The Whole Package

Let's face it, once you get past high school, the people who go farthest in life are the ones who are the "whole package,” those who balance style, good looks and brains. The same can be said of kitchen and bath upgrades. The ones that will stand the test of time – the ones you'll love as much in five years as you do the day they're installed – are the improvements that blend style and intelligence.

Great bathrooms and kitchens really do sell homes, so it makes sense to invest in upgrades that are the whole package. They look great, are stylish, functional and enjoyable, and will give you a decent return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Here are four kitchen and bathroom improvements that really are the total package:

1. Granite countertops

Countertops are both a major design feature and a vital necessity in both kitchens and baths. New, quality countertops improve the appearance and function of either room. Of course, granite is still a top choice for kitchen counters but it also goes well in the bathroom, giving vanities a high-end look. A USA Today study found more than half of buyers said they would pay more for a home with granite countertops.

2. Toe kicks

One thing that remains the same in kitchen design is trying to maximize kitchen storage space. Accessories and organizers have evolved a lot and there are some really great items available, but sometimes simple is better. Finding new places to put drawers has increased organizational storage tremendously. Do you see any wasted space in your kitchen? Here is one space-saving features that can be added to many kitchens as part of a wood restoration, cabinet refacing, redooring or new cabinets project.

The toe kick drawer is simple, but its location is unique. There is often unused space under your cabinets and that square footage adds up. The toe kick drawer is perfect for cookie sheets, extra dinner plates, foil and plastic wrap and more. Its unique “push-to-open” drawer slides allow you to open the drawer without bending down to the floor to pull a knob or handle to access its contents. In a large or small kitchen, toe kick drawers are a way to get some added storage.

3. Quality lighting

Lighting is both a practical and design consideration for kitchens and bathrooms. In addition to natural light sources, such as skylights and windows, it's a good investment to install upgraded light fixtures. You should have multiple layers of light, including overhead for both rooms, task lighting or under-the-cabinet lighting in kitchens, and vanity lighting in the bathroom. Your design options are vast, and upgrading your lighting can be both a design statement and an improvement that enhances livability.

4. Organization and storage solutions

From dishes, pots, pans and foodstuff in the kitchen, to towels and personal care items in the bathroom, you probably have a lot of stuff that needs to be stored in both rooms. So will future buyers! Adding cabinet and drawer organizers, as well as extra storage solutions, can make it easier for you to use both rooms. Plus, it will help reduce clutter, giving your kitchen and bath a more open, clean look.

You don't need a huge budget to make kitchen and bathroom upgrades that really are the whole package. Even a minor renovation in either room can have a big impact on your home's livability, beauty and resale value.

#homeessentials