future in mind.
You may want to sell in a decade At that point, your modern appliances, beautiful faucets, unique vessel sinks, lovely kitchen cabinets, and hardwood floor may be considered out of date. If they are well-cared for, your home is a beautiful vintage design. If they are not well-cared for, your home may become a property that will require upgrades.
Conclusion
Your home is more than a house. This is where you live, love, and grow. But it is more than that. This is the largest investment most people ever make. When you tour the homes, take a few minutes to sit in the kitchen. How does it feel? Do you feel comfortable? Can you see yourself enjoying life there? If so you have probably found your home. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. So take your time and find yours.