The kitchen has long been the heart of the home and a gathering place for families and friends. Today’s families need a comfortable place that will work for their busy lifestyles. They want features and work spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the way they live. A kitchen remodel is a good investment for the homeowner and may determine whether a family stays in their existing home or moves. Thoughtful upgrades can increase the home’s value and make day to day life easier. Here are some to consider.
Beverage Center
A beverage center works well for entertaining and is a convenience for families with children. A mini refrigerator allows kids and guests to help themselves to water and cold drinks without having to open the main refrigerator. Households without children can stock the mini fridge with wine, beer, and cocktail mixers. Locating the beverage center away from the main work area keeps people from getting under foot during meal preparation. A mini fridge also frees up room in the main refrigerator for other items. Add a coffee or tea maker to the center for hot beverages.
Touchless or Hands-free Faucets
These types of faucets have been used in commercial settings for years and are becoming more popular in residential use. They conserve water and can save money on the water bill. Other benefits for the homeowner include keeping messy hands off the faucet handle, the ability to fill large pots which require holding with both hands, and preventing the spread of germs during cold and flu season. A sensor detects motion and turns the water on, and a timer turns the water off after a short period so that water waste is kept to a minimum. In households with small children, a child that cannot reach the handle may still be able to use the faucet.
Soft Close Cabinets and Drawers
Homeowners that are annoyed by the sound of cabinets and drawers banging shut will want to consider upgrading to soft close hinges and drawer slides. Soft close mechanisms allow the doors and drawers to move to a closed position slowly and quietly. This also prevents small fingers from getting pinched. Cabinet doors and drawers may last longer, since there is less stress on them.
Double Ovens or Warming Drawers
Large families or households that entertain frequently may enjoy the convenience of double ovens and warming drawers. Double ovens are an invaluable addition to the kitchen for parties and holiday dinners, when multiple dishes must be ready at the same time or cook at different temperatures. The top oven may be smaller on some models. The smaller oven may be adequate for daily use for small families, while the larger oven is utilized for turkeys or large roasts. A warming drawer allows cooked food to be kept hot while other food finishes cooking.