Whether buying or selling a home, the kitchen is always a major topic of discussion. A beautiful kitchen makes a strong impression and sellers often find themselves in a quandary deciding how much to invest in kitchen improvement in order to make the home attractive to potential buyers. I recommend my clients to Joan Bigg, a kitchen and bath designer with an excellent reputation and a wealth of experience.
Joan recently worked with a couple who consulted her because they had decided to put their home on the market in three weeks and wanted to know if she could put in a new kitchen in that time frame. Joan advised them that a brand-new kitchen would take more time than that, but gave them some useful tips for selling:
1. Get rid of the clutter;
2. Fix anything that is broken, such as tiles, cabinet doors etc.;
3. Paint the cabinets; everybody likes white and a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets will brighten up the kitchen;
4. Install new knobs and hardware;
5. Replace the kitchen sink and faucet for a fresh look;
6. Replace appliances - she recommends stainless steel;
7. Paint the walls;
8. Add new rugs and mats for color.
These quick fixes work not only for sellers in a rush, but also for buyers who want to freshen-up the kitchen and have it last a few years before they invest in a renovation. After all, a kitchen renovation is an investment of time and money.
If you are staying in the house for at least 5 to 10 years, then a kitchen remodel is worth it. You will reap the enjoyment of a kitchen designed for your needs and a well-designed kitchen will give you a great return on your investment.
According to Joan, the kitchen is the "heart of the home, people gather there - it's not just for cooking". And, most importantly, it must meet the needs of the homeowner. Her motto is "function first, then design". When planning a design, she always takes into consideration the family's lifestyle, i.e., how many people will be cooking; would an island, or two, be functionally useful? Whether the style is traditional, eclectic, contemporary or rustic, Joan generally recommends sticking with a clean, crisp palette. She advises, "Do not install busy, taste-specific granite counter tops or tiles - keep the stationary things clean and quiet and accessorize to your taste".
Joan's guide for homeowners planning a new kitchen:
1. Know it will take time and be disruptive.
2. Consult a professional for structural changes as well as design.
3. Decide what appliances you will want to install.
4. Consider your lifestyle in the design and when selecting materials.
5. When hiring a kitchen designer, look for one who is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and get at least 3 referrals.
Unlike most kitchen designers, Joan is also an interior designer. In her words, "I see your whole space - the light, the shape of the room and the needs of your household - as part of a palette." She's also a cabinet dealer, therefore, without a middle-man, her prices are more reasonable. There are different levels and pricing for custom cabinetry; sometimes it is best to install plain, less expensive cabinets and add nice hardware. Joan knows how to order cabinets to get the best return for your investment.
Joan Bigg worked as an interior designer for 7 years after graduating from the New York School of Interior Design. She then decided to specialize in kitchens, baths and cabinetry and formed her own kitchen and bath design company in 2001. Her business is mainly referral-based and she has built her company on trust and relationships. She is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and was named "Woman of the Year 2012-2013" by the National Association of Professional Women. She works on big and small projects, including space-planning, color consultation, and client representation on large projects. If you are considering a kitchen or bath remodel, take a look at her website www.joanbiggdesign.comand give her a call 914.805.0873 or email her for a free initial consultation.
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment