Buying a dated and scruffy home to remodel is a popular option for many American homeowners. It's a great way to create a modern and attractive home, add significant value to your investment, and fast-track your way up the property ladder. Remodeling a home comprises many different projects, some big and some small, that contribute to the project as a whole.

One of the most significant and impactful remodeling projects is updating and reviving an old kitchen. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and it's frequently said that great kitchens sell homes. If you want to create a new kitchen that is a major asset to your home, then here are two ideas that will help.

1. Open-plan layout

In many older homes, kitchens were built as independent rooms that were entirely separate from the dining and living rooms of a home. These days, modern homes almost always feature kitchens that are incorporated into an open-plan layout that includes a dining and living space. This type of layout enhances the feeling of space and creates a warm, central hub for family life.

To make your new kitchen look and feel contemporary, you'll need to connect your kitchen with the rest of the living space in your home. This usually means knocking down some interior walls to connect the separate rooms. Depending on the position of the kitchen within the larger space, you may need to relocate it to make sure the new open-plan space works effectively.

2. An island bench

Trends in interior design come and go, but there are certain features that enjoy continuing popularity in modern homes. One of these features is the island bench, and it's an almost ubiquitous feature of contemporary kitchens. To create a truly modern and desirable kitchen, it's wise to add one when you're remodeling your old kitchen.

As well as providing more workspace in the kitchen, an island bench helps to create a smooth flow between the kitchen and the rest of the open-plan living space. It gives you the ability to socialize and engage with family and friends while you're cooking and preparing food. Island benches also act as an informal dining area and a place to do homework, paperwork, or arts and crafts.

Kitchen remodeling projects are a big job, and they can also be quite costly. This is certainly true when you're planning to take out walls and add in a new island bench. However, these ideas will make an enormous difference to the success of the project, and they're well worth investing in. Call a remodeling contractor for more information or assistance.