From Bland Kitchens To Sold Signs: How To Make A Kitchen Look More Luxurious
As a property developer, you know you only get one chance to make a first impression on potential buyers and renters.
One thing that can quickly turn a buyer off is a dated kitchen – even if the rest of the property is perfectly pristine. After all, most people spend a lot of time in their kitchen and want a space that feels modern and functional.
At Mardesign, we get it. We know how strategic interior design can help you add value to your property, which is why we have worked with lots of property developers like yourself to transform bland kitchens into modern masterpieces.
Keep on reading to find out more about our process and why the heart of the home deserves a bit more care and attention.
Why kitchens matter: the ROI of luxury
One of the first spaces buyers look for is the kitchen. Getting it right through its design and luxurious finishes can have a dramatic impact on the asking price and time spent on the market.
How? Take a look:
Emotional appeal: When someone walks into a modern kitchen, they automatically start to think of gourmet meals and family gatherings. This emotional connection will be the thing that makes them invest/rent.
Command a higher price: If you have a higher-end kitchen, you will be able to command higher rental prices for the property as a whole.
Curb appeal: You don’t have to have a huge property to attract better-qualified buyers. A well-designed kitchen will have all the curb appeal you need to attract tenants.
The power of good design
Luxury isn't just about using the most expensive materials you can find – it's about creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
When we get started on a new project, these are the first things we think about in the kitchen:
Cabinets: These are an important, functional part of your kitchen, but you can also use them to make a design statement. Consider replacing outdated cabinet doors with sleek, modern panels in rich wood tones or sophisticated dark colours.
Countertops: The countertop is a focal point of the kitchen. Choose materials like natural stone that offer timeless elegance and a luxurious feel. If natural stone isn't in your budget, consider high-quality laminates that mimic the look of stone.
Backsplashes: Don't underestimate the power of a backsplash. It elevates the space and protects walls from splashes. The timeless choice is a stone-top and backsplash, however, to keep everything within budget, we'd recommend using a composite stone that is durable, cost-efficient, and looks amazing. You can still follow the trend of subway tiles, or get creative with mosaic tiles.
Lighting: Layered lighting is key to creating a luxurious ambiance, so replace generic overhead fixtures with statement pieces like pendant lights. You may also want to consider adding under-cabinet lighting for a touch of elegance and improved functionality.
Don’t forget about the finishing touches
Once we have the foundational elements in place, it's time to add the finishing touches that will transform the kitchen.
Start with the hardware for a quick transformation. Swap out generic cabinet pulls and knobs for luxurious options in brushed nickel, brass, or even crystal depending on your style. The same goes with your appliances; although stainless steel appliances are a classic choice, panelled appliances give a seamless, high-end look.
The right flooring also completes the picture. Consider hardwood floors in a rich stain for warmth and timeless appeal. Luxury vinyl plank flooring that mimics wood can also be a budget-friendly option if you don’t have a big budget for your project.
If you are hosting open houses and want to make your property look more lived-in, you could add in some luxurious textiles through high-quality kitchen towels, runners, or pot holders. This way, potential buyers and tenants will really be able to imagine themselves living in the space.
The Mardesign approach
Kitchens sell homes. But bland kitchens repel buyers. At Mardesign, we've been working with property developers for years, transforming kitchens from turn-offs to turnkeys.
We understand how important it is to balance your budget and ROI, all while creating a luxurious look that appeals to potential buyers and renters.
We typically join a project towards the beginning, so we have time to make the biggest impact possible. We’ll help you plan out your project, get your head around the budget, and make sure that we’re hitting (and exceeding) your ROI goals every step of the way.
Upgrade your next project with Mardesign
Mardesign is not just an interior design firm. We will become your trusted project partner that will support you every step of the way.
We create luxury kitchens that attract potential buyers, so you can start renting out your property as soon as possible – with higher rents, too.
If you want to find out more about what we do and how we can help you with your next project, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Check out what investors say.
“Most noteworthy is Raquel’s gift of being able to extract the best work from all allied teams while seeing the projects to completion within the deadline. Raquel is a formidable leader, contributor, as well as and excellent team player. Her work across multiple casinos, restaurants speaks for immense talent. FF&E, design, CA all form part of her masterful arsenal when delivering projects from concept to handover.’”
—Shibani Talashilkar. Westar Int. Architects