A recently revamped kitchen will always yield a high return at resale. Interior designers Tracy Blitz Newman and Carol Cinotti of Bryn Mawr’s Carol|Tracy Designs have guided countless Main Line clients through renovations, and they’re tips can be applied to any project, no matter the size or budget.
Organization. “People feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they own, and they’re all looking for ways to organize their kitchens and make them more efficient,” says Cinotti. “Clients want everything off their counters.”
A walk-in pantry, where you can easily see everything you have, is ideal. If not, a shallow pantry—or one with rollout shelving—is also popular.
Function. Cooking isn’t the only thing that’s done in the kitchen. Second to an office, the kitchen is a hot spot for laptops and tablets. “Desks or command centers in kitchens used to be popular,” says Newman.
No more. “Wireless has changed that. People want the convenience of having charging pads in drawers and USB outlets in the island, so they can plug in and work,” Newman says.
Newman and Cinotti recommend designating one drawer with a filing system, so you have a place to store mail, takeout menus and other household papers.
Aesthetics. White kitchens still rank highest in preference, but more people are opting for neutral colors like gray and taupe. “We’ve stained cherry and maple cabinets a deep espresso color,” says Cinotti. “People simply aren’t choosing medium tone woods anymore.”
For countertops, the top choice is Quartzite, a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors—like marble, only more durable.
