Maybe you’re tired of your outdated stove and lackluster cabinets. Or, perhaps you just moved into your new digs and you want to make them your own. A kitchen remodel is one of the smartest projects you can do in your home thanks to its generally high return on investment. That’s why nearly 80% of home renovations happen in the kitchen – just after bathroom remodels.
No matter where you live, this is a great opportunity to imagine your dream kitchen and implement high-performing electric technologies in your home.
Intelligent Appliances
An upgrade to outdated appliances should accompany any kitchen renovation. After all, why keep your outdated microwave, stove or refrigerator if it’s no longer working for you like it should? From TVs and docking stations to smart coffee makers that can be programmed to turn on before you’re downstairs in the morning – a remodel is an opportunity to rethink how you want your indoor spaces to work for you.
One energy-saving feature to consider is known as induction cooking. It is twice as energy efficient as gas-powered stoves. Induction cooktops are electric, but they use magnetic currents created by copper coils to heat up your pots and pans. Studies show that advanced electric heat pump appliances are between three and five times more efficient than gas appliances.
Smart, Attractive Lighting
There’s no better way to transform the look of a room than with improved lighting. But different color temperature, lumens and wattage can alter the quality of light. With so many options in this area, you’ll need to take your time sorting through them. Recessed can lights, or downlights, have become very popular, and installing them requires figuring out what kind of bulbs work in your particular space and the best placement for them. You may decide to bring in pendants to add elegance and style to your dining nook.
No matter what your lighting needs are, Ketra lights can probably solve them. These bulbs combine the latest in lighting technology with beauty and energy efficiency. Advancements like Ketra lighting are making lighting more high-tech than before. These LEDs have the unique ability to produce different lighting temperatures and color outputs that can seamlessly adjust to your surroundings.
There have also been developments in strip lighting such as standard LED strips or smart strips, either located above the cabinets or near the floors. They can introduce an element of sophistication usually seen in other rooms. Next, reduce glare by adding dimmers and other smart controls – and then connect your lighting to your whole house automation system.
Integrated Whole-Home Sound System
What’s a kitchen without easy access to your favorite tunes and podcasts? The final step is to design a system that will meet your listening needs in the spaces where you cook and prepare meals – and have it installed professionally so it fits in with the rest of your home’s smart control systems. A multi‐room audio system will allow you and your family to enjoy the music you choose in the kitchen and other rooms, and seamlessly control it with the touch of a button.
Outdoor Kitchens
Want to bring the party outside next year? It may be chilly now, but it’s still a good time to think about how you’ll make that happen. Outdoor kitchens are on the rise, and more homeowners are creating an outdoor space next to their deck, patio or pool where meals can be cooked and prepared. This has multiple purposes. The chefs and hosts won’t be stuck indoors, away from the party. Guests get to mingle with the people who invited them and maybe even participate in the food prep process.
You’ll also want to consider other aspects that will make your next spring soiree possible:
- Improved outdoor lighting
- Weather resistant TV & sound system
- Smart controls to tie it all together
When contemplating a renovation in your kitchen or anywhere else in the home, partner with an expert who can direct you to the solutions that match your space and individual demands. The experts at MediaTech will help you design a system that can evolve over time with your needs and budget.
Call us at 630.444.0011 to set up a free consultation today.
