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Don't Overlook These Kitchen Renovation Tips From HGTV's Hilary Farr
By DANIELA KLEIN
Appliances
Hilary Farr advises that homeowners always opt for the best when shopping for kitchen appliances, both to improve their own life and increase resale value.
"Kitchens are the perfect example of blending beauty and function. Now start with function and choose the highest quality appliances that you can possibly afford," Farr said.
Cabinets
New cabinets will make up a considerable chunk of your renovation budget, so don’t dabble with anything too trendy. Simple, tried-and-true designs are your best bet.
"Make sure that the cabinetry is timeless and will do the job of hiding all the clutter that should not be on your countertops," Farr told Desert Financial Credit Union.
Countertop
Farr said, "[T]here are lots of different [countertop] products out there in different ranges of price and look, so choose the one that's right for you."
According to Farr, you should pay attention to quality and potential maintenance. She loves quartz, which is maintenance-free and comes in a huge array of colors
and looks.
Hardware
Farr isn’t a fan of statement hardware. "I rarely want to make kitchen hardware a feature, especially if it's open concept, because it becomes distracting," she said.
Instead of browsing blingy bars and oversized half-moon handles, keep your eyes peeled for streamlined, simple pulls and small knobs. Edge handles are a good, discreet option.
Budget
Farr stated, "There's no money that is too much to spend on a kitchen; it's the room you use every single day of your life, and you'll get that money back when
you sell."
Investing in your kitchen is worth it, as a full kitchen remodel can increase a home's value by 4.8% on average, or $15,000. However, don’t financially overextend yourself.