Tonight George & I have been invited to our friend's home for dinner.  This couple remodeled their kitchen after years of careful deliberation.  She researched appliances, clipped photos out of magazines and started a file.  The dream kitchen was to have a Tuscan flair - it sounded lovely.

After consulting with a kitchen designer, she was advised that for resale, they would be better off with a more neutral contemporary theme to coincide with the style of their home.  My friend realized that her dream kitchen was going to cost a lot of money and although the remodel was for them to enjoy, the thought of future resale value was also important.  The theme was changed and it is the most beautiful kitchen I have seen (and I have seen plenty). 

Their kitchen is predominantly white marble, the cabinets are custom and her cabinet maker added corbels and other decorative features to provide a high end customized look.  There is even a special drawer to keep the dog's food; and while customized for them, the kitchen will work well for anyone.  It offers a classy, clean and contemporary look and for resale it will be a winner too!

When remodeling it is important to keep the style of your home in mind.  Spanish homes are known for arches, decorative tile (often small mosaic tiles), rich woods, etc.  Mid century homes often feature walls of windows and open floor plans. Traditional homes  typically offer built-in nooks in dining and/or living rooms.   Often homes that retain the flavor of the original architecture have a better flow.  And a better flow will bring more resale dollars. 

When remodeling "think" neutral; many highly customized features and wild colors will be a drawback to future buyers.  If you must have your favorite wild color, perhaps you should consider using it in paint, rather than hard surfaces that are more expensive to change.  Kitchen and bathrooms should have similar themes (similar cabinets, flooring and  color schemes); white or cream toilets, sinks and tubs can work with most any decor. 

Remember no matter how much you love your home, one day you will sell it and at the time of sale it will be great to recoup your remodeling dollars, rather than have a very personalized remodel detract from the home.