Image courtesy of Susan Serra, CKD via Flickr

In our day and age there have been so many household advancements to make our daily lives more streamlined. One of the rooms in our homes which has seen the most improvement is the kitchen. While some kitchen upgrades are hardly noticeable, some make our lives much easier and better. And, as a bonus, add value to your home when you are getting ready to sell.

Dishwasher

If you’ve ever lived without a dishwasher, you know how much time and effort it takes to hand wash and keep all of your dishes clean. Once you’ve gone dishwasher, you’ll never go back. This incredibly useful kitchen upgrade has become a staple in most homes in America, but many older homes still have yet to be upgraded to include this modern convenience.

A dishwasher will save you hours cleaning up after cooking and dining. After hosting even a small dinner party, the ability to throw the dishes into the dishwasher instead of hand washing is a huge time saver. If you are debating making the investment, also consider the energy and water savings most dishwasher offer. While it is busy cleaning and sanitizing your kitchenware, a dishwasher generally uses less water and energy than hand washing, saving you on your utility bills for many years.

Pantry

While new construction homes are built with large kitchen storage areas, not all homes have pantry closets or storage areas. A pantry is a great space to hold and hide all of the extra kitchen goodies that do not fit in your cabinets.

Many people only think of a pantry as a place to store dry goods for easy access, but it can also be used for storing pet food and supplies along with extra kitchen appliances and tools that you don’t want cluttering up your counter space on a daily basis.

Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is great for adding counter space in small or older kitchens where that cooking area is a premium. You can use the space as a primary food prep space and use your other counter space to store your mixer, toaster, and other regularly used appliances.

As a bonus, an island creates extra seating for guests, a place for kids to do homework for extra family time, or even a spot to throw your purse or coat when you walk into the house after a long day at work. In addition to a pantry, you get extra cupboard space under the island for storing pots, pans, and any other kitchen extras you want to keep out of sight.

In-Wall Microwave

Microwaves are often a fixture on the counter at many houses, but putting the microwave in the wall is a brilliant way to add counter space and reduce clutter in your home. Many built-in microwaves can be mounted above the stove and double as a vent and cooking area light.

When picking a built-in appliance, be sure to plan it out so your microwave matches your stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Matching the style and brand add an extra level of class and detail that makes your home more attractive and beautiful.

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