The kitchen is the heart of a home and often the first room a potential buyer will see. So when it comes to increasing your home’s value, a great kitchen upgrade is key.
But make sure to spend your renovation wisely. Your home will only recoup high costs if you want to sell it in the future.
Countertops
Kitchen trends change quickly, so countertops and cabinets that were all the rage last year can make your kitchen look outdated.
Any remodeling job, including remodeling St Charles, MO, involves many countertops, so choosing the best one for your house and way of life is crucial. Luckily, there are numerous possibilities, and many of them are more reasonable than you might expect.
In addition to traditional stone options, homeowners increasingly choose to add wood accents. Another countertop material that has been making a comeback is laminate. Laminates offer a wide range of colors and textures that can mimic quartz, granite, and marble. While laminates may feel lightweight and hollow, they are quite durable and a great option for homeowners looking for an affordable countertop.
Cabinets
Whether you’re planning to sell your home or want to make it more beautiful and functional for yourself, the most common upgrades in kitchen remodeling can add value.
The most common cabinet upgrade among renovating homeowners is replacing the doors with newer designs and finishes. A popular option is a soft-close hinge and drawer system, which helps prevent slamming.
Another popular cabinet upgrade is built-in organizers, such as pullout trash or recycling cabinets and cookie sheet organizers. These are designed to help maximize space for cooking and cleaning.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets is an affordable and fast way to make a big impact in your space. The cost depends on the materials you choose and how many cabinets need to be replaced, but it usually averages around $4,000 to $5,000.
Lighting
One of the most important upgrades in kitchen remodeling is the lighting. Proper lighting is a crucial component of any kitchen design and can make all the difference between a dark, uninviting space or a welcoming space that people love to spend time in.
The right kitchen lights should provide general, task, and accent lights. A simple dimmer switch allows you to adjust the wattage and intensity of each to match your specific needs.
Recessed ceiling fixtures offer ambient lighting, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates work zones and provides indirect illumination over counters and islands when overhead kitchen lighting is too harsh.
Pendants and chandeliers are other kitchen lighting options that also serve as stylish focal points that add elegance to a newly remodeled kitchen.
As more homeowners add the artwork to their walls and display collectibles on shelves, lighting is critical for bringing these pieces to life. Recessed, adjustable, low-voltage fixtures are popular for this purpose.
Appliances
Appliances are an important part of any kitchen remodel, as they add value to your home while helping you get the most out of your space. However, appliances can also be expensive and difficult to install, so you should carefully consider your options before making big purchases.
Stainless steel appliances remain popular, but the industry is shifting toward appliances that blend into cabinetry. Refrigerators and dishwashers are now often built into cabinets or concealed with paneling to create a sleek look.
These appliances are also typically energy-efficient, which will help you save on utility bills. This is especially useful if you live in an older house or apartment trying to reduce your carbon footprint.
Choosing the right color for your appliances can make a big difference in how they look. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so you should ensure that the colors you choose match your style and complement your other design elements.