Many Sellers ask me, "Should I renovate my kitchen to get top dollar?"
And while the answer varies from home to home, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that light, spacious kitchens are highly desirable for today’s lifestyle. Who doesn’t swipe through Zillow and imagine owning an airy kitchen flooded with natural light with plenty of space for everything—and everyone?
Feeling a little cramped for space in your kitchen?
If you want to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen without the expense and hassle of remodeling or tearing down walls, don’t despair. There are plenty of creative hacks for brightening, refreshing and organizing a dark, small kitchen space.
Consider these great ideas that don’t require a hammer and won’t break the bank.
#1 Declutter!
Even a large, open kitchen can feel small and cramped if it’s housing too much stuff. Stand back and take a critical look at your countertops and prep space.
First, take the time to clear off the counters—and give them a thorough cleaning. Cookbooks, pots, pans and small appliances all add visual clutter to a space and make it feel more cramped and less inviting.
Next, declutter cabinets and shelves. Keep only dishes, pots and pans that you regularly use and that are in good repair. It’s surprising how much space you can free up for storing small appliances (think toaster) and other items that previously resided on your countertops.
Floor space matters too! Remove storage boxes, shoes or other items and rehome them. A smaller kitchen table or one with leaves that can be folded down between meals provides more space to move about the kitchen.
#2 Think White(r).
If you have a little extra cash and you’re not afraid of employing a little elbow grease, consider a lighter color scheme. If your cabinets could use a little attention, white is a timeless choice and goes a long way in brightening a kitchen. If your cabinets are already white, consider brightening up your walls, too. It creates a seamless, open feeling in your kitchen.
#3 Install additional lighting.
A brighter space is simply lighter and feels more open. The reflected light makes the walls seem further away. It’s also much easier (and fun!) to cook in a well-lit kitchen.
#4 Remove barriers.
Are you regularly tripping over barstools? Consider buying stools that slide underneath the countertop to keep out of the way when not in use. Do you have a pot/pan hanger taking up visual space? Remove it and marvel at how much more open your kitchen seems.
#5 Do you need all the cabinets?
Do you use all of the cabinets in your kitchen? The “U-Shaped” kitchen is certainly functional, but eye-level cabinets can impede both the light and the line of sight between rooms. Consider removing a few or think about replacing some with open shelving or glass display doors.
Whether you are considering selling your Sonoma County home or want to create your “forever” sanctuary, with a few simple steps that won’t break the bank, you can enjoy a Zillow-friendly kitchen that is light, bright, efficient and welcoming!