WHAT BUYERS WANT IN A KITCHEN
As the central gathering place and heart of the home, the kitchen continues as a valued and oft-scrutinized space. It’s no surprise, then, that many homeowners yearn to reinvent their kitchen in their next abode.
A survey recently conducted by the National Association of Home Builders proves this, revealing that items like pantries and double sinks rank as “must-have” items within the kitchen. The latter is so important that over two in every five home buyers are unlikely to purchase a residence lacking a double sink.
Among the other kitchen amenities prioritized by respondents are a tablespace for eating (selected by 78% of those polled), a central island (77%), drinking water filtration (76%), recessed lighting (69%), a personalized backsplash (69%), and pull-out shelving (68%).
Michael Sarah, a kitchen remodel expert and owner of Northeast Kitchen and Flooring Center in Johnston, Rhode Island, believes buyers increasingly prefer a tablespace for eating “to accommodate more time being spent both preparing and enjoying meals. And having a central island is a great way to add storage, counter surface, and dining capability to any kitchen that has the available floor space.”
“Water filtration is healthy and avoids having to drink toxins from the public water system. It also is more environmentally friendly, reducing the need for bottled water,” explains Perla Lichi, CEO/ founder of Perla Lichi Design in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Proper illumination in a modern kitchen is key, too, which helps explain the push for more recessed lighting. The latest LED recessed light strips are affordable and efficient for the job.
A customized backsplash and pull-out drawers, meanwhile, provide the perfect means to personalize this room and up the storage and convenience factor.
“A unique backsplash is a design feature that can be matched with lighting, countertops, or cabinetry and make the kitchen sparkle, serving as a crucial focal point,” notes Amy Herman Schechter, a New York Citybased real estate agent and frequent guest on Bravo’s show MDLNY.