The Dream Kitchen Checklist: What Buyers Look For

Transforming Homes One Kitchen and Bathroom at a Time: Meet Maggie from Maggie’s Kitchen & Bath

When it comes to designing kitchens and bathrooms, Maggie from Maggie’s Kitchen & Bath stands in a league of her own. With over two decades of experience and a passion for blending functionality with beauty, Maggie has earned her place as one of Long Island’s most sought-after kitchen and bath designers.

From historic Vanderbilt-era homes to modern minimalist renovations, Maggie’s expertise elevates spaces into showpieces. In this exclusive interview on The Dream Is Real Podcast, Maggie shares her journey, design philosophy, and the latest trends shaping the future of kitchens and bathrooms in 2024.

Maggie’s Journey: From Design Enthusiast to Industry Leader

Maggie’s story began with a love for interior design. After purchasing her first home, she discovered her knack for creating beautiful, functional spaces. That passion led her back to school to study interior design, where she honed her skills.

However, Maggie’s path took an exciting turn when she encountered the complexities of kitchen and bath design. Unlike traditional interior design, these areas require a deep understanding of construction, cabinetry, and spatial planning. Realizing this challenge, Maggie pivoted her career and built a thriving business specializing in kitchens and bathrooms.

What Sets Kitchen & Bath Designers Apart?

Unlike interior designers who focus on furniture placement and decor, kitchen and bath designers must master construction techniques, measurements, and functionality.

“In kitchens and bathrooms, everything has to fit perfectly,” Maggie explains. “You’re not just making something look pretty—you’re ensuring it works seamlessly within the space.”

Her ability to balance beauty and practicality has earned her a stellar reputation among homeowners, contractors, and real estate professionals alike.

Designing for Historic Homes: A Vanderbilt Project

One of Maggie’s standout projects involves a historic Vanderbilt-era home in Oakdale, NY. This stunning property presented unique challenges, including an octagon-shaped kitchen. Maggie embraced the opportunity to incorporate Victorian-inspired green cabinetry and creative solutions to honor the home’s legacy while modernizing it for contemporary living.

“Working on a piece of history is an honor,” Maggie shares. “It’s about blending the old with the new while preserving the character of the space.”

2024 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends

What’s In:

1. Mixed Materials: White cabinetry paired with wood accents or bold-colored islands.
2. Modern Hardware: Black and brushed gold handles add a sleek, contemporary feel.
3. Quartz Countertops: Durable and elegant, quartz remains a favorite.
4. Feature Walls: Bathrooms with unique tiles or bold colors are gaining popularity.
5. Sustainable Choices: Eco-friendly materials like porcelain countertops are on the rise.

What’s Out:

• Overly ornate designs—simplicity and clean lines are key.
• Stark white kitchens without texture or contrast.
• Excessive spending on high-tech appliances at the expense of overall design cohesion.

Maximizing ROI: Kitchens & Bathrooms as Real Estate Gold

Kitchens and bathrooms consistently rank as the top priorities for homebuyers. According to Remodeling Magazine, kitchen renovations can yield an ROI between 31% and 42%, while bathroom upgrades can reach 52%.

Maggie emphasizes that even small updates, such as painting cabinets or replacing countertops, can make a significant difference when selling a home.

Budget-Friendly Renovation Tips

Not every homeowner has the budget for a full-scale remodel. Maggie offers practical advice for making impactful changes without overspending:

• In the Kitchen:
  • Paint existing cabinets to give them a fresh, updated look.
  • Replace outdated hardware with modern options like brushed gold or matte black.
  • Install quartz countertops for a durable and stylish upgrade.
• In the Bathroom:
  • Swap out the vanity for a more contemporary piece.
  • Replace dated lighting fixtures with sleek, energy-efficient options.
  • Use feature tiles sparingly to create a focal point without overspending.

A Designer’s Role in Real Estate

Maggie frequently partners with real estate agents to help buyers and sellers assess a home’s potential. For buyers, she provides ballpark renovation estimates to help them make informed decisions. For sellers, she suggests cost-effective updates to boost market appeal.

Her approach ensures that kitchens and bathrooms—the heart of the home—become standout features in any real estate transaction.

The Future of Kitchen & Bath Design

As materials and technologies evolve, Maggie stays ahead of the curve to offer her clients the best options. Here are some of the trends she predicts will dominate in the coming years:

1. Porcelain Countertops: A safer alternative to quartz, porcelain is gaining traction due to its durability and sustainability.
2. Integrated Appliances: Streamlined designs that blend seamlessly into cabinetry.
3. Personalization: Customizable hardware and fixtures, such as gold or copper finishes, allow homeowners to express their style.
4. Smart Features: Bathrooms equipped with built-in Bluetooth speakers, temperature controls, and touchless fixtures.

Maggie’s Advice for Homeowners

1. Focus on Functionality: A beautiful design is meaningless if it doesn’t meet your daily needs.
2. Start Small: You don’t need to gut your entire kitchen or bathroom to see significant improvements.
3. Consult a Professional: Whether painting cabinets or choosing tiles, professional guidance ensures a polished result.

How to Connect with Maggie

Interested in transforming your kitchen or bathroom? Maggie and her team are ready to bring your vision to life.

• Instagram: @MaggiesKitchensAndBaths
• Website: MaggiesKitchensAndBaths.com

About the Dream Is Real Podcast

Stay tuned to The Dream Is Real Podcast for expert interviews, actionable advice, and the latest real estate trends. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating, we’ve got the insights to help you succeed.

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🌐 Visit www.DreamSelectRealty.com for the latest homes for sale on Long Island, NY.