Kitchens have long been described as the heart of the home. Previously reserved for owner-occupiers, entertainment-worthy kitchens are now increasingly expected by tenants too. Despite this, the kitchen is often the most neglected space, despite its importance, and is the reason many properties packed with potential sit on the market, leading to costly void periods.
But things are gradually changing. Landlords are tapping into the most lucrative way to gain money fast, through the kitchen. Thankfully, as this awareness is growing as we are seeing a remarkable shift in the best returns. Kitchens are becoming the core entertainment space, and their aesthetic and functionality have never been more critical.
If you are looking to significantly increase the value of your property for rent or sale, we’ve a few tips to help you select the right kitchen design – All of which we’ve tried, tested, and proven with our successful projects. Make sure to read to the end for the case studies that show how we have doubled value through renovations centred around kitchen improvements.
Key Design Elements Shaping Kitchen Trends
Embrace Bolder Hues and Fresh Tones
Kitchen interior design has reached new heights, and tapping into a more diverse colour palette than the safe neutrals has become a thing. Whether it’s adding a soft touch or making a bold statement, the right hue and tone can make all the difference. Whether it’s the use of forest greens to evoke a connection with nature, or deep blues to add depth, or sunshine yellows for a cheerful start to the day, choose a colour that resonates with you.
Innovative and Inclusive Layouts
Modern home layouts emphasise incorporating the kitchen into the living and dining areas by keeping things open and stylish. Many people enjoy socialising while cooking, and island or peninsula layouts with L-shaped or U-shaped styles are ideal for hosting and engaging in great conversations while the stew simmers.
Hidden Storage for Cookware and Kitchen Secrets
For connoisseurs of diverse cuisines who need their kitchens stacked with ingredients from all around the world, storage innovations are a must. From rotating Lazy Susans to sort the seasonings, to hidden pantries for storing the good stuff, pull-out shelves and drawers, undersink organisers, and integrated appliances, storage solutions deserve attention.
Sensory Pleasing Lighting and Textures
Whether it’s using reeded panels for the countertop sides and cabinets or adopting new trends like the waterfall splashbacks near the sink or hobs, textures and patterns can create a cohesive aesthetic. They also help in layering and adding more contrast. Similarly, different types and styles of light fixtures, like LEDs for panels, ceiling and under-cabinet lighting, are both appealing and add utility value.
Sustainable and Mindful Kitchen Ideas
Along with state-of-the-art design features, incorporating eco-friendly elements is a modern kitchen requirement to consider. While bamboo looks elegant on worktops and flooring, reclaimed wood can give a rustic finish to cabinets. Recycled glass and quartz countertops, paired with antimicrobial cork flooring, are other eco-friendly alternatives to create pleasing visuals. The beauty of using such sustainable materials is that they are durable, easy to maintain, and hide spots and stains well.
How InStyle Direct Doubles Rent Through the Kitchen
As one of London’s leading renovation and interior design companies, InStyle Direct offers bespoke kitchen designs and layouts for developers, landlords and homeowners. Our expert designers and experienced project managers work together to ensure the use of high-quality materials and seamless project completion for improvements that stand the tets of time.
Whether it’s the smooth Scandinavian edges or the minimalist-infused Japandi style, we offer a wide range of kitchen themes and styles that have helped double landlords’ incomes.
We used our furnishing & refurbishment Services to double the rent of this property, instantly increasing the monthly rent from £4,100 to £8,500.
Similarly, we doubled the rent of a Portfolio Landlord’s Notting Hill Gate property from £1,200 to £2,200 through clever refurbishment paired with thoughtful furnishing.
All of our refurbishment and interior design work is completed under one roof at InStyle Direct. This ensures maximum efficiency, smooth project management, and minimal disruption. By managing everything from concept to completion in-house, we streamline the process, which eliminates the typical delays associated with juggling multiple contractors.
Our approach not only saves time but also enables landlords to achieve the best possible returns. We have extensive experience across all London boroughs and have trialled and tested what delivers in each area to each specific target market ,so all expenditure is strategically guided, not guesswork.
