Have you ever stopped and thought about how much time you spend in the kitchen? How many conversations take place there? How many home-cooked meals you have prepared?
Once upon a time, the kitchen didn’t have a life, it didn’t have a soul. It was strictly utilitarian. And while the kitchen was originally meant for preparing and cooking meals, it has morphed into the epicentre of a house.
The modern-day kitchen, in fact, wears many hats. This is the room where you get energised for the day ahead with your morning coffee, the place where you gather around with friends for laughs, the spot where the family finally comes together after a long day at work and school.
Why is the kitchen the most important room?
In most homes on Sydney’s northern beaches, you don’t walk immediately into the kitchen. However, it still sets the tone for the look and feel of the rest of your home. Since most layouts have begun to allow for the kitchen to flow into the main areas of the house, it is important that the space strikes the right tone. So, when it comes to real estate sales, you need to ask yourself a few questions about your kitchen:
Is it welcoming? Is it spacious? Does it feel like everyday life could be lived out in there?
As you begin to prepare to sell your home, keep in mind that while the kitchen holds the stories of your time in the home, it is an open book for the next occupant. Can they see themselves writing their story there?
Tips for staging a kitchen to sell
If you’re getting your home ready to show to potential buyers, the kitchen should be your top priority for renovations and staging.
But, how little is doing too little and how much is doing too much?
While you might not want or be able to give your kitchen an entire makeover, preparing it to sell is one of the best ways to get the most money for your home.
Consider:
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Brightening up the kitchen space with lighter colours to make it seem roomier.
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Repainting the cabinets in a more neutral colour.
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Changing out the hardware to conform to the style you are going for — modern, provincial, chic, beach, etc.
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Decluttering the countertops and limit personal items.
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Place a few stylised pieces like a cookbook, chopping boards and utensils. Include a plant or two.
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Keeping the space uncluttered allows potential buyers to picture themselves using the space.
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Having your kitchen professionally cleaned. A bit of elbow grease can work wonders in livening it up and upping its aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re doing a major remodel or merely staging it, a little attention can go a long way in making a buyer feel at home in your kitchen.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?
LIVE ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES?
Read our report on how to have a successful home sale, even within these unusual times of COVID-19.