Here at Kitchen Warehouse, we’d like to believe that we’ve got our fingers on the pulse about what homeowners are looking for in a kitchen. It’s what we do, after all.
We are dealing with customer queries and questions all the time. This means that we are continually doing our very best to ensure that every customer gets their dream kitchen.
But, here’s the thing: it’s their dream kitchen.
What if you are considering putting your house on the market? What do homebuyers really look for in a kitchen?
Because this is all about when your kitchen could potentially become someone else’s.
Now it needs to about what appeals to them.
General Principles and Advice
To a certain extent, the guiding principles and general advice that everybody has heard about what prospective homebuyers will like or dislike about a kitchen still ring true.
That advice has always been to try not to make the kitchen too personalised to you. Yes, a kitchen design should be focused on your lifestyle and particular needs. However, while a bright and bold colour scheme might be your thing, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
Keeping things neutral – without being dull – is the order of the day. Homebuyers want to feel that they will be able to stamp a bit of their own personality on the space – without having to rip the whole thing out.
Why is the Kitchen a Dealbreaker for Homebuyers?
The kitchen is widely considered to be a key dealbreaker for many homebuyers.
A kitchen really can make or break a sale.
Potential homebuyers will usually look beyond dated decor or an unappealing appearance of other rooms around the home. Most see that these things are essentially cosmetic. All in all, it’s nothing that can’t be addressed with a lick of paint.
However, homebuyers tend to be more unforgiving when it comes to the kitchen.
An outdated or poorly designed kitchen space is often cited as a major reason for potential homebuyers walking away from a deal – or for putting in a significantly reduced offer on a property.
So, why is this the case?
Well, it’s estimated that an outdated or neglected kitchen can lower the value of a property by as much as £20,000. Meanwhile, a modern kitchen can add around 5% to the value of a home.
The potential high cost of remodelling a kitchen will put a lot of homebuyers off. Many buyers often lack the immediate funds to handle a major kitchen renovation. Most buyers also don’t really want to be taking on such an undertaking when they move into their new home.
A Big Ticket Purchase
What’s more, while a new kitchen doesn’t have to cost the Earth, it is still the most expensive room to renovate. It’s a big ticket purchase that most prospective homebuyers have no desire to buy as soon as they move into their new home.
Homebuyers will also be turned off by a lack of functionality in a kitchen or a lack of countertop space. Outdated appliances and tired fixtures will also give a bad impression. In fact, an outdated kitchen often makes an entire property feel smaller, darker, and far less inviting.
In short, a kitchen renovation or kitchen extension are the last things on a potential homebuyer’s mind as they are viewing properties.
Many prospective homebuyers fail to spot the potential in a property and struggle to visualise a different aesthetic.
This is why it is so important to understand what homebuyers are looking for in a kitchen, if you want to sell your property quickly for the asking price you require.
Introduction to Kitchen Trends
It’s always a good idea to keep up with the latest kitchen trends as tastes evolve naturally over time. This will help you to showcase an appealing modern kitchen that will impress prospective homebuyers.
Kitchen trends have definitely shifted towards warm and inviting spaces that offer a balance between style and functionality. This is a key aspect of modern kitchen design.
Natural Materials
More homeowners are increasingly looking for kitchens that feature natural materials, such as wood and natural stone. There is growing desire to include natural materials in modern kitchen design.
Natural materials bring warmth and character to the space and have an air of enduring quality.
The kitchen island has become a central element in many modern kitchen designs. Open plan kitchens have become a staple of contemporary interior design.
More homeowners are incorporating an island into their new kitchen designs. The benefits are additional counter space, storage, and – of course – islands serve as excellent dining spaces too.
Incorporating the latest kitchen trends, such as warm neutrals and bold colours, can help to create a dream luxury kitchen that stands the test of time.
Key Elements of Kitchen Design
A well-designed kitchen should include key elements such as ample storage, quality kitchen appliances, and a functional layout. The layout can allow you to demonstrate your own character and it must suit your lifestyle.
Kitchen design experts recommend considering the work triangle, which connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator, to create an efficient workspace.
The choice of kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and flooring can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the kitchen and can create a timeless design.
Neutral colour palettes, such as warm neutrals, can provide a timeless backdrop for adding personal touches and bold colours.
Modern Kitchen Features
Modern kitchens often feature sleek and sophisticated designs, incorporating elements such as pocket doors, open shelving, kitchen splashbacks, and bespoke details. It’s these details that often add visual weight and visual depth to the space.
The use of mixed materials, such as combining wood with metal or glass, can add depth and visual interest to the space.
Contemporary styles tend to provide clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, such as the skinny shaker kitchen. The skinny shaker is a contemporary twist on an old classic. But more traditional looks, such as the original shaker kitchen, remain as popular as ever.
Indeed, Shaker kitchen designs – with their emphasis on clean lines and simple ornamentation – are often preferred for their timeless quality and versatility.
Luxury kitchen design often incorporates high-end materials and finishes, such as brushed brass and natural stone, to create a unique and luxurious space.
Colour and Finish Options
Colour and finish options play a crucial role in kitchen design, with many homeowners opting for neutral shades that provide a clean and timeless look.
Earthy tones, such as terracotta and sage green, are gaining popularity for their warm and inviting qualities.
Bold colours, such as burnt orange and navy blue, can be used to add drama and create a focal point in the kitchen.
Matte finishes, such as those found on kitchen appliances and cabinets, can help to reduce fingerprints and create a sleek, low-maintenance surface.
Technological Integration and Sustainability
Technological integration is becoming increasingly important in kitchen design, with features such as steam ovens and induction cooktops providing improved performance and efficiency.
Choosing appliances that are up-to-date with the latest technological trends will be a big plus for any prospective homebuyer who is viewing your home.
Sustainability is also a key consideration in a modern kitchen, with many homeowners opting for eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances.
Water quality is another important factor, with many kitchens incorporating features such as water filtration systems and low-flow faucets.
Creating kitchens that are both functional and sustainable is a key goal for many homeowners and designers.
And this means that homebuyers want these things too.
Storage and Organisation
Storage and organisation are critical components of a well-designed kitchen, with many homeowners opting for custom storage solutions and cleverly designed cabinets.
The use of open shelving and pocket doors can help to create a sense of openness and flow in the kitchen.
Bespoke details, such as custom hardware and tailored cabinetry, can help to create a unique and personalised space.
And plentiful storage and a well-organised space will be on every homebuyer’s checklist.
Lighting and Glazing
Lighting and glazing can greatly impact the ambience and functionality of a kitchen, with many designers opting for a combination of task, ambient, and natural light.
Soft curves and rounded lines can help to create a sense of warmth and invitation in the kitchen.
Bold colours and statement pieces, such as a brightly coloured kitchen island or a show-stopping light fixture, can add visual interest and create a focal point.
Natural finishes, such as wood and stone, can help to bring warmth and texture to the space.
Curves and Corners
Curves and corners can be used to create a sense of flow and visual interest in the kitchen, with many designers opting for rounded lines and soft curves.
The use of curved cabinets and rounded countertops can help to create a sense of warmth and invitation.
Corner sinks and curved kitchen islands can help to maximise space and create a sense of efficiency.
Architectural details, such as arches and columns, can be used to add visual interest and create a sense of drama.
Smart Kitchens and Collaborative Spaces
Smart kitchens and collaborative spaces are becoming increasingly popular, with many homeowners opting for open plan kitchens that combine cooking, dining, and socializing areas.
The use of technology, such as smart appliances and voice-controlled assistants, can help to create a sense of efficiency and convenience.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, kitchen design is a complex and multifaceted affair that requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors, including functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
By incorporating the latest kitchen trends and technologies into a modern kitchen design, homeowners can create a dream kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. Crucially, this will enable the kitchen to be highly appealing to prospective homebuyers, if you come to put your property on the market.
A Balance Between Style and Functionality
Whether opting for a classic and contemporary setting or a more modern and sleek design, the key to creating a successful kitchen is to balance style with functionality and to prioritise the needs and preferences of the homeowner.
By doing so, homeowners can create a kitchen that is truly their own, a space that reflects their personality and style, while also providing a functional and efficient workspace – and one that will have enduring appeal for years to come.
While kitchen trends might shift, lasting appeal will endure.
Get in touch with the Kitchen Warehouse team if you have any questions.