theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 50 Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-532-4282 Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS f you’re considering renovating or updating your kitchen, here are seven features that have proven to add value ~ both for eventual resale and for your own enjoyment and ease now. Induction Ranges~ This alternative to electric and gas stoves is becoming more popular, better designed, and more affordable. They are more more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and come to temperature more quickly than traditional alternatives. One consistent complaint and issue in earlier models was that tops scratched easily, but manufacturers have made cooking surfaces more durable. Unlike gas cooking surfaces, induction is flameless and therefore reduces the chance of accidental burning, smoking, and kitchen fires. Induction ranges also heat more quickly and precisely. Add to that the ease of cleaning, and you can see why this is an excellent choice in a kitchen! Pot Fillers~ Whether you make pasta four nights a week or not, the convenience of being able to fill a large pot with water without carrying it from the sink to the cooktop is always a luxury. Pot filler faucets start at $200~$300 and only require running a water line to the cooking area~ easy for a plumber to complete when a kitchen is being renovated. Ice Machines~ In addition to your refrigerator’s capacity to make ice, a separate ice machine is a necessity for families who entertain a lot. Again, this is an affordable appliance (around $700 at Home Depot) and requires only an electric source and a water line. Coffee or Wine Bars~ A dedicated area for beverages is becoming one of the most sought-after features in new kitchens. This section of cabinetry is often shallower than the standard countertop depth (9”~ 21” vs 25”) and can accommodate a coffee/ espresso machine and an under-counter wine or beverage refrigerator or ice machine. Wall storage above typically holds mugs, wine, and beverage glasses. Think of it as a bar in the kitchen! Pizza Ovens~ This is a newer luxury we’re seeing more and more in high-end kitchens~ a dedicated oven to make perfect pies at home. An extravagance to be sure, but one that pays off when selling. Statement Countertops~ Countertops in quartzite or soapstone can add over 3% to the sale value of a kitchen, according to House Beautiful. Soapstone has long been a top choice in terms of both durability, function, and look. It’s timeless and classic. Quartzite can be dramatic and can create a focal point, particularly when used on an island. A quick tutorial~ Quartzite is a natural stone and comes directly from the earth. It is mined in slabs, like granite or marble. Engineered quartz is manufactured, more consistent, less expensive, and usually in the range of 90% natural rock, 10% polymer or resin. Although both are popular choices in kitchen countertops, quartzite tends to add greater bottom-line value because each slab is unique and “one of a kind.” Wood Cabinets~ Higher quality woods like white oak and walnut never went out of style, even in the saturated white kitchen days. Like quartzite and soapstone countertops, top-line wood cabinets add real value to newer kitchens because of the warmth and permanence of natural materials and their enduring beauty and timelessness. Good Storage Solutions~ Be it a walk-in pantry, pull-out organizer, spice insert, or corner storage unit, more efficient storage is always a value enhancer. Any or all of these upgrades will make your life easier and show real returns when it’s time to sell your home. Gail Bicknell, Owner/ Designer Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com HINTS HOME FOR THE Add Value to Your Kitchen By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS I slabs, like gran quartz is manu energy efficient, environmental Perigold The Spruce GE Monogram
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