With so much attention paid to the kitchen, it’s no wonder homeowners are eager to keep it sleek and modern. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, a stunning kitchen will be one of your best assets, since many real estate experts are quick to point out that kitchens often sell a home.
But it’s inevitable that a kitchen will get dated over time. There are a number of ways to give this space a facelift, but if you really want to inject some modernity overnight, the best approach is upgrading your appliances.
Appliances show the age of your kitchen more than anything else, but they’re very easy to replace and will inject youth into their surroundings — even that original cabinetry you fear is falling behind the times. And upgrading appliances elsewhere in the home can also be effective in giving the whole space an effective facelift. With that in mind, here are some of the best appliances for rejuvenating your kitchen and bringing it solidly into the modern age.
Wall ovens
This type of appliance is booming in popularity, with many homeowners loving how it integrates seamlessly with cabinets and is nestled in among the other wares of the kitchen. Wall ovens improve the appearance of your kitchen, and though they can be a bit more expensive to install, almost every prospective home buyer will be over-the-moon excited about this feature. You might even consider turning your wall oven into a double-oven feature — even if you’re unlikely to use the feature much, an avid cook will be very excited that this installation is already available.
Energy-efficient washer and dryer
Older washers and dryers can consume a lot of electricity and water, creating a spike in your utility bills. Another strike against older models is that they simply tend to show their age. By contrast, newer dryer models tend to look very stylish, with many made in stainless steel.
And because these appliances can be a drain on utilities, a greater effort has been made to develop energy-efficient models that better regulate the use of water and electricity. Look for EnergySTAR models that will earn back some of their cost over time while still looking great in the home.
Countertop ranges
No longer married to the stove, a countertop range can be moved around the kitchen with greater versatility, being installed in the island, bartop or other countertop space in the kitchen or entertaining area. Countertop ranges tend to look classy and are easily cleaned, making the kitchen a much more functional and efficient space.
Whirlpool refrigerators
Refrigerators have come a long way in recent years as manufacturers have tried to integrate features that align with consumer wants. Today’s modern refrigerators typically feature stainless steel, and they may also be outfitted with trendy glass windows. In some cases, refrigerators can be integrated into the kitchen’s cabinetry, helping it better blend in and fit the overall theme of the space.
Wine coolers
The best wine is temperature-controlled, and a wine cooling cabinet or built-in wine rack will be an great amenity for any wine enthusiast. Plus, these coolers can add a little bit of elegance to the kitchen, and they come in sleek, modern models.
Lighting
Consider replacing the standard lighting in your kitchen and throughout the home with professional lighting that casts your rooms and features in more attractive lights. Also consider dimmers and track lighting that gives you greater flexibility in how lighting compliments your interior spaces.
Many real estate agents are quick to note that when it comes to home appeal, the decor and style of the home is just as important as the larger, more permanent features. And in some cases, upgrading appliances will also upgrade the appraised value of your home. And even if you don’t plan to sell, they’ll make your home more comfortable and efficient, improving your quality of living.
Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oven.jpg