Kitchen creative

Kitchens and bathrooms. These are the two rooms that potential property buyers almost always look at first, according to Silvana dos reis Marques, Franchisee at Leapfrog Pretoria East and Irene.

"We know that the kitchen is the heart of the home and certainly one of the areas with the most traffic, used by all in the household, which is why we want them to be as inviting as they are practical,"she explains. 

As such, the kitchen in most homes ideally needs to be renovated every ten to 15 years as the cabinetry suffers wear and tear, and the finishes generally suffer under all the use. Even the layout becomes dated as new trends take root and reveal a different way to utilise this space. 

"The kitchen can be a make or break space for a potential buyer. Very often properties with modern kitchens can demand a higher asking price compared to those that take us on a nostalgic trip to the early 1990s," dos reis Marques shares. 

And while many dream of that shining new kitchen, the reality is that it is also a very costly space to renovate. Luckily there's no need to get rid of everything (including the kitchen sink!) because a few smart changes and savvy improvements, combined with a creative approach, can go a long way in sprucing up the kitchen. 

Start with a plan 

The budget is likely to dictate the scope of any kitchen renovation project, which is why the first step in any improvement and renovation project is to draw up a wishlist and then determine the cost of the line items on that list."Work backwards from there, dividing the list into the essential, must-do's and the nice-to-haves, and speak to a trusted property advisor who will be able to share useful insights with you about what sort of value your improvements will add to your property in the medium to long run," dos reis Marques says. 

Remember that practicality is key in a kitchen, which includes how you use the space and how the flow, organisation and aesthetic could make it even better. 

If your budget is limited, forgo major structural changes, such as moving the plumbing and breaking walls, and rather focus on improvements that refresh the look and feel.

Social circle 

These days the kitchen is the main hub of activity in a home - and the best place to socialise. "If this is something you can relate to, make sure to renovate accordingly by, for example, lengthening the counter to allow for more people to sit around it or installing an island bench that does the same," dos reis Marques recommends. 

On the topic of counters, if your budget doesn't allow for a massive aesthetic overhaul but you're desperate to update the look, consider just replacing the countertops. Dos reis Marques explains that "the countertops are the first thing that catches the eye in a kitchen and tends to dominate the look and feel of the space. "If the cupboards and fittings are in good condition, consider replacing the countertops with something more modern - it's bound to make a big difference without breaking the bank."

Don't skimp on storage 

Nobody ever complains about having too much storage space in the kitchen, though sometimes that floor area, layout and design simply doesn't allow for more cupboards to be added, which is when you need to start thinking creatively. 

"Could you add cupboards above a window or install narrow shelves behind a door? Consider consulting an expert space planner if you're stuck for ideas," dos reis Marques suggests. 

Great lights 

Lighting is crucial in a kitchen and the good news is it needn't be the bright white fluorescent light we've all come to loathe! "The right lighting adds mood to any room but in the kitchen it has to do double duty by also being practical. As such, dimmable downlighters work well in the kitchen as they can be positioned directly above work surfaces and angled as needed. And they can be turned down when you sit down to enjoy a meal at the counter, dos reis Marques says. 

Don't forget the details 

Last but not least, don't forget to add details and accessories to make it as personal as it will be practical. "Artworks, photographs, plants and souvenirs definitely have a place in the kitchen and can go a long way in making the space a pleasant one to use and be in," dos reis Marques believes. 

A clean, modern and user-friendly kitchen is one of a property's most attractive assets, and a space you won't regret spending a bit of time, money and effort on.