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Kitchens are the central space in most homes, which is why it is essential to keep them updated and renovated. Doing so will not only make it easier to cook some delicious meals but will also come handy in entertaining your guests. If the thought of cooking a meal in your kitchen gives you the creeps, then your kitchen might just be due for an update. Here’s when to update a kitchen!
When to Update a Kitchen—The Warning Signs
Your kitchen is crying out for an update and here’s how you’ll be able to tell if that’s the case:
- Poor Layout
- Lack of Storage Space
- Cluttered Countertops
- Challenging to Clean
- Outdated Décor
- Outdated Appliances
- Excessive Damage
We’ll discuss some of the signs for a kitchen renovation in detail below.
Poor Layout
A cramped, small, and crowded kitchen where you bump into one another while cooking a meal is generally not the ideal place for socialisation. It’s also harder to cook a meal in a stuffy and small kitchen with no outlets for ventilation. A kitchen with a poor layout generally needs a complete revamp, and as such, you should be mentally prepared for a kitchen remodelling job before you make any decisions.
If your kitchen is adjacent to a wall in the living room, consider knocking down that wall and opting for an open floor plan. This not only makes your central living space more spacious but also gives you a chance to interact with your guests while cooking. You’ll also have more space to prep if you knock down only part of the wall and keep the bottom section intact with a marble or granite countertop to make a breakfast bar or a kitchen island. Check out the pros and cons of both open and closed kitchens before you make a decision, though.
Lack of Storage Space
One of the major reasons why people opt for a kitchen makeover is that they do not have adequate storage space in their current setting. If you’re cluttering your counters with equipment that can be kept in the cabinets—only if you had any—then it’s time to look into alternate storage solutions.
While you can consider placing some of your stuff outside the kitchen, the back and forth is just not worth it. If you’ve got a number of problems and your kitchen is dated, consider a revamp and plan for extra storage in the form of cabinets and drawers all around the kitchen.
Cluttered Countertops
Does your kitchen look cluttered with appliances on every available surface? Do you no longer have space to prep for a meal? One pronounced problem that demands a kitchen remodelling is a lack of storage space. The other problem is the shortage of available surface area, which is just not enough to accommodate your needs.
Older kitchens often had fewer appliances that lived on the counters, and as a result, needed lesser counter space. What you now need is a kitchen island, a breakfast bar, or even some more countertops to be added into the mix. If that isn’t possible in the current space, you should consider taking down some walls to give yourself more space for food preparation. You might also consider some quick tips to create more counter space in your kitchen.
Challenging to Clean
Another one of the many signs for a kitchen renovation is when your kitchen becomes high maintenance, and its upkeep is an everyday struggle. While you might keep the counters and stovetops clean, peeling paint, chipped tiles, or missing grout can result in uneven surfaces that are trickier to clean in a single swipe.
Most people require efficiency and ease when cooking and cleaning up after themselves. If your family is frequently complaining about the difficulty of keeping the kitchen clean without peeling away more paint, this is when to update a kitchen and put an end to the complaints.
Outdated Décor
Nobody enjoys cooking in dull, dreary, and dark kitchens. The problem could simply be your choice of lighting or light fixtures. But it could also be the lack of windows or the small square footage of the kitchen. Opening up the kitchen to your living space is highly recommended if you have a small cooking area.
Moreover, light up the interior with white bulbs that give off sufficient brightness and make cooking an enjoyable experience. You should also open up any windows or curtains that block out the light to make the kitchen feel more airy and welcoming. Don’t forget to upgrade your wallpaper, paint job, or cabinet finishes if they reflect a bygone era when you opt for a kitchen makeover.
Outdated Appliances
Modern times call for advanced equipment, and obsolete appliances are a big reason to go for a kitchen remodelling, especially if you are about to sell the place. Most buyers look for the best appliances and modern kitchen décor when they visit a home, and you’ll have to fit the brief to close a sale successfully.
Updating the appliances not only means buying new items to replace your old ones but also upgrading the wiring and kitchen outlets to accommodate all the gadgets you want to left plugged in.
Excessive Damage
If you’ve got cabinet doors hanging crookedly from their joints, drawers that won’t shut, mould and mildew issues, peeling paint, broken tiles, or leaking sinks, all of these can be sure signs for a kitchen renovation. Even if you’re suffering from two or three of the above circumstances, renovate today to avoid extensive costs at a later date.
The amount of damage should tell you when to update a kitchen because remodelling will bring your home and your kitchen back to life. Not to mention, if you have mould in your kitchen, it can be harmful to your family’s health later on and must be tackled rapidly to ensure a safer future.
Check these signs and determine when to update a kitchen as per your specific circumstances. Remember that most kitchens require a complete overhaul to produce the best results, in comparison to partial repairs and updates.
Have we helped you make an important decision? Share your views with us at blog@zameen.com. You can also check out more home décor posts at Zameen Blog.