Realtors often claim that a kitchen and bathroom are what sells a home. Whether you are looking to put your house on the market or simply remodel it for your own enjoyment, here are five suggestions you may not have considered to add interesting elements to your kitchen.

Stacked Appliances

If you want to expand your kitchen’s floor space, you can stack some of your kitchen appliances to open up more space. A washer and dryer can be arranged vertically instead of horizontally to keep your laundry facilities close. A stove topped by a microwave combination has been popular for a while, but there are new variations and styles to consider. An upper cupboard pantry over the dishwasher with shelf space between them is another way to create an open concept kitchen.

Media Nook

For families that like to cook and spend time in the kitchen, a media nook allows them to multitask in various ways. Designate a subsection of the kitchen, similar to a breakfast nook, as an area for watching television, or using an iPad or laptop. You can check the news, keep up with a favorite program, or monitor the kids’ homework while cooking meals.

Natural Designs

In choosing kitchen décor, you may want to consider using natural elements, such as wood, plants, and sandstone. Make your kitchen an extension of your patio or outdoor garden by decorating with wood floors and wooden furniture. Set out a variety of colorful plants to add life to your cooking area. Sandstone urns or pots for floral arrangements or cooking utensils can add a classic touch to your décor. Enhance natural lighting by keeping the window blinds open by day and letting the sunlight in, year-round.

Unique Colors

Try creative new colors for your kitchen that go with the flow of the house furnishings. Instead of neutral white or gray, pastels, or wallpaper, choose livelier hues like magenta or sea green to brighten your cooking workspace. Alternately, you could have just one contrast wall in a more vibrant shade while the other walls are painted in traditional shades.

Snack Bar

Instead of building a coffee bar, make it a snack bar, possibly with a mini-fridge. Then stock plenty of healthy treats for the kids like fresh-cut veggies or seasonal fruit. Ready access in a cheery kitchen corner might serve as an incentive to their eating healthier snacks. Give your imagination free rein when remodeling your kitchen. When you spend considerable time there, it should be an enjoyable, attractive place.   Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.