You’ve probably heard that “the kitchen is the heart of the home,” and many people pay extra attention to a home’s kitchen before deciding where to live. In fact, a kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful updates you can make to a living space, so if you’re looking to add value to an apartment or multifamily property, consider starting there.
While certain factors, such as budget and the size of the space you’re working with, are sure to drive your strategy, here are some ideas for where to start.
Install Modern Appliances
Modern appliances are a major draw for renters. While refrigerators, ovens and other appliances with stainless-steel and other premium finishes add beauty and prestige to a space, contemporary models also tend to be environmentally friendlier than older appliances, leading to notable energy savings. Smart appliances, or those residents can monitor and interact with from outside of the home via a smartphone, also streamline everyday life, making them especially appealing to today’s busy renters.
Upgrade the Flooring
In kitchens, flooring is sometimes an afterthought, but kitchen floors see a whole lot of foot traffic, making them susceptible to wear, tear and damage over time. When it comes to kitchen floors, consider incorporating a material that’s resistant to odors and easy to clean in the event of spills. Great choices include tile and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Incorporate New Hardware
Home design trends come and go, and some just might be better left in the past. Just as the use of certain metals can date a space, incorporating more modern metals into drawer pulls, cabinet hardware, and similar elements gives a kitchen a fresh look and feel for a reasonable cost. Stainless steel, black, and chrome accent hardware are solid, timeless choices.
Swap Out Old, Tired Cabinetry
While a kitchen is a big contributor to an apartment or condo’s overall appeal, the cabinets paramount to a Kitchen’s appeal. A kitchen’s cabinetry is also a major focal point in many apartments and may be visible from the dining and living areas, so it’s wise to choose cabinets that work well with a home’s existing design scheme.
Incorporate a Backsplash
Backsplashes dominate many modern kitchen designs. While these decorative features add beauty and charm to a space, they’re also highly functional by preventing moisture, grease and spills from coming in contact with the walls. Using subway or mosaic tiles are sure way to add pop and appeal to your kitchen.
Add New Light Fixtures
The lighting in a kitchen affects everything from its usability to its ambiance. In addition to upgrading overhead lighting, consider adding modern lighting elements, like under-cabinet lights, to make a kitchen easier for residents to navigate after dark. It’s also wise to swap out standard lightbulbs for LED models to help save on energy costs.
A kitchen can make or break a space in the minds of today’s renters, and perhaps more so than any other part of a home. Using one or more of these ideas to enhance and revive an old, tired space can make your multifamily home stand apart from the pack – and lead to a significant return on your investment by helping you charge more money for the space you already have.
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