The kitchen is the center of the home. It’s where families ultimately end up gathering throughout the day. Whether for breakfast, dinner, to chat over tea or wine it’s a place for connection with those we care about.

And as a room that we spend so much of our time in why shouldn’t it be the best room in the house? Here are five kitchen features to look for while house hunting for your dream home.

Custom cabinetry promises quality, natural wood that has been hand designed by a craftsman. No out of the box carbon copies here. Since time and resources were allocated towards adding custom cabinetry you can also be sure careful planning was as well. The cabinetry should enhance and fit artfully within the kitchen and around architecture capitalizing on space.

A large kitchen island is quickly becoming a necessity for homeowners upgrading their spaces. Providing more than just extra prep space it allows for the family to gather while cooking, working on homework or socializing over cocktails. Look for options that can comfortably seat six to eight people especially if you love hosting others often.

Depending on your preferences you may find your countertops more important than counter space. Quartz and marble countertops are quickly replacing granite. And rightly so, they make for a stunning centerpiece of the room. They are slightly more high maintenance but well worth the effort. If you are so lucky to have these countertops in your new home be sure to pick up some trivets with padded feet and Bar Keepers Friend to preserve their natural beauty.

Natural stone tiling is forever a classic. If you’re seeking a home that is timelessly elegant natural stone is a must-have. Marble is the most coveted. And if radiant heat flooring is on your wishlist for those early Sunday mornings cooking pancakes natural stone makes for a perfect duo.

A walk-in pantry for the home chef is akin to a shoe closet for the fashion forward. Allowing plenty of storage space, a walk-in pantry begs to be filled with cookbooks, specialty ingredients and you’re most prized appliances to be put neatly on display. Consider the proximity of each pantry to your cooking space. You’ll want one that feels like a natural extension to the kitchen and not like you’re going out of your way each time you need to gather necessary ingredients and supplies.

If you have your heart set on any of these features but find an almost perfect home without them leave room in your budget to upgrade after the sale. This way you will not only have upscale features but ones that are completely customized to your exact preferences. You’ll have plenty of time to make these decisions without the rush of balancing out the pros and cons before placing a bid.

During home decoration, it is natural to have one or more blank walls that leave you asking yourself: "What am I going to do with that?" You may get frustrated, but don't worry, you are not alone — barren walls are likely driving other homeowners crazy, too. What’s the solution? A fresh coat of ideas.

Below are some blank wall ideas that don't just cover the space but do so with a touch of beauty.

Add a Map

A blank wall in any room can be annoying, especially in a bedroom. Rather than waking up every morning to a bare wall, you can put a map on it. You can use the map of the United States, the world or any other destination you find inviting. If you place the map over cork, you can put pins in all the locations you’ve been to or the ones you want to see next. Have kids? Try putting a map on the blank wall in their room. It not only makes it beautiful but also provides a fun way to learn.

Hang Your Accessories

Don't allow your beautiful accessories to hide behind the closet doors. Show off your cloches, skimmers, berets, and trilbies on decorative hooks on your blank wall of choice. If you aren’t a hat-lover, you can hang a statement necklace for a dazzling effect.

Make Attractive Storage Options

Do you have limited storage in your home? Those blank walls could be the answer. Use your imagination to make an impressive design with floating shelves to store extra dishware in the kitchen or a favorite collection in the living area. If you get stuck on your design, there are plenty of DIY articles across the Internet, or you can get a consult from a home staging expert.

Create a Graffiti Wall

An easy DIY wall project is using graffiti. If you are the creative type, take the opportunity to show off your artistic skills. You could also hire someone to sketch a design on your blank wall. Another way to achieve the graffiti look is to buy graffiti mural wallpaper or wall decals. The decals are easily removable for when you’re ready to sell your home.

Give It a Dramatic Color

If you’re looking for a simpler way to make use of the wall, try creating an accent wall. Consider painting it with a geometric design, horizontal stripes or a bold, contrasting color. Painting is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to make a blank wall fun.

Decorate with Plants

A blank wall in a bathroom may be less of a worry, but you can use that opportunity to cultivate a mini-garden. A mini-garden in the bathroom? Absolutely. Hanging plants on the wall of your bathroom will help purify the air while steam from the shower keeps them hydrated.

Any season is an excellent opportunity to do an easy DIY wall project. Check out popular home design blogs or speak to an interior designer for more ideas on how to beautify your home.