More and more consumers are deciding on upgrades for the kitchen. This is true whether they buying a new house or when they decide it is time to replace the original kitchen fixtures, and appliances. Today new appliances, sinks, faucets, and countertops are getting more upscale as well as providing more function than ever before.
Kitchen cabinetry also provides more opportunities for upgrading your kitchen. By adding cabinet accessories and to your kitchen design layout, you will be able to fully customize and personalize your kitchen to be able to maximize its function and purpose. New handles can change the look of your cabinetry very dramatically. You can add or replace old glass panels with new decorative glass panels. They will really improve the look of your cabinets.
Some popular decorative cabinet upgrades include: furniture toe kicks, decorative glass doors, crown molding, and faux door panels.
Kitchen countertops are perhaps the most expensive design item for your kitchen but it can really make the biggest difference in the look of a kitchen next to the cabinets.
There have been many changes in kitchen countertops in recent years with more options and choices available when it comes to surfaces. These surfaces include solid surface, natural stone, quartz, wood, stainless steel, concrete, laminates and more. Today, there are even more dozen choices when it comes to kitchen surfaces with granite being the most popular. Granite like other natural stones such as marble, limestone, slate, soapstone is very durable. It is also less porous than the other stone surfaces and only requires resealing about once a year.
Soapstone is a natural stone and was used by early New England settlers. Today it is still recognized as a good countertop choice. It is naturally resistant to harsh chemicals and heat, and unlike limestone or marble it does not stain. Also yearly maintenance can be performed with just mineral oil instead of using a sealant.
In addition, most countertop surfaces have several finish choices such as high gloss, honed, flamed and tumbled. The most common type is the high gloss or polished type of surface. Honed and tumbled are both matte finishes, but honed is typically smoother.
Giving your existing kitchen a new paint job. Paint can change the look of any room in the house and the kitchen is certainly no exception.
New window coverings can really brighten up a kitchen. You should select kitchen window coverings that can enhance the look of your kitchen décor and at the same time give your kitchen an inviting and open atmosphere. Some wonderful kitchen window treatments include: curtains, valances, blinds, and shades. One of the most important features that people decide upon when choosing a kitchen window covering is to use either solid colors or vivid patterns.
The type of lighting you select for your kitchen can really make quite a dramatic effect and help brighten any work area in the kitchen.
As far as kitchen appliances are concerned, besides the usual choices of conventional gas and electric burners, smoothtop burners are also becoming popular in recent years.
