Similar to fashion, interior design trends come and go and can be hard to keep up with. What was all the rage in the 80s is not what today’s buyers are looking for. And, when it comes to kitchens, the heart of a home, people don’t want to spend time undoing the past. With the right tips, creating a room that buyers will love and that will last a lifetime can go hand-in-hand. With just a few changes, your sellers can have a move-in ready kitchen that will still appeal to buyers 10 years from now.

Style & Trends

First things first for creating a timeless kitchen - avoid anything that is too trendy or taste-specific. Trends can be fun to implement with styling items that are easily interchangeable, but with more permanent selections like cabinetry or backsplash tile, it's best to avoid bold choices. Design choices made on the interior of the home should be influenced and aligned with the exterior architecture.

Paint Colors

While it may be tempting to try out that bold new color of the year, it's not surprising that buyers prefer neutral tones. Selecting neutral paint for a kitchen will allow buyers to envision a blank canvas where they can insert their own personality, rather than looking at a reflection of the seller’s. Neutral palettes remain timeless, especially when it comes to prepping a home for sale. White is a great, neutral option, but isn’t the only one. Warm grays, taupes, and creams also have the same effect. If your sellers want a bit of color, desaturated blues and greens will draw attention without being too “on trend”.

Lighting & Hardware

When it comes to lighting and hardware choices, clean-lined selections will always prevail over more ornate. In the kitchen, lighting is one of the most important elements, both aesthetically and functionally. It’s possible to choose fixtures that provide ample light on the work surface but whose style will stand the test of time. To further ensure that the kitchen doesn’t look dated, don’t overdo it. A few properly sized, visually appealing fixtures are all a kitchen needs. While some may think it is an unnoticeable, tiny detail, hardware makes a big impact. As the “jewelry” of the kitchen, replacing hardware is a quick, cost-effective way to keep it current. Select hardware that either matches the existing finishes in the kitchen or in a complementary finish that will add character to the rest of the room.

Layout & Storage

In a room that is made for gathering, a layout that lends itself to accessibility and ease of movement will always appeal more to buyers. Striking the right balance between open and closed storage is also very important. Leaving room to display stoneware, fine china, or plants creates a layered room that is easy to change over time based on need. Closed storage remains functional providing space for all the kitchen tools that accumulate. Opting for a shaker door is universal and can work across a number of different styles.

A Timeless Solution

When getting ready to sell, a timeless kitchen will always attract buyers over a trendy one. With our expert, in-house design team, Renovation Sells can help your sellers make the quick, cosmetic updates to transform any outdated kitchen to a buyer’s timeless dream.