As the heart and hub of the home, the kitchen is widely seen as a room that can either make or break the value of a property.
But with interior trends ever-changing, it can be hard to keep up with which materials, furniture and latest pieces of technology are truly worth adding to your beloved kitchen space.
According to interiors expert Deirdre McGettrick, CEO of the UK’s leading furniture finder website uFurnish.com, the wrong kitchen renovations can be detrimental to a home’s value and can quickly lead to a room becoming ‘dated’ and grimy’.
Indeed, research conducted by Which? earlier this year found that a sophisticated kitchen refit can increase a property’s price by between five and 15 per cent, while even a straightforward non-structural update can add between five and 10 per cent.
‘It’s true – kitchens really do sell homes,’ Deirdre told the Daily Mail. ‘Keep worktops clear and let the long summer light flood in, because a bright, open kitchen always feels bigger and more inviting.
‘Bar stools and a coffee bar cabinet doesn’t need to take up too much space and, of course, a plush fruit bowl piled high and a vase of fresh flowers elevates the room.’
From islands to appliances, shelving and even sink style – read on to discover the ultimate ways to make your kitchen look instantly more luxurious…
1. Avoid double islands if space is short
With interior trends ever-changing, it can be hard to keep up with which materials, furniture and latest pieces of technology are truly worth adding to your beloved kitchen space. Pictured: Meghan Markle showcases her two kitchen islands
Marking her 45th birthday last week, Meghan Markle enjoyed a dance around the kitchen at her luxurious Montecito mansion… and shimmied around not one, but two islands.
Indeed, having a ‘double island kitchen’ appears to have become a true status symbol for discerning homeowners on both sides of the Pond in recent years – loved by A-listers including domestic goddess Martha Stewart.
But Deirdre warns that if space in your kitchen is limited, then a double island may not be such a sensible move.
‘A second island eats into circulation space, so if the kitchen isn’t large enough, buyers viewing the property may see it as impractical rather than aspirational – a kitchen that’s harder to move around in day to day, not easier,’ she said.
‘It can also read as a highly personal, trend-led choice rather than a flexible layout, which may make buyers mentally price in the cost of ripping it out and reconfiguring the space to suit their own needs.’
2. Reconsider old-fashioned integrated appliances
While integrated appliances were once seen as a smart and effective way to store appliances in smaller kitchen spaces, Deirdre warns that buyers may be concerned that ‘repairs and replacements are typically pricier’. Pictured: Stacey Solomon in her kitchen
While integrated appliances were once seen as a smart and effective way to store appliances in smaller kitchen spaces, Deirdre warns that buyers may be concerned that ‘repairs and replacements are typically pricier’.
‘An engineer often has to remove surrounding cabinet panels to access the appliance,’ she explained.
Deirdre noted that prospective buyers may see an integrated appliance as a ‘hidden cost rather than a selling point’.
Noting that some may look ‘dated’, she added that modern freestanding appliances can often help keep a buyer at ease – ensuring they can ‘easily verify their condition or age during a viewing’.
3. Swap open shelves for proper storage
According to Deirdre, opting for ‘open shelving over closed cabinets’ is ‘one of the biggest mistakes’ homeowners can make when it comes to decorating their kitchen. Pictured: Mollie King, 39, showed off a sleek, ivory-hued kitchen
According to Deirdre, opting for ‘open shelving over closed cabinets’ is ‘one of the biggest mistakes’ homeowners can make when it comes to decorating their kitchen.
She added: ‘It looks appealing in photos and shows off nice crockery, but in everyday life, all your clutter ends up on display too, and the kitchen can quickly start to look messy rather than tidy.’
Instead, Deirdre advises opting for ‘drawers rather than shelves’ in a bid to try and keep the mess at bay.
‘Choose bigger, closed cabinets that hide away countertop clutter. It keeps the kitchen looking – and functioning – better, and it’s far more practical for day-to-day family life.’
4. Add shelving into cabinets
Not only can cabinets help hide clutter, but they can also offer vast amounts of storage that will add vast value to your property.
According to Deirdre, incorporating ‘cabinets with ridges inside them’ are a highly sensible option as they allow you to ‘move the shelf heights up and down as needed’.
‘It sounds like a small thing, but it means you’ll never have to squash the top of a cereal box in again just to get the door shut,’ she explained.
‘And those viewing your home will be able to change these to suit their needs.’
5. Ditch high-gloss cabinets
While glossy cabinets may look sleek and dignified, they almost instantly show fingerprints and watermarks much more easily. Pictured: Geri Halliwell in her kitchen
While glossy cabinets may look sleek and dignified, they almost instantly show fingerprints and watermarks much more easily.
‘You’re wiping them constantly,’ Deirdre added.
‘The same goes for any cabinet with ridges or grooves in the design – dust and grime collects in every groove over time.’
To avoid the cleaning complications that come with these cabinets, Deirdre recommends investing in an ‘easy-to-wipe matte finish’ instead.
‘When selling your home, potential buyers want to see your kitchen as clean and low maintenance, rather than grimy,’ she added.
6. Keep things simple with delicate sink materials
One of the most important parts of the kitchen is undoubtedly the sink, with prospective buyers keen to take on a sink that is as practical as possible. Pictured: Molly Mae in her kitchen
One of the most important parts of the kitchen is undoubtedly the sink, with prospective buyers keen to take on a sink that is as practical as possible.
To avoid lowering the value of your home, Deirdre recommends not investing in ceramics or delicate materials, but instead considering the day-to-day usage of the sink.
‘While white ceramic looks lovely, it’s much more delicate than stainless steel – you can’t use wire wool or anything abrasive to clean it without risking damage,’ she explains.
‘When buyers are looking for a new home, that’s a real practical consideration – as it could be something they’d need to replace.
‘I’d say think about how the sink will actually be used day to day, not just how it looks in the showroom, before choosing the material.’
7. Don’t forget about plug sockets
In the modern day, plug sockets are a hugely important factor in any room – including the kitchen.
Describing limited plug sockets as a ‘setback that could cost you money,’ Deirdre notes that while older kitchen units may not include plug sockets, it could well be worth investing in a few in and around the kitchen to avoid any further losses.
‘People plan sockets around the big appliances – the cooker, the dishwasher, the fridge – and then forget everything else,’ she added.
‘However, in this smart world, having plugs for devices and routers is a must.’
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