The One Room Christina Haack Says Is Worth Investing In For Major Profits

If you've ever wondered which room of the house people prioritize over all the others, then it's no surprise experts like Christina Haack know the answer. While some might assume it would be the living room or even the master bedroom, it turns out that the kitchen is held in higher regard than these. This room holds many of your important appliances, provides a place to cook and store food, and acts as a hub for social interactions. Kitchen renovations actually account for a large percentage of upgrades people invest in, and for good reason. When this space features top of the line fixtures and appliances as well as a clean, stylish aesthetic, it can raise the price people will pay for a home. With that in mind, it's no wonder Haack agrees that it is the main room worth investing in when renovating before resale.

Haack is no stranger to tips and trends that can make a property worth more, and the kitchen is one place you shouldn't skimp according to her. During an interview with House Beautiful, Haack said, "The kitchen's my favorite room in the house. It's what I feel like buyers are most interested in." She's not alone in thinking that this space is essentially the hub of a home, as it's where people gather, talk, eat, and spend a good amount of time. In fact, studies show Americans spend about 1,000 hours in their kitchen over the course of a year, which means it is one of the most used areas.

Ensuring your kitchen is both up to date and functional, as well as stylish, is a good way to pull in potential buyers. Factors to consider when renovating your kitchen include the appliances, fixtures, flooring, cabinets, and the countertops. The good news is that you can sell your home for a potentially higher price than if you'd kept the outdated elements. People see an average recompense of 50% after a mid-range upgrade, according to The Journal of Light Construction. While the initial expense might seem high because you are leaving and will no longer be using it, others will put down more money on a home they see as advantageous and upgraded.

Christina Haack likes an open, airy kitchen, but regardless of how you decorate, keep the rest of your home in mind. You want the finish of your kitchen to flow with the other areas in your dwelling, otherwise an ultra modern or fancy cooking space surrounded by more dated rooms will leave buyers wanting. If you're renovating your cabinets, consider building them up to the ceiling to create more space and style. The empty or negative area between the top of your cabinets and your ceiling can create a useless, dust-collecting nook that people don't want. This could negatively affect people's decision on the kitchen or the whole house. In fact, storage is very important overall when renovating or upgrading, so make sure that is a top priority when picking what to spend your money on.

Storage isn't the only factor to focus on when renovating your kitchen. The color and accents make a big difference, especially if you're changing out a bold design. While non-traditional moody kitchens can certainly be fun to try, people who are house hunting often prefer simple designs that allow them to put themselves in the dwelling and imagine what their time there will be like. A blank canvas is going to help this. Stick with neutral palettes when choosing your materials and appliances. Clean lines and colors will also help your home appeal to potential buyers.

Countertops can contribute to the overall value of your kitchen, so prioritize using materials that are easy to maintain. Picking something that can match a variety of styles and themes will help with the neutrality tip, too. Flooring also makes a big difference. Your kitchen comes into contact with a lot of moisture, foot traffic, spills, dirt, and general wear, so installing durable options will also help your home sell. Some of the best flooring options for the kitchen include vinyl and tile. These are usually easier to clean, repel liquids and moisture, and give the space a tidy, stylish finish. For your appliances, choose a classic material like stainless steel to help play into the blank canvas you're trying to create for potential buyers.