5 Tips for Carving Out A Work From Home Space
- By Geri Reilly
- Posted
A kitchen island can be a great solution to end all flow & function issues in the kitchen but if you make the island too over-sized for what your space allows then it can take away from the functionality of the space. An island counter top that's 36 to 48 inches deep & 36 to 120 inches wide will provide ample work space & enough room for an overhang for sitting. Anything deeper can be hard to use or clean. You also want to make sure there is at least 42 inches between the island & surrounding cabinets.
Don’t forget what a kitchen is for & design for functionality of your different work zones. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest styles & trends but remember to design for you & the needs of your family. Important items to remember are the sink, stove, & fridge should be convenient to one another & plenty of counter space for prep work.
Plan for spaces to expand storage & functionality whether that is pull outs for spices & cooking utensils or storage for kitchen appliances. The last thing you want to do is design a beautiful kitchen that doesn’t meet your storage needs that will be costly to alter.
Ideally, a well-designed kitchen should have at least three types of lighting – general overhead lighting, task lighting to focus on illuminating prep areas, & under cabinet lighting to show off & accent your design elements.
Everything that makes your life easier in the kitchen seems to require power – whether it’s an electric can opener, Kitchen Aid, or even smart devices to look up all your favorite recipes. Your going to want multiple outlets all over the kitchen. If you don’t like the appearance of outlets, there are many ways to hide outlets in the island, back splash, under cabinets or even in a drawer!
If cabinet space allows, having a cabinet dedicated to trash & recycling pull outs will give your new kitchen a polished look by keeping unsightly garbage tucked away. Ideally, position the trash/recycling in a base cabinet opposite of the sink & dishwasher so that you are able to simply pivot as you scrape & load the dishwasher after meals.
Clean windows & screens give the appearance of a well-maintained home. If windows are caked in dust or muck it can make buyers wonder what other home maintenance jobs haven’t been tended to. Clean windows also allow in more light which will help when staging the interior of your home!
Spend a day removing weeds & trimming flowers or hire a professional landscaper to give your gardens a well-kept look. It’s amazing what a refreshed garden can do to your home’s curb appeal!
A quick power wash can take away years of dust & grime to give your home a well-cared for & polished look for potential buyers!
Something as simple as a new doorknob or address signage can give your home a refreshed look. Try replacing the face plate, doorknob or address numbers for a clean new look.
Whether you have chairs by your front entrance or dining furniture on your back porch – try giving your furniture a power wash & new cushions to create a welcoming ambiance that buyers can picture themselves enjoying for years to come.
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