If you’re getting the home-improvement itch but can’t afford a re-model but you want more than just re-papering and paint effects then get in the kitchen!
Are you thinking that you‘re about ready to jettison all your old appliances and replace them all with beautiful, new, energy efficiency rated machinery instead then there’s rarely a better time than right now. It’s not just the white goods either, replacing cabinets and shelving is a meaningful way of adding value to your home without undertaking too much additional building work or running the risk of pricing yourself out of your local market when the time comes to sell.
The main stumbling block most people have when choosing machines like dishwashers, washing machines coffee makers and the like is that ‘prestige pricing’ makes the most expensive items look the most appealing while all the time a lower cost item would do just as well. So how do you know if you should just get a cheap washing machine (energy and water efficient of course) or one that’s twice the price?
That’s where consumer reports come in.
Independent consumer groups and publications such as Which? carry out tests on myriad items of consumer hardware all the time and put together
reports which compare and contrast the various attributes of the durables under consideration. Not only that but they also talk to manufacturers, designers and retail groups to find out what the latest trends are so you know, before you part with your cold hard cash, that what you’re buying is on trend so you can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to La Cuisine au Mode. (That’s French for making your friends squirm with jealousy.)
So What’s Hot In Keeping It Chilled?
French door fridge freezers, they offer the styling of an American fridge freezer but are arguably more user-friendly. It’s a designers’ favourite offering the convenience of a side-by side while the freezing all goes on at the bottom meaning that you can’t drop frozen pastry from eye level onto your foot.
Feeling Hippy.
Depending on the space you have available waist height and wall mounted ovens are becoming more popular, if you’re disabled, find bending or lifting at all difficult then a wall mounted oven, as well as a table-top level range, could be just what you’re looking for. It’s easier to see inside, far easier to put things into and take things out of than a floor based oven.
Invest in the Future.
Buying efficient, easy to use, hardwearing, durable white goods is not only an investment in lower bills and longer periods between replacement, you make your kitchen more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
It’s All About the Money Honey.
Not all great design ideas pay off in the long run. Read the consumer reports instead of advertising blurb. Advertisers might tell you that their multi $$$ new feature is life changing but reviewers and testers might have an altogether different take on it. Think about it, we’ve had piped gas and electricity for generations now, any new innovations that are going to be ‘life changing’ are really going to be on their mettle. Think about what sells. You need ease of use and functionability from your kitchen, the idea is to spend as little time in there as you can and when you are in there, you’re in the lap of luxury, not unblocking the sink or defrosting the freezer.