Cabinets set the style for any kitchen, and with advances in functionality as well as beauty, your new cabinets should transform your food prep workspace.

All kitchens have trouble spots that can be fixed with the right design. Hire a certified kitchen designer, who’s adept at space planning, traffic control and up to date on the newest products.

The most popular cabinet doors today are flat fronted with hidden hardware for a modern esthetic. Look for “quiet closing” cabinets that close softly to prevent slamming. Storage that pulls down, rotates or lifts up can save your back and the need for a stepladder. Drawers that pull out under countertops are easier to use than shelves because you can see everything that’s stored. Cabinets that reach the ceiling can accommodate items you don’t use daily, like holiday dinnerware.

Many new kitchen cabinets come in various wood grains and stains, factory-painted wood, and porcelain or laminate fronts. Island cabinets often feature a contrasting color to the wall cabinets. 

Be open to new products that can save you valuable time, such as built-in drink stations, refrigerated drawers and large trough sinks. Visit kitchen showrooms with your designer for more inspiration.

In a survey released this year, the National Association of REALTORS found that 83% of buyers’ agents reported that staging helps homebuyers visualize themselves living in the home and influences them enough to make higher offers. Sellers’ agents agreed that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

These are just a few of the advantages to staging your home, but there are other benefits for home sellers. 

Staging gives you a deadline. Getting your home ready to is a lot of work, but online photos and agent showings should showcase your home at its best – decluttered, freshly painted and staged with fresh new furniture and accessories.

Staging gives you great ideas. You’ll learn a lot about making rooms flow, creating focal points, increase and improve lighting, and how to use color.

Staging helps you decide what to keep or discard. If your furnishings are hand-me-downs, out of date, or not your taste, why take it all to your next home? Staging can help you separate what you love so you’ll have far less to move.

Ask your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional if staging is part of their service or to recommend a good stager.