Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen yourself or planning to put it on the market soon, it’s always a good idea to explore kitchen remodeling ideas to improve your home’s salability. After all, if you manage to find the perfect combination of what you want and what will increase the value of your home, you’ll surely be pleased with the results now and in the future.

When it comes to increasing the marketability of your home, there are several things to keep in mind. Some of the basics to make sure you incorporate into your design include:

Create workstations

While you still want to keep the “work triangle” concept in mind when developing your layout, you should also strive to create ergonomic workstations in your kitchen. By exploring kitchen island design ideas for 2011, for example, you can successfully set up one workstation for food preparation, one for cooking, and one for eating. With the help of well-placed appliances, islands, seating areas, and storage areas, you can create a user-friendly workspace that’s also easy on your back and joints.

Select the right soil

Choosing the right flooring is essential when exploring kitchen remodeling ideas to improve the marketability of your home. Stone and tile floors help add texture and color, but vinyl and linoleum are still good cost-effective options. Not only are they durable and comfortable, but they’re also available in an ever-growing variety of styles and colors.

Use the right lighting

In the kitchen, lighting isn’t just about creating the right ambiance, it’s also about providing the lighting needed to successfully use each workstation. One of the most popular kitchen lighting trends today is the suspension of smaller lights from the ceiling, which can then be directed specifically where the light is needed. Hanging lamps are also quite popular.

Go natural with surfaces

Another popular trend in kitchen design is the use of natural materials, such as natural stone countertops. Many modern kitchens combine more than one type of surface material to meet the needs of each individual workstation.

By keeping these basics in mind and exploring kitchen island design ideas for 2011, you’ll be sure to design the perfect kitchen to meet your needs today, while also setting your home up for solid resale value tomorrow.