Local Realtors answer questions about trends and offer tips to homebuyers and sellers considering buying or selling a home in or around The Woodlands.

Cynthia Zarco

Zarco Properties

Is white the best color to paint a kitchen, or can homeowners add pops of color?

White kitchens are still popular, but I am starting to see pops of color appear. Some designers are painting kitchen cabinets colors and then leaving the majority of the kitchen, including the countertops, white. Cabinet colors that I have been recently seeing in homes are gray and blue tones, and they look beautiful.

What appliances should stand out in a kitchen? 

If I had to pick one appliance that should stand out in a kitchen, it would be the cooktop or range. If at all possible it should be gas—a gas cooktop is one of the first things that buyers look for in a kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are still the most desirable. 

What are the best counters in which homeowners should invest?

Over the past few years, I have seen builders and homeowners move away from granite. Marble is a beautiful alternative, but it has a tendency to stain and scratch easily. An alternative to both granite and marble is soapstone or slate—both are nonporous, 100 percent stain-resistant and develop a nice patina over time.

What are some popular kitchen trends that homeowners should consider?

Some trends that homeowners may want to consider when redoing their kitchen would be choosing white. Be it cabinets or counter tops, you can’t go wrong.  Choose quartz over granite for an up-to-date look. Stick with transitional design, which combines contemporary with traditional and gives you the best of both.

1. If going for color, go for a neutral gray color for a sleek, sophisticated look.

2. Embrace smaller appliances to achieve a bigger looking kitchen space.

3. Choose quartz counters over granite countertops.

4. Invest in LED lights on the inside of cabinet doors or in crown moldings.

5. Install a touch-activated faucet.

6. Embrace accessibility by having side-opening ovens at counter height.