The kitchen is the center of the home. It’s where families ultimately end up gathering throughout the day. Whether for breakfast, dinner, to chat over tea or wine it’s a place for connection with those we care about.
And as a room that we spend so much of our time in why shouldn’t it be the best room in the house? Here are five kitchen features to look for while house hunting for your dream home.
Custom cabinetry promises quality, natural wood that has been hand designed by a craftsman. No out of the box carbon copies here. Since time and resources were allocated towards adding custom cabinetry you can also be sure careful planning was as well. The cabinetry should enhance and fit artfully within the kitchen and around architecture capitalizing on space.
A large kitchen island is quickly becoming a necessity for homeowners upgrading their spaces. Providing more than just extra prep space it allows for the family to gather while cooking, working on homework or socializing over cocktails. Look for options that can comfortably seat six to eight people especially if you love hosting others often.
Depending on your preferences you may find your countertops more important than counter space. Quartz and marble countertops are quickly replacing granite. And rightly so, they make for a stunning centerpiece of the room. They are slightly more high maintenance but well worth the effort. If you are so lucky to have these countertops in your new home be sure to pick up some trivets with padded feet and Bar Keepers Friend to preserve their natural beauty.
Natural stone tiling is forever a classic. If you’re seeking a home that is timelessly elegant natural stone is a must-have. Marble is the most coveted. And if radiant heat flooring is on your wishlist for those early Sunday mornings cooking pancakes natural stone makes for a perfect duo.
A walk-in pantry for the home chef is akin to a shoe closet for the fashion forward. Allowing plenty of storage space, a walk-in pantry begs to be filled with cookbooks, specialty ingredients and you’re most prized appliances to be put neatly on display. Consider the proximity of each pantry to your cooking space. You’ll want one that feels like a natural extension to the kitchen and not like you’re going out of your way each time you need to gather necessary ingredients and supplies.
If you have your heart set on any of these features but find an almost perfect home without them leave room in your budget to upgrade after the sale. This way you will not only have upscale features but ones that are completely customized to your exact preferences. You’ll have plenty of time to make these decisions without the rush of balancing out the pros and cons before placing a bid.
