Improve your kitchen & sell your house
Why not enter our competition and share your favourite tip for improving your kitchen?
Just submit your tip in the comments section below, and you could win a fantastic Magimix
Nespresso Coffee machine!
Layer your lighting
Don’t forget how integral lighting is to your kitchen’s overall look; think creatively about where to put it. For example, incorporating lighting below an island unit will make it appear to float. Stylish hanging lights can easily become the new focal point of the room. Avoid overhead fluorescent lights!
Update your appliances
Not only do new appliances work much better than their predecessor, but they look fantastic. That brand new oven, or the trendy fridge-freezer, it is sure to help complete the kitchen.
Update the plumbing fixtures
New taps can instantly make your kitchen look newer and finished. For kitchen sinks choose plumbing fixture collections that offer matching faucet, control, and sink sprayer. Brushed nickel, antique copper and brass fixtures are relatively inexpensive to replace.
Update your cabinets
Replacing an entire kitchen can be extremely expensive, but you don't have to spend a fortune to bring your kitchen back to life. Replacing your cabinets is cheap, easy and effective. Even just a lick of paint and a good clean can brighten up any kitchen.
Add some rustic elements
Even if you have a modern kitchen, incorporating some rustic elements instantly adds character. Whether you choose to hang copper pots from a ceiling rack or display food prettily in jars, it will add a touch of personality to the kitchen which is important to prospective buyers.
Show off your kitchenware
First impressions can make or break a sale. Leaving an eye-catching gadget out during a viewing will convince potential buyers of both you and your property’s worth. Dazzle them with a fancy coffee machine or set of gleaming chef’s knives prominently displayed in the kitchen.
Windows
Keep windows clean and clear, but not naked, as bare windows make a place feel impersonal and run down. Roman shades add a touch of elegance to any room, particularly the kitchen, although they should always be fully open. You should ensure they match with your colour scheme!
Create a wall display
Any open kitchen wall space provides the opportunity to bring in attractive personal elements, such as photographs and artwork. This can help prospective buyers imagine how they would put their own personal stamp on the room. Wine racks and hanging utensils can also create interesting displays.
Create a favourable aroma
It may seem like a cliché, but the smell of baking bread and brewing coffee are tried and tested techniques that provide a welcoming feel to a home. Make sure all rubbish, recycling and pet-related items are removed before showing your home. If you have a waste disposal system, run a lemon through it to eradicate any bad odours.
Don’t neglect the sink area
Whether you had new taps put in or not, the sink area must look attractive. Set fancy hand soap and lotion on a tray and get rid of old sponges and cloths. Clean taps until they shine.
Accessorise the stove
A pretty pot or kettle on the stovetop is a welcoming touch. Just be sure the one you choose is in perfect condition — no scratched-up, battered old pans!
Add new tea towels
Brand-new tea towels should be a must on any kitchen staging shopping list. They are obvious and cost-effective way to add a splash of colour and pattern, especially to white kitchens that can come across as bland.
Display fresh fruit or flowers
Attractive-looking fresh fruit displayed in a fruit bowl or cake plate instantly helps to make a kitchen look pretty. Alternatively, bring in fresh flowers or plants. These are quick, easy and inexpensive ways to get your kitchen looking finished.
Display your cookbooks
Cookbooks are accessories that make a kitchen look appealing and useful, although each book should have a nice looking cover and be in good shape. If you don’t have a shelf, a small stack of cookbooks on the counter will work, too.
Buy a woodburner
An open fire is cosy, but remote-controlled gas, electric, wood or multi-fuelled fires are easier to maintain. A fire that lights up without you having to get off the sofa or a good woodburner give the impression the house is fresh and contemporary. Whichever you go for, a burning fire will do wonders for almost any kitchen helping to provide both light and warmth.
Work surfaces are de-cluttered
Dog/childrens items tidied away
Plainer walls makes the room look bigger.
I also like minimal gadgets on display to show off worktop space to the full.
Maybe have your favourite cook books on display.
Fresh Flowers or herbs in pots on display on the windows for the perfect final touch.
They offer a great look and scent.
I've went for a mix of cool white (for the more modern feel) and red to match the décor.
Clean - it needs to be immaculate - get a toothbrush out and scrub in hard to reach areas, make sure there are no lingering smells
Clutter Free
Accessorize - A cookery book on a stand or a nice flower arrangement on the windowsell - remember you are selling someone their dream!
Hide imperfections - Hide any dodgy bits with the accessories - strategically placed items will make you kitchen look great
Lighting - skirting board and pelmet lighting can make the kitchen more attactive if viewings are at night - cheap enough to install a battery operated system.