Can a luxury kitchen add value to your home?

With the world property market slowly starting to show signs of recovery, people are now looking for ways to increase the value of their home. The question is, what parts do you update and how much do you spend? It is no good spending thousands if it isn’t going to increase the value of your property. If you are just looking at upgrading parts of your house and you are not thinking about the overall value, then you should still keep it in mind. Adding a bit of luxury to a house, even if it is just one room, can see an estate agent improving the value, the art is to increase the value by more than the cost of the upgrade. One room that people always pay special interest in when viewing new property is the kitchen. This is the area where many families share a meal and friends have coffee breaks. Research has shown that upgrading a kitchen and then selling the property straight away will recoup 60% to 120% of the value, although with house prices increasing the latter value could be higher. A new kitchen in a property for sale will really catch the eye of the potential buyer so a point must be made to show them that part first, that will put them in a positive mood for the remainder of the viewing, and it also means that they will be able to use the kitchen from day one without any modifications. When deciding what style you are going for to include the look and feel of luxury, you have a large selection of contemporary kitchens available, or if you are one of those people that like to be totally unique then you may settle for bespoke kitchens. Some people may decide to go with more of a European look and install one of the many German Kitchens available. Before opting for a style it is often worth doing some research into what people like the most, it is no use installing something that isn’t trending if you are aiming to add value to your home. How much you spend will depend on what you are updating, but a good coat of light paint is usually good enough for the walls and ceiling, you do not require expensive wallpaper or tiles. Although kitchen units can be cheap, if you want them to stay together then you are best purchasing wooden ones that have more quality. Worktops should be solid and long lasting, with Corian and granite being the best, and if you are changing the appliances make sure that they are energy efficient. One thing often ignored is the floor, solid stone tiling can certainly give out the impression of luxury. If you will be continuing to live in the property then you need to improve the kitchen so that it feels homely, but for those looking to sell quickly then install what the general population want rather than what you want.

Would you like to design the kitchen of your dreams?

Planning out the perfect bespoke kitchen might seem overwhelming at first. There are lots of aspects to consider and choices to make. You can come up with your own plan, or work with a professional kitchen designer. Understanding the basic concepts before starting is essential. Read our guide on how to plan your dream kitchen and turn your ideas into reality.

Use Space Efficiently

The first step is to measure the kitchen area and find out exactly how much space you have to work with. You should make the best use out of the space available and maximise your kitchens potential. The style and function of the kitchen design should be balanced against your budget for the project.

The size and shape of the kitchen vary from house to house, but there are a few common types:

- L-shaped

- U-shaped

- Gallery

- Peninsula

Take a look at existing kitchen designs to get an idea on what type you prefer. No matter which style of kitchen you choose, you need to keep it practical. Think about the location of the fridge, hob and sink. You should be able to easily move between these working areas when preparing and cooking food.

Make your kitchen more high tech by including a media centre for watching TV or listening to music. Such elements should be fully integrated into the plan, to ensure a stylish looking design.

A typical example of this can be found here at Mascari with their concealed appliance bank.

Storage Solutions

Having sufficient storage space is required for a usable kitchen. The number and size of the Cupboards, drawers and cabinets should be carefully considered. A well planned design will fit all the storage solutions efficiently for maximum space, while maintaining functionality and a uniform look to the kitchen. Opting for quality material and build design, will ensure everything will stand up to everyday use

Colour Scheme & Lighting

Select a colour scheme that suits the style of the kitchen and the overall feeling you want to convey. You can make the kitchen design uniquely yours, but make sure the colours match well. Choose an appropriate colour for the furniture that fits in with the colour of the kitchen units.

Good lighting is a very important kitchen element. Take into account the location and size of the windows, so you can maximise the amount of natural light you get by keeping that area uncluttered. The type of lighting should reflect the mood you want to create. Create a system where you can switch between lighting for when you are working in the kitchen and sitting around the dining table.

A Bespoke Kitchen Solution

German kitchens are a great choice for a custom made plan. They offer great flexibility in design choices and are highly rated due to their excellent quality. Innovative features and jaw dropping results are just some of the reasons for their rising popularity. The kitchen is a focal point of your home and nothing can beat the style and functionality of a top German kitchen.

For more information on kitchen tips why not visit the Mascari news pages