Make your Home Ready for Holiday Gatherings

 
Home for the HolidaysThe kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating pies and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. Is it your turn to host? When planning a holiday feast or Christmas dinner party, you want your home to be at its best. Luckily, there are a number of kitchen remodeling projects you can do in a relatively short time frame. You’ll love the new updated look and feel, and your guests will appreciate the luxury.  As you prepare for the holidays, here are some quick but impressive updates that will make your home ready for holiday gatherings.
 

Update the Kitchen Backsplash

 

Backsplash

Your cabinets are the base of the kitchen, and the backsplash is the pizazz.  A new backsplash can give your kitchen a whole new look, without replacing the cabinets or appliances. Some of your best options include natural stone, engineered stone, tile, and glass.
 

Update Your Fireplace

 
Cozy FireplaceIs there anything cozier than a crackling fire at a family holiday get together?  Update your fireplace to be more functional and eye-catching. A lot of homeowners are choosing to convert a wood-burning fireplace into an electric or gas fireplace. Turning on the the fire with a push of a button is much easier than carrying in wood, yet still provides a nice ambiance and gives off heat. You can also update the doors and tools, add a decorative screen, or create a stone facade or paint over the brick. Your guests are sure to love cozying around the the fire.
 

Paint the Cabinets

Painted CabinetsIf you’re tired of your cabinets but not ready for a kitchen remodel, consider painting them instead. This is a quick and affordable way to make your home ready for holiday gatherings. Wood cabinets are ideal for painting, but any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper can be painted. Be sure to choose the right paint. Choose a high-quality paint. Special cabinet paints are available that provide a smooth finish, but any high-quality paint should work. Make sure your paint is acrylic, not vinyl. Acrylic latex-based paint is durable and easy to clean up. A gloss finish will make your cabinets sheen, but it may show a lot of dings or mistakes. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are typically used for kitchens. Some flat finish paints can be difficult to clean. Check the instructions for details. Then replace the hardware to really make an impact.
 

Update your light fixtures

 
kitchen lightingUpdating the lighting can go a long way to updating your kitchen for the holidays. Adding a decorative statement piece over the dinning room table can make a big impact. Pendant lights are a great way to add personality to your kitchen. Also, built-in under cabinet lighting is great to lighten up the dark corners under your cabinets.
 

Create Lounge Seating for holiday guests

 

Lounge seating

Lounge seating is great for keeping guests comfortable and out of the way when you’re cooking. While many kitchens have bar stools, lounge seats are more comfortable, and lower seats are easier for elderly guests to use. Built-in seating 
can also include storage for pots or platters.  Adding a sofa or lounge seat to a window could be an easy way to enhance your kitchen for guests without investing in a full remodel. It could also be a good project to consider as part of a larger kitchen remodel down the road.
 

Set up a Beverage Center

 

Coffee bar

Whether you are serving coffee, eggnog, or festive cocktails, it helps to have a purpose-built beverage center to hold all your drink supplies. If space allows, include an under-counter refrigerator and coffee maker. Keep your glassware, cups, and other drink supplies in this one location. Position your beverage center away from the main cooking area, making it easier for guests to refill drinks without disturbing the chef. If you don’t have room for a separate beverage bar, simply designate an area of countertop for this purpose. A beverage bar is a great built-in to consider when renovating, but this useful station can also be set up in an existing kitchen using a piece of furniture like a hutch or even a console table.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

 

Fresh paint

A fresh coat of paint is a great, easy way to brighten up a space. Even though painting is not everyone’s favorite job, it’s a fast and affordable way to give your home a new look and feel. This is especially helpful if your walls have stains, smudges, or fading. While you’re doing this project, replace outdated pictures with stylish canvas hangings. 

 

Fix Up the Bathroom

 

Tidy Bathroom

Even bathroom renovations can be done on a short timeline, depending on what you’re having done. Bathrooms are typically fairly small, so you can install new flooring, paint the walls and doors, clean or replace light fixtures and upgrade faucets in a few days. Update the hardware, soap dispenser, and pictures on the walls for added style. Your guests will appreciate having a new, upscale bathroom to enjoy.
 

Enhance Curb Appeal

 
front porchDon’t forget about the front porch and exterior of your home. As guests arrive, greet them with a festive, well-manicured exterior. Add a festive wreath and welcome mat. Evergreen planters with garland around the door add an extra boost of holiday cheer. Check your outdoor lights to make sure they’re working, rake the leaves, trim up bushes and trees.
 
Consider painting or installing a new front door as well. Exterior doors always make a statement, and they help save on heating and cooling costs, plus offer additional security during the holidays.
 

Make Your Kitchen More than Just a Kitchen

 
We believe a beautifully designed kitchen for family holiday entertaining creates a place for family and friends to gather with love. Speak with a remodeling contractor to discuss creative possibilities to make you the toast of the town with the coolest kitchen. Enjoy lots of togetherness in your newly remodeled kitchen with entertaining in mind. During all this fun, create new memories for yourself and your family and friends.
 

The Top Tier Difference

 
We at Top Tier Kitchens & Baths set a high standard for outstanding customer service, high-quality kitchen and bath remodeling products, and impeccable installation.
 
For all your kitchen remodel needs, you can trust us to complete the job with expertise and dedication to excellence. If you’re looking for ways to make a more inviting kitchen to make your home ready for holiday gatherings, the professionals at Top Tier Kitchens and Baths can help!  Creativity makes all the difference in choosing the right way to design and build your dream kitchen without breaking your budget. Top Tier Kitchens and Baths has completed many remodels over the years. Contractor experiences makes all the difference. We’d love to help you create a warmer, more inviting space.
 

 Submit a quote request on our website at toptierkitchens.com or give us a call at (417) 887-1100 to schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers. We look forward to serving you!

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