Giving your kitchen the makeover it needs

Looking after a family and a home really is a lot to have on your plate, and there is a whole lot that goes into it as parents. It was interesting to see a recent study, which tried to quantify all things such as childcare, home improvements, washing and feeding children, DIY, transporting children, gardening and more as part of measuring the value of Britain’s ‘home economy’. The value of all these activities for the year 2014 came to a staggering £1 trillion, which is an amount of money that’s hard to fathom.

It’s natural to take a lot of pride in your abode, and we put in so much time and effort into our homes – and our family members who live in it – in order to create the most comfortable experience all round. But, at a time where the housing market is overheated, it’s fair to say that moving – or certainly upsizing – is less appealing than investing in your own home, as recent trends suggest. So, are home improvements and extensions the way to go? And if so, which home improvements are the most valuable?

Improving your kitchen

Undoubtedly one of the more popular enhancements of the lot is the kitchen. After all, it is the heart and soul of a family home, and often the biggest selling point, should you wish to move on one day. But the ideals of a stylish kitchen are changing all the time, so if you’re thinking of renovating, it’s well worth considering some of the latest trends…

Simple colour schemes: There is no doubt that the days of bright, statement-making colours are dwindling. Sure, a vibrant bit of colour here or there is still appealing. But, as a general theme, understated and lighter colours are becoming more popular – good examples being light grey, softer shades of blue or tinted whites. More muted colours often make for softer, more welcoming kitchen.

Tech savvy: I suppose it’s not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but it does look pretty impressive when you walk into a kitchen that reflects the high-tech world in which we live. Modern-looking fridges, plenty of sockets, handy gadgets, snazzy microwaves and smooth, slick work surfaces – it all makes a big difference, and this style certainly ties in with the modern pace of life.

Illumination: It’s no longer just about how lights make the room look – it’s how the lights themselves look! Low voltage light strips inside (or on) cabinets create an inviting glow, while things like overhanging LED spotlights can make a big, cold room with a high ceiling feel warm and welcoming. Subtlety is the key, and it depends on the layout of your kitchen, but good clever lighting can make a big impact without costing a lot.

Texture colours: The industrial, metal look has certainly made an indelible mark on the style of modern kitchen surfaces and appliances. But even for these the trends are moving away from just industrial dark grey. Contrast the metallic finishes of your cooker hoods and canopies with shades of gold, silver, bronze, copper, brass and more, and you can easily create something aesthetically pleasing which fits in with the trends of the idyllic modern kitchen.

Kitchen renovations and finances

There are of course many, many other changes which can make a huge difference, and so much of it is subjective and hinges on budget – and exactly what you have in mind to do. The thing most people grapple with, especially if you’ve just forked out a lot of money to buy the home itself, is whether the expense of such a renovation is justified. Moreover, if funds are tight, is it a good idea to take out a loan for it?

More often than not, the answer is yes. There are a number of dynamic ways to finance such home improvements, and given that kitchen improvements typically add an average of 6 per cent in value to your home, it’s a worthwhile investment when done correctly.

And, money matters aside, beaming at your new-look kitchen when all the work is done will be one of the great pleasures in life, and knowing the focal point of your family home ticks all the boxes you imagined will no doubt be a very rewarding feeling indeed.

Author: Editor

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