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Upgrade your cold kitchen with these cozy improvements for 2022
The old real estate adage still rings true: “Kitchens sell houses.”
As more homeowners jump on the pandemic project bandwagon, contractors can hardly keep up. Requests for kitchen renovations are flooding in despite record-high inflation and supply chain disruptions. And while some people are in search of more convenient cooking space, others are hoping to add resale value to their homes.
No matter your specific goal, a minor kitchen remodel is always a good idea.
“From a financial standpoint, the best (and smartest) kind of kitchen remodel is one that you can enjoy yourself for a few years before selling,” says the Zillow team. “But if you’re planning on selling, listing your home with a brand-new (or almost brand-new) kitchen is a good way to attract a wide pool of buyers and potentially a higher sale price.”
Now we’re cooking
Leading up to the pandemic, the national average cost for a minor kitchen remodel was $21,198 with an estimated 81.1% ROI. Although prices are up at the moment, such a healthy return is hard to pass up. If you have the time, money, and patience, investing in your kitchen is sure to bring great joy—and future profit—to your family.
Wondering how to spend your money? Experts say 2022 designs are trending toward all things cozy. That means barren walls, straight lines, and modern fixtures are out; warm wood, soothing textures, and creature comforts are in.
“There’s just something about this time of year that makes many of us want to stay inside and luxuriate in the comforts of home,” writes Larissa Runkle of Realtor.com.
Beyond food, we don’t typically think of the kitchen as a place of warmth. It’s not very often that a cold, hard refrigerator gives us those fuzzy feels. Still, you’d be surprised how a few subtle upgrades can completely transform your galley into an inviting sanctuary.
Let’s take a look at this season’s hottest cozy kitchen trends. Order up!
1. Shimmery accents
“A little sparkle does wonders”
Brushed nickel and chrome dominated the fixture space for decades. Now, creative kitchen designers turn to gold not only for warmth—but for that extra special something.
If you’re replacing island lighting, drawer pulls, or backsplash embellishments, consider a metallic shade in the gold or brass family. It’ll make the space feel rich and expensive, but also charming and down-to-earth.
2. Pot racks
“The coziest hangout”
Modern kitchens are beloved for their simplicity. But those minimalist lines, blank surfaces, and hidden appliances read as ‘cold’ and ‘sterile.’ To make things more at home, grant yourself easy access to pots, pans, bowls, and other cooking accessories.
An open shelf, overhead pot rack, or wall-mounted organizer stacked with dishes and cookware puts guests at ease. Your kitchen is lived in—and that’s okay.
3. Natural wood and white
“Gray be gone…finally”
This cottagecore combo is warming up kitchens all across the country. Inspired by the modern farmhouse trend, natural wood and white create the perfect homey ambiance. Together, the shades add visual and textural interest while serving as a simple backdrop for your gold accents to shine.
Interpret the trend in any way that works. A natural wood island, white cabinets, or oak shelving make a welcoming impression.
4. Old-world stoves
“Step into the kitchen…and back in time”
They may cost a pretty penny, but a vintage-inspired stove has a magical effect. Something about the brass burners, soft edges, and intricate woodwork steals the spotlight. All of a sudden, your range becomes the beautiful focal point of the room.
Home chefs may cringe at the cost. But rest assured, an old-world stove is a worthwhile investment. Today’s models look quaint on the outside but come equipped with the latest cook functions including convection bake, broil, and rotisserie.
5. Built-in bookshelves
“A recipe for comfort”
There’s nothing more relaxing than cozying up with a good book and blanket on a cold day. While you strategize your kitchen remodel this winter, make space for your favorite cookbooks and other go-to hardcovers.
Interior designers love using books for decorative display. They convey smart, quiet elegance while bringing fun color and texture to the room. Get ahead of the trend by adding built-in bookshelves to your kitchen cabinetry or a designated cookbook wall.