“The kitchen is the ‘heart’ of the home,” says Lisa Gregory of the Lisa Gregory Real Estate Group | Coldwell Banker Realty. “It’s become so much more than merely a place to cook! It’s a central hub in our modern lives for entertaining, interacting with family, and relaxing. Most homebuyers today want an open, inviting, functional, and attractive kitchen space that merges with the living area.”
So what kitchen aesthetics appeal most to homebuyers? Gregory shares ten tips:
- An open floor layout — open to the living area, dining, and breakfast area — is most favored by home buyers.
- Overall, neutrals and calming palettes are preferred, with soothing greens and relaxing blues being somewhat popular.
- Light and bright cabinets, hands down, are a well-received color scheme. Two-toned cabinets have been trending, with light uppers and a pop of color on lower cabinets. Avoid dark and bold palettes — no black or intense colors. Glass doors make cabinets appear more open.
- Butler’s pantries and walk-in pantries are a plus.
- Larger kitchen islands can double as a work-from-home space, a place for children to do homework and activities, and an entertainment center. Dual islands, too, are great for multi-use and extra space.
- Multiple outlets throughout the kitchen are desirable.
- Natural stone countertops of marble or quartz continue to trend. Natural stone and pops of color in the backsplash coordinate the look.
- Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) and tile flooring are in demand.
- There’s a growing interest in electric induction cooktops verse gas cooktops.
- Smart appliances and energy-efficient products are selling points. Check out the EPA’s coveted “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2023” products at energystar.gov/products/most_efficient.
“The kitchen is a primary focus for modern living. Along with the master bath, a well-done kitchen design generally provides the greatest return on investment for sellers,” says Gregory. Visit lisagregoryrealty.com for more inspiration when buying or selling property.