When it comes to home improvement projects, the kitchen is often the focal point, especially on Pinterest boards. It’s not just the heart of the home; it’s also a significant factor for potential buyers, making it a wise investment. To understand which kitchen remodeling ideas are worth the cost, we consulted experts including realtors, an interior designer, and a general contractor. They provide insights on the upgrades that can maximize your home’s value.
Ariel Baverman from Keller Williams Realty, Cesar Bullon of Down South Renovations, Lisa M. Cini from Mosaic Design Studio, Lisa Gaff from Houlihan Lawrence, and Rachel Stults from realtor.com all weigh in on the difference between a renovation and a remodel.
Knocking down a wall and replacing it with an island is a great solution for a bigger kitchen, as it reduces hard boundaries and creates the illusion of more space. This is one of the biggest selling points in many homes, especially for those who want an open concept kitchen that flows into family zones. Countertops are a huge focal point in the kitchen. Updated countertops can elevate and modernize your space without a complete remodel.
There are cheaper but luxurious alternatives to expensive marble, such as granite, quartz, limestone, and soapstone. Light-colored countertops are popular as they provide a sense of spaciousness. Weathered countertops are beloved by tactile folks, and swirled or speckled stones can add visual interest. Waterfall counters with mitered edges can add drama while providing a clean, minimalistic feel. Tile backsplashes are essential in kitchen renovations as they make the space feel more complete. Affordable subway tiles are timeless and can be used in different styles of homes. If your home is more modern, consider glass or colored subway tile. Cabinets are an expensive but critical part of a well-done kitchen’s functionality and visual appeal.Investing in 42-inch upper cabinets can significantly increase your kitchen storage space by 25 percent. For those who find the cabinets too high to reach, Rev-a-shelf offers solutions that accommodate various heights and ages, ensuring safe access and maximizing shelf storage. Lisa M. Cini, author, president, and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, highlights the ability to hide items, transforming the kitchen into a showroom.
Cabinet innovations are often worth the investment, but hiding appliances behind faux cabinets has become outdated. Graff notes that most modern appliances are designed to be showcased, making facades unnecessary.
If new cabinets are not within your budget, consider cosmetic accents to add sophistication and value. Minor details such as new knobs and pulls, crown molding, and repainting can make a significant difference without the need for a complete overhaul.
Stainless steel appliances, popularized by Thermador in the 1950s and made affordable in recent decades, add value to kitchens, especially when they are name-brand or professional quality. Graff suggests that a chef’s kitchen with a six-burner stove is a timeless choice.
Built-in appliances or those that appear built-in, like slide-in ranges and space-saving over-range microwaves, add elegance to a kitchen. According to Bullon, they are considered a great upgrade for upscale renovations. Built-in wine refrigerators are also a valuable feature, even for non-drinkers, as they free up refrigerator space for food.
Workstation sinks are more than just large sinks; they are multifunctional with drain boards, cutting board attachments, and ample space for various tasks. Some even include mixing bowl and colander attachments, reducing the need to move back and forth between the counter and sink.
Additional storage solutions like lazy susans and blind corner cabinets are always in demand. They are particularly beneficial for the elderly, as they provide easy access to the back of cabinets, as explained by Bullon.
Blind corner pull-outs use space efficiently. Soft-Close Drawers are essential as they add value to your home. Pantries are a good call. Neutral paint colors like grays, whites, and neutrals are trending for a crowd-pleasing aesthetic. Lighting accents like pendant lights add interest. Under-cabinet lighting can create different impressions.
Cini highly recommends adding lighting, power strips, and USB plugs to the underside of upper cabinets. ‘Whether you’re plugging in your coffee pot or air fryer, the area is easier to see with built-in lighting,’ says Cini. Best of all, it’s an easy upgrade. ‘Ikea and Legrand have great options that are easy to install,’ she says.
Technology has become a must-have in the rest of our home. So, why not the cook space too? Stults suggests installing voice-activated faucets, app-operated appliances, or refrigerators with built-in cameras. ‘Think about how easy it would be if you didn’t have to get up and check the next time you’re wondering how low you are on milk! These smart features can increase efficiency, which can be a huge selling point for busy homebuyers,’ she says. If you have the cash and the wherewithal, consider installing a skylight, recommends Stults. ‘A skylight can bring sunshine into your space and make the kitchen look larger. It also delivers an impressively high ROI—an estimated $5,000 to $6,000 in value upon resale, according to some reports,’ she says. The Bottom Line: Prioritize stone counters, cabinets with smart storage, islands when possible, durable flooring, and anything to physically or visually expand the kitchen. Ever the pragmatist, Bullon stresses: ‘These all add value to a home, so these are the renovations that are most worthwhile.’ Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit
