Kitchen renovations, intended to enhance a home's appeal and value, can sometimes have the opposite effect if certain design choices are made, according to interiors expert Deidre McGettrick.
McGettrick, CEO of uFurnish.com, highlights that kitchens are pivotal in property sales, with research indicating that a significant kitchen refit can increase a home's price by five to 15 percent, and even minor updates can add five to 10 percent.
However, impractical or overly trendy designs can make a kitchen appear dated and detract from its value. McGettrick points to several common mistakes that homeowners make.
Kitchen Layout and Features
One such pitfall is the double island, a feature seen in celebrity homes like Meghan Markle's Montecito mansion. While it may appear aspirational, McGettrick warns that in smaller kitchens, a second island can impede circulation space, making the kitchen feel impractical. It can also be perceived as a personal, trend-driven choice that a new owner might need to change, incurring further costs.
McGettrick also advises reconsidering old-fashioned integrated appliances. While they can save space, they can be more expensive to repair or replace, often requiring the removal of surrounding cabinetry for access. Buyers may view these as a hidden cost rather than a benefit. Modern freestanding appliances offer greater transparency regarding their condition and age.
Open shelving, though visually appealing in photos, can lead to a cluttered appearance in daily use. McGettrick suggests opting for closed cabinets and drawers to hide everyday clutter, making the kitchen appear tidier and more functional. Within cabinets, adjustable shelving can offer flexibility for storing items of various sizes, a practical consideration for potential buyers.
Material and Finish Choices
High-gloss cabinet finishes, while sleek, are prone to showing fingerprints and water marks, requiring constant wiping. Similarly, cabinets with grooves can accumulate dust and grime. McGettrick recommends easy-to-wipe matte finishes, as buyers often look for kitchens that appear clean and low-maintenance.
The material of the kitchen sink is another consideration. While ceramic sinks may look attractive, they are more delicate than stainless steel and can be damaged by abrasive cleaning methods. McGettrick emphasizes choosing sink materials based on practical, day-to-day usage rather than just showroom aesthetics.
Finally, the number of plug sockets is crucial in a modern kitchen. McGettrick notes that overlooking adequate socket placement for various devices, including routers, can be a significant drawback and a potential expense for future homeowners.