Kitchen trends, $ 200 dollar update- and the Craker Barrel new look, what??

#RealEstateTrends, #KitchenDesign, #HomeStaging, #CrackerBarrel, #ModernKitchens

Welcome to Coffee With Real Estate! I’m your host, Susan, joined as always by our fantastic producer, Kurt, brewing up the latest in home design and real estate trends. Today, we’re diving into the heart of the home—the kitchen—where trends are shifting faster than you can say “statement hood.” From sleek, integrated designs to bold new colors, we’re unpacking what’s in, what’s out, and how to make your kitchen a buyer’s dream, all while sipping on some kitchen-inspired insights. Plus, we’ll spice things up with a fun side chat about Cracker Barrel’s controversial makeover. Ready? Let’s get cooking!

Kitchens are no longer just for cooking; they’re a major selling point. According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors, 30% of realtors recommend a kitchen upgrade before selling, and 48% note increased demand for modernized kitchens. But what does “modern” mean in 2025? Let’s start with the big one: statement range hoods. Those oversized, ornate hoods—think copper, plaster, or bold wood surrounds—are on their way out. Susan shares a story of a recent sale where a free-hanging, rustic hood was a turnoff for buyers, who ripped it out post-closing. The new vibe? Invisible kitchens. Integrated hoods that blend seamlessly with cabinetry are stealing the show, offering clean lines and a minimalist, European aesthetic. These sleek designs don’t scream for attention but quietly do their job, perfect for high-end homes where subtlety is key.

But it’s not just about hoods. Color is making a bold entrance. A Zillow study of 4,200 recent and potential home buyers reveals that olive green kitchens are a surprising hit, potentially boosting home value by $1,600. Darker hues like charcoal gray in living rooms can add up to $2,600, while vibrant pinks and greens are trending, moving away from the all-white kitchens of yesteryear. Susan and Kurt debate the risks of bold choices—DIY green cabinets can look stunning or disastrous, depending on execution. White, they agree, remains a safe bet for sellers, but if you’re living in your home, paint it what makes you happy. Just avoid bright yellows or reds, which Zillow says can slash value by nearly $4,000. Who knew a paint can could wield such power?

Staging is another hot topic. Susan shares tips from a stager who transformed a kitchen for just $200 at Anthropologie, picking up quirky items like a fish-shaped citrus juicer, linen cocktail napkins, and a melamine tray. While the fish theme might not suit every home, Susan prefers simplicity—think sparkling water vignettes, cute towels, and curated spices to evoke a “fantasy lifestyle.” Fresh flowers? Skip them. Fake plants and candles are easier and safer. The goal is to help buyers envision entertaining in the space, not cleaning up after real life. Kurt questions the Anthropologie haul, noting that $200 barely covers cabinet hardware. Susan agrees, suggesting she could stretch that budget further at a different store, creating multiple vignettes for under $100 by reusing staples.

Then, we pivot to a quirky tangent: Cracker Barrel’s glow-up. The chain, known for its cluttered, grandma’s-house charm, is decluttering 40 of its 660 locations with brighter lighting, lighter tables, and fewer antiques. Some diners, like Rachel from Smyrna, Tennessee, are heartbroken, with her TikToks about the “sterile” new look racking up 70 million views. Susan and Kurt weigh in—modernizing is smart, but don’t lose the cozy vibe. The new design, with white-paneled walls and simpler decor, feels updated yet still country. Kurt jokes about integrated hoods at Cracker Barrel, while Susan appreciates the cleaner aesthetic, noting that dusty knickknacks are out, even in restaurants. CEO Julie Felss Masino calls negative reactions a “gift,” reflecting customers’ emotional connection, but Susan’s skeptical—change is hard, but it’s not always a gift.