Selling Your Home in San Diego? Remodel Your Kitchen and Sell Quicker
The southern California region around San Diego is a highly-sought after real estate market. Many people looking to live or work in the area look to buy homes or rent commercial spaces in places such as Poway and El Cajon. If you are making plans to sell your home in this area (or any area really), it helps to make sure that your kitchen is in great shape before listing. A small investment to remodel your kitchen can help you attract more bids and sell your house faster. Read on to learn more.
Why the kitchen?
Prospective home buyers will inspect each and every part of the house you’re selling, including the outdoor areas. And all of these areas matter to them. In fact some homebuyers are sold by the spacious and well-manicured backyard or an elegant master bedroom. But the one area that is never hit-and-miss is the kitchen.
The kitchen is the most focal room in the house. It is a very active space and it is quite exposed to everyone that comes into the house. Also, for most wives, the kitchen is their playground and they would like for it to be perfect if they are to buy the property.
Cool touches to consider for a modern kitchen
One of the most sought-after looks for kitchens today is a clean and elegant modern design. And you can remodel your kitchen to get this look in a number of ways.
i. New appliances:
Install new modern appliances, preferably in stainless steel. This includes a refrigerator, cooker oven, microwave, wine cooler, etc.
ii. Brighter walls:
A dull kitchen tends to look smaller and is functionally harder to work in. Brighten up your kitchen by painting the walls. Shades of white are perfect for a modern look and other bright colors are good options too. Also consider swapping dull cabinet doors and drawers for brighter hues.
iii. Better lighting:
Install modern lighting. Some of the favorite lighting options for modern kitchens include recessed ceiling lighting and pendant lights.
iv. Modern furniture:
Get rid of any worn furniture and set up some cozy and functional alternatives. One must-have is a set of stools for your breakfast nook or island.
v. Flooring:
Worn or ugly tiles have no place in a modern house that is up for sale. Plain ceramic tiles or wooden flooring are great options.
Other important rooms you could work on
If you have already worked on your kitchen, or if you think your kitchen is in pretty good shape, there are a number of other areas you could also work on to make your property highly attractive to prospective buyers in El Cajon and Poway. They include:
Master bathroom: Install a “his and hers” sink and a shower enclosure. A bath tub would be nice too if possible.
Master closet: Make sure the closet is large enough and bright. A large closet will go a long way in impressing buyers.
Living room: Create a relaxed atmosphere with lots of natural light, comfy seating, and touches of modern décor.
Outdoors: Add green grass and shrubbery to the outdoor and install recreational seating areas such as a patio, pergola, gazebo, raised deck, etc.
If you need kitchen remodeling El Cajon experts, look no further than Creative Design and Build. We serve all of San Diego including Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, and Del Mar.
Here’s How You Can Add More Storage Space To Your Kitchen
Storage is often a big factor when it comes to designing, constructing or remodeling kitchens. Without sufficient storage, a kitchen can quickly lose its functionality and allure. Are you struggling with storage issues in your kitchen? Below are some great ideas on how to carve out more storage space from your kitchen, besides the normal cabinets and drawers, of course. 
Pantries
If you need a lot of storage in your kitchen then a pantry is a must-have for you. A pantry allows you to carve out an entire section dedicated solely to storing pots, pans, and food supplies. And although it only takes up a small amount of your floor space, a pantry can hold a lot. They are especially ideal for storing supplies or utilities that you don’t necessarily use every day, such as blenders or long term storage food such as cans and jars. And you don’t need to worry about a pantry ruining the style of your kitchen. Modern pantry designs can complement your kitchen space or even camouflage it.
Hidden storage compartments
If you need extra storage and would still like to maintain a clean or minimalistic look on your kitchen then hidden storage is right for you. The same applies to homeowners with tiny kitchens. Hidden storage is very functional because you can cram a lot of items within a very small space. And because the compartment stays hidden 95% of the time, you don’t have to worry that it may look cluttered. Simple pull-out storage compartments, for example, are clever and make great use of spaces that might otherwise go underutilized.
Kitchen island storage
Do you have a kitchen island? Are you planning on installing one during your kitchen remodeling Poway project? Approximately half of all kitchen islands have no storage compartments built into them. This is unfortunate considering that islands provide great storage potential. Not only is it a lot of space, you can effectively utilize all of it. You could install an entire pantry under a kitchen island, for example. This would greatly allow you to declutter your space. And with use of clever cabinet doors, you could easily make it hidden storage
Countertop storage
If you are desperate for storage space in your kitchen you could compromise and go for countertop storage. The free space on and above countertops can be cleverly used to hold a lot of items. The best way to go about it is to install open shelves on the countertops. That way you can maximize on both the lateral and the vertical space. You can then load them up with storage jars, spice containers, canned foods, cutlery, and more. With this approach you don’t even have to use up much of your countertop space. A few racks or shelves might be all you need.
We hope this helps with your kitchen storage challenges. If you need help installing storage solutions in your Poway kitchen let us know and we’ll discuss all the viable options and designs with you.
5 Growing Kitchen Trends To Look Out For In 2020
2020 is around the corner. And if you’re planning to take on a kitchen remodeling San Diego project next year, you must be wondering what trends will be hot then and after. Without a doubt, some design trends are slated to dominate the kitchen scene in the next decade. Some may be fresh off the boat and others may be older styles getting back in vogue. Check them out below and see if there’s any that gets you excited.
- Colors and more colors
2019 and the years before it has seen the varieties of colors used in kitchens reduce significantly. Minimalist and contemporary designs have led to kitchens with two or just three colors. In 2020 expect to see colors roaring back into the kitchens. We’re talking bright colors everywhere from the floors to the walls and furniture. Bright colors such as yellow, orange and blue are expected to be the top favorites. Kitchens will also feature bright décor pieces such as artwork in form of wall hangings and centerpieces.
- Open space kitchens
Open plan kitchens are already a thing. A lot of kitchen remodels today entail knocking down walls to create a direct line of sight from the kitchen to the living or dining room. In 2020 open plan kitchens will get even bigger. Designers and home owners will push the envelope on just how open kitchens can be. There’s going to be hardly any line separating the kitchens from the living rooms. Expect to see concepts that merger both areas into one warm, functional, and busy space.
- Handleless storage spaces
Who needs kitchen handles in the next decade? Kitchen cabinets and drawers will not be left behind in 2020. In an effort to get cleaner designs with even more modern touches, storage handles are likely to get the cold shoulder. Expect to see more cabinet designs that feature the more modern push-to-open technology. This trend will provide better design flow not only visually, but also functionally.
- Wood
Wood, too, has been making a slow comeback to the kitchen scene in recent years. In 2020 wood will get even bigger and most kitchens will feature it in varying degrees. Expect to see more rustic themes or ambitious designs that blend wood with modern materials such as concrete or marble. Designers will push for more wood on countertops, vaulted ceilings, flooring, kitchen islands, and assorted kitchen furniture.
- Black is the new white
Even as color makes a comeback in 2020, black will also enjoy more uptake in the market. Homeowners have been warming up to it in recent years and this momentum is not going to slow down. In any case, designers are likely to find a balance between applying black and shades of other bright colors. Expect to see more black on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, cabinets, kitchen furniture, and kitchen fittings.
What trends are you looking forward to in 2020 as far as kitchen and bathroom remodeling San Diego is concerned?
Tips On How To Make A Small Kitchen Appear Bigger
Not every house is lucky enough to have a sprawling kitchen with lots of space and lots of storage. Small housing units can only manage tiny kitchens on their floor space. And these often sport galley or Pullman kitchen layouts. Whatever the case, if you have a small kitchen you might be asking yourself how to make it look bigger. Well, here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Install smaller appliances
Large appliances are not the best fit for small kitchens. They take up too much space and actually make the room appear smaller than it is due to the effects proportionality. So instead of using the same size fridge, cookers, and dishwashers that you’d use in a large kitchen, go for smaller appliances. They cost less and they will fit in your small kitchen better. This single trick alone can free up as much as 40% of your kitchen space.
Avoid overhead storage cabinets
Almost every kitchen today has overhead storage cabinets. That is where most people store extra cutlery, canned food, and various kitchen accessories. Functionality aside, overhead storage does not work well for small kitchens in terms of space. They take up valuable space and box the room in making it appear much smaller than it is. If you get rid of this overheard storage, you get to free up about a foot and a half of space all along the walls. If yours is a galley kitchen that amounts to about 3 feet of overhead space all around. That is a lot of space for a small kitchen and freeing it up can make a huge difference.
Declutter and adopt a minimalist look
Small spaces, especially kitchens, do not have the luxury of clutter. Larger homes and larger kitchens can manage to accommodate clutter because there’s lots of space to stash it in. But in smaller spaces, the clutter edges in on valuable limited space. And that is not practical or sustainable. So declutter and only store food supplies to last you a week. Keep your workspace clean and clear and maintain a minimalist design where you only stock the basics. This will have a tremendous effect on your kitchen by psychologically giving off the impression of space.
Let in lots of light
You can also make your tiny kitchen look bigger than it is by adding more light to it. Darker spaces tend to look smaller than they are. And that could be because dark areas are not very visible and therefore they appear not to exist. Let in more light into your small kitchen by fitting bigger windows where possible. You can also give your kitchen an open layout to let in more light from the living room area. And thirdly, you can install better lighting. Four, you can brighten your walls to help retain and reflect light better.
If you are in need of kitchen remodeling Carlsbad contractors, you have come to the right place. Creative Design & Build has the expertise and experience to transform your kitchen space no matter what size it is. Book your remodel today and enjoy 15% OFF!
Why Visiting A Showroom Is Critical When Choosing Your Next Kitchen Remodel Contractor
Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting undertaking.You have all these wonderful ideas and concepts flashing through your eyes and you can’t wait to get it all done. If executed well, a kitchen remodel can add convenience, class, and value to your home. To make sure that your kitchen remodel goes well so that you can enjoy all these things we advise that you pop into a showroom when choosing your kitchen remodel contractor. And here’s why:
See their expertise and skills firsthand
A showroom allows you to experience firsthandwhat your kitchen remodeling contractor can do for you. It takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation and saves you a lot of time. Instead of looking at pictures online, on a catalogue, or in an email you get to see the real thing – in person. One minute into a showroom and you can already tell if the designer fits your style or not. You will clearly see what their design strengths are and what architectural styles they lean towards. You may not even need to ask about their past work or request referrals of past clients. Everything you need to see is right in front of you. And this helps save you from choosing the wrong contractor for the job.
Discuss designs and trends one on one
Another great perk of visiting a showroom is that you get to discuss your remodel needs in a space where you can clearly explain what you want. You can point at various types of lighting, compare different types of countertops, go over various tile designs, and basically explore almost all design ideas within a practical setting. Even if you previously had no idea of what you wanted, the showroom will allow you to practically put together a vision of what design elements you’d like in your dream kitchen. This will allow you to explain your vision to the kitchen contractor, and vice versa. Communication on what you want and what they will/can do is therefore very clear and very easy as well. And that greatly helps to prevent mistakes within the entire process.
Experiment to see what works and what doesn’t
Within a kitchen design showroom you and your contractor have the ability to do a little experimenting as you try to put together the vision for your dream kitchen. It’s the perfect space for you to see what within your vision will work and what will need to be changed. From countertops to appliances, and even wall paint, a showroom will enable you to see which design ideas are good and which ones you need to rethink. And the same works for the remodel contractor. All this helps to ensure that you get better results in the end.
If you are on the hunt for a kitchen remodeling Carlsbad contractor we are just what your kitchen and home needs. Get in touch and we can set up a meet at our showroom to discuss how to bring your dream kitchen to reality.
5 Signs That Your Kitchen Needs A Remodel
The kitchen is easily the most renovated space in any part of any house. This is largely due to the fact that the kitchen experiences the most hours of tear and wear in any given household. By a rough estimate, most domestic kitchens will need some sort of renovation every five years. And that should beg the question – when was the last time your kitchen got a remodel? Below, see how you can tell whether it’s time to give your kitchen a facelift.
1. Outdated paint or wallpaper
The walls of a kitchen will betray the age and neglect that it has endured over the years. If your kitchen has peeling paint, stained wallpaper, or smoke-covered ceilings, that’s an indicator that the space could do with a fresh coat of paint and some new vibrant colors to brighten up the place again. Luckily, these are easy areas to cover. It can take as little as a day to repaint the walls; and it doesn’t cost as much.
2. Squeaky and leaking faucets
Plumbing is the key infrastructure of any given kitchen. If your kitchen has squeaky faucets or leaky pipes then that’s a clear indicator that your plumbing system needs a critical look. You may need to install new faucets and have the drain pipes reworked as well. This will help ward off leaks and burst/blocked drain pipes that could damage the walls, cause rot, and eventually stall your kitchen operations, albeit temporarily (but not without costing you some good money, of course).
3. Not enough floor space
With time, kitchens are becoming bigger and bigger. While kitchens in the past just needed to be nooks where food could be cooked and prepared in, today’s kitchens have taken over other mandates such as entertaining guests and even sharing meals. Plus, modern kitchens have to hold a lot, from appliances to pantries. So if your kitchen is starting to feel a little small, chances are that it is. And with a remodel you just may be able to increase the floor space and create a larger space.
4. Poor layout
Poor layout in a kitchen will greatly hinder its functionality. The various spaces in the kitchen need to flow seamlessly in order to allow maximum output when preparing meals, cooking, serving meals, or when cleaning up. If your kitchen’s layout is inhibiting this flow then perhaps you need a remodel to reorganize it. You could move different things about and create a new layout that puts everything where it needs to be.
5. Outdated electronics
Another way to tell if your kitchen needs to be guided into the modern era is outdated electronics. No one is saying that a kitchen has to have all the bells and whistles. But it wouldn’t hurt either if you can afford it. Besides, outdated electronics will need to be replaced eventually. If you invest in modern electronics you’ll improve the efficiency of your kitchen, increase the value of your home, and probably save more on electricity because newer electronics are likely to be more eco-friendly.
Need kitchen remodeling San Diego experts? Look no further. Creative Design & Build can reimagine your kitchen and add modern, elegant touches to it.
