Why HGTV Loves Kitchen and Bath Remodels
Watch any show on HGTV, and it’s clear that kitchen and bath remodels are the holy grail of any home remodel, makeover, or renovation. These two rooms get the lion’s share of renovation budgets, and are the ones that make viewers cringe when overused, abused, and left in disrepair. From Flip or Flop to Rehab Addict and every show in between, what is it about these two venues that makes buyers, sellers, and real estate experts rise up in guns, wrenches, and jackhammers? It’s simple: it’s where you spend the most active time in the house.
The houses have passive rooms and they have active rooms. Passive rooms are exactly what they sound like: areas where you kick back, kick back, and relax without feeling an ounce of guilt. These include your living room, bedrooms, and recreation rooms. Even though you may spend most of your time in passive rooms, all you really need is a comfortable place to sit and entertainment at your fingertips. It’s your active rooms that excite and motivate you to make them the best they can be.
Keep active
HGTV professionals tell their customers – and viewers – that kitchens are the heart of your home. It’s where you entertain, which is why the vast majority of people want open concept plans these days. You’ll see homeowners adamant about their island or counter having a stove so they can face the nook, dining room, or living room and interact with their guests while they cook. Hardly anyone wants a kitchen that’s totally separate from the living room, and they certainly don’t want a stove that faces the wall (no matter how flashy the backsplash).
The bathrooms, which may seem like a passive room at first glance, thanks to those relaxing bathtubs or rain showers, are actually a bustle of activity. The HGTV experts strongly recommend powder rooms on the main floors, as nothing is worse than waiting in line to go to the bathroom. Bathrooms are also where you get ready for first dates, the daily grind, a night out with friends, and where you take care of the not-so-fun parts of pampering (like waxing, tweezing, hair coloring, and stuff like that). Kitchen and bath remodels are at the heart of HGTV shows because they reflect what people want: active rooms that are both functional and beautiful.
Turning your home into an HGTV star
You may not have the budget that some at HGTV have (especially when a $100,000+ renovation budget doesn’t look twice), but you can certainly use some of the expert tips and tricks to spruce up these hot rooms. In the kitchen, it is an open concept, natural stone countertops, island and stainless steel appliances. Making a kitchen appear more open without tearing down any walls can be mimicked by painting the cabinets a lighter color, adding stools to the counter area if possible, or squeezing into a table and stool combo. Get a great deal on natural stone by buying local scraps instead of slabs and get up to 90 percent off. Also look for used appliances that are sometimes offered at a great price.
Bathrooms can get that HGTV feel by swapping out fixtures (like brushed metal) instead of full sinks or tubs/showers, painting dark vanities a light color and then brushing with steel wool for a sleek, worn look, and embracing the neutrality instead of wallpaper or walls painted in bright colors. .
Do you need your own expert help? Contact a local renovation specialist for your complete kitchen and bath project today.