A rainy day dream kitchen.

A rainy day dream kitchen.

A rainy day dream kitchen     by Greg Perry Kirkland Realtor      Kirkland Real Estate

It's one of those cold, rainy and dreary days here on the Eastside.  Not fit to be out in, but one of those great dream building days.  Here's some thoughts on a dream kitchen.

A good kitchen is not only functional, but is also the social hub of most homes.  When I ask Buyers about their wish list for their new home, a large modern kitchen is normally at the top of their list.  What makes your dream kitchen?  Here are some ideas of the latest trends in kitchen layout and amenities:

•à       Deluxe cabinetry with all the bells and whistles.  Engineers and designers have come up with hundreds of interior pull out and swing out features that make functionality and storage a dream.  For the exterior, there are many door styles, specialty fillers, bookcases, wine racks, moldings, glass doors and hardwoods to choose from.  Glaze finishes are popular.  Closed grain hardwoods are popular, open grain woods like once popular oak are out. Don't forget updated hardware, such as the popular oiled bronze look, brushed nickel and pewter.  Antique brass, polished chrome and porcelain hardware are more dated.

•à       Kitchen islands with an extra preparation sink and disposal.

•à       Top-of-the line built in stainless steel dishwashers.  Full door and pull out drawer models made by European manufactures are popular.  Extreme kitchens have dish washing drawers in the island next to the prep sink.

•à       Fancy kitchen sinks.  Apron front, copper and industrial stainless are all hot choices.  Expensive multi task faucets are a must!

•à       Professional 6 burner ranges.   It's all about professional gas cook tops that rival the best restaurant equipment.

•à       Convection ovens.

•à       Whisper quiet, commercial quality range hoods.

•à       Built in wine coolers.

•à       Built in warming trays and ovens.

•à       Built in microwaves with matching cabinet fronts.

•à       Built in stainless steel Sub-Zero Refrigerators.

•à       Granite and other exotic stone counters or poured cement counters.  Backsplash areas with exotic porcelain tile design and textures.

•à       Walk in pantries with upscale storage systems.

•à       Recessed lighting, undercabinet lighting and contemporary accent lights.

•à       Tile, cork or hardwood floors

Go ahead, dream away!  As you're dreaming, remember that when your kitchen remodel is complete, it just may add more value to your home than you spent!  (See cost vs. value, deluxe kitchen). 

Greg Perry, Kirkland Realtor  gregperry@working-for-you.com