will having only island seating in our kitchen hurt resale prospects

8 years ago

We’re doing a small scale kitchen remodel (appliances, plumbing is not moving). The design eliminates a peninsula separating the kitchen from the family room. This allows installation of a bank of cabinets in an otherwise wasted space.

We’re also creating a direct opening to the rarely used dining room to make it connect visually with the kitchen and feel more casual. This would be the main seating area.

The kitchen would have a large island to replace the prep space previously provided by the peninsula. The island will seat 4, possibly 5 if rejiggered a bit. The island also adds storage.

Essentially the island will be in what was the kitchen table space. I think this set up will work well for us, but when we are ready to sell (at least 7 years from now) will this set up hurt resale value?

Appreciate any advice!

Featured Answer

Laurie Hutch

8 years ago

Where is your dining room and dining area?

I recently knocked down the wall inbetween my kitchen and formal dining room, which was never used. I moved my table from my eat in kitchen to the dining room area and put a seating island where my kitchen table used to be. Best decision ever.

As long as you have regular sit down dining near your kitchen, you should be fine.

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Comments (7)

Erica Sorohan
Original Author
8 years ago
Depictions
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
8 years ago
I wrote a blog post on the subject of remodeling and resale. Hope it helps.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/designers-two-cents-remodeling-resale-sabrina-alfin/
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Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
8 years ago
Most buyers (depends on the area though) won't have a problem with only island seating as long as there is another eating space close by which sounds like there is.

The new layout is odd though. That bank of cabinets wrapping around just looks weird and I feel like it will become a dumping ground. I feel like extending the cabinets along the wall with the window and then readjusting the island for space would be better.

I think you need a kitchen designer for this one
Erica Sorohan
Original Author
8 years ago
This was done by a designer.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
I would find having island seating, a kitchen table, and a dining table all visible to each other redundant.

IMO unless you regularly feed 10+, you don't need permanent seating for 10+ in your kitchen. One or the other is fine by me but that is personal opinion and I don't have any knowledge of the impact on your house's value.

You could consult a realtor for trends in your area.
Erica Sorohan
Original Author
8 years ago
@lindsey thanks, talking to a realtor is a great idea