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With the recent success of shows like The Bear, and the general fervour around all things “foodie” these days, homeowners are turning their attention to the kitchen. Specifically, they want to create the kind of streamlined, high-performance kitchen they see in gourmet restaurants.
And why not? A gourmet kitchen renovation nets some serious ROI on resale and makes an immensely attractive feature to prospective buyers. It also allows homeowners to flex their culinary skills and experiment. If you’re in Fort Collins, kitchen remodeling Fort Collins could be the perfect way to elevate your home and enjoy a space that’s both functional and stylish. Here are a few ways to cook up your own restaurant-style kitchen at home.
Invest in High-End Appliances
The main difference between a commercial kitchen and a home kitchen is the appliances. Restaurants use professional-grade stoves (with a gas hookup, of course), double ovens, high-powered blenders, sous vide machines, and more to achieve consistent quality. As you create your new kitchen, consider adding these elements. While you’re at it, throw in a wine fridge to be your own at-home sommelier.
Choose Premium Countertops
Excellent countertops immediately elevate a kitchen. The best ones signal luxury and style while still remaining functional and waterproof. Consider high-end materials like quartz, granite, or marble. Alternatively, opt for a high-end butcher block counter, which has a more rustic quality.
Marry Style and Function with Custom Cabinetry
Whereas countertops start the conversation, custom cabinetry completes the picture. Bespoke cabinets in popular styles like shaker, flat-panel and inset give your kitchen a purposeful, put-together, and cohesive look unmatched by “off-the-rack” cabinet options. Work with a reputable contractor to determine the wood, hardware and finishes that best fit your vision.
Stock Your Kitchen to the Gills
Not every step is about renovating. Remember, the central premise of creating a gourmet at-home kitchen is to eat fantastic food. That said, stock your kitchen with the finest pantry items, produce and protein you can find. If you’re currently on the market for a home you can renovate, talk to experienced realtors about culinarily rich areas in your city – areas dense with fine food stores, veggie stands, butchers, etc. A great realtor can find your perfect neighbourhood with no problem.
Let the Light In
“Windows” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering kitchen renovations. However, lighting is critical to kitchen success – allowing you to prep, cook, and plate more effectively. Consider replacing your current kitchen windows with large, operable windows that allow for plenty of sunlight and cross-breeze to remove smoke, steam, or kitchen smells.
New windows aren’t in the budget? Alternatively, install a robust mix of task, ambient and accent lights to illuminate your kitchen, alongside a statement-y fixture like a chandelier or pendant lights for panache.
Look Into Smart Kitchen Technology
As mentioned above, commercial kitchens are all about efficiency, an ethos that extends to all facets of the kitchen. To ramp up efficiency, consider automated, high-performance smart kitchen essentials like a smart fridge, voice-activated assistant, automated lighting, and smart dishwasher. Not all so-called “smart” appliances are created equal; read this rundown on The Verge of the best smart kitchen products on the market these days.
Follow the steps above, and you’ll be eating like a king every day.
