Most kitchen remodels rely on changes to any combination of the five most impactful elements within the kitchen. Updates, large or small, to any one of these areas offers the potential to refresh the kitchen, making it good-to-go for the next ten years or more. Whether you're making changes to these items as part of a larger kitchen renovation in which you are also changing the floor plan, or you're looking to make the space a bit more up-to-date without going into full-blown construction, these are the five changes that will go a long way in your new space.
Switch out the Countertops
There are several countertop options on the market, at a wide range of price-points, that offer both a better look and long-term value than builder-grade countertops or anything installed before 1990. Granite and quartz are timeless options that will add to your home's value in most markets. Marble, butcherblock, and soapstone are other high-quality surface options. If your budget is lower, consider an upgrade to a manufactured solid surface such as Ceasarstone or Corian. It's important to weigh the pros & cons for any countertop surface you are considering and to discuss installation expectations with your contractor beforehand.
Replace the Cabinet Doors & Hardware
Changing the cabinetry throughout your kitchen is no small task, and how you go about using or discarding what you already have is a conversation you should have with a kitchen designer. Ultimately, however, it's the look of the doors and drawer fronts that have the biggest impact on the style of your kitchen. There are countless options when you begin combining the cabinet door style, stain or paint finish, and additional finishing or glazes. A good place to start is collecting images of kitchens you like on a site such as Houzz, and looking for commonalities in what you save. A kitchen designer can help you with your final selection if you're having trouble narrowing it down. Keep in mind that cabinet style and color are directly connected to design style, which in turn is directly related to trends. Your choices here will greatly impact the overall look (and timelessness) of your home.
Upgrade Older Appliances
There's no denying that some appliances are always going to be worth hanging on to, like that antique cast iron oven in your southern aunt's kitchen. If, however, your appliances are not functioning properly any more, are impossible to keep clean, or are out-dated eyesores, then replacing them will offer a major impact on your kitchen's changes. In the past decade in particular, kitchen appliances have gone through something of a renaissance. Higher-quality units that perform more efficiently with better results for their given task are the standard in home appliances, and in most cases, are worth investing in. Even still, if your budget calls for simple replacement rather than high-end upgrade, you're still doing your kitchen, and yourself, a favor.
Add More Lighting
We've talked in the past about adding decorative lighting to your kitchen, which is certainly one way to make an impact. Beyond that, though, increasing both task and ambient lighting throughout the kitchen creates a different type of change that's worth looking into. Rather than relying on one or two large fixtures placed on the ceiling, modern kitchen design uses a range of lighting options to allow you to adjust the light level for your needs. Having a mixture of recessed lighting, undercabinet and/or in-cabinet lighting, and decorative lighting allow you to maximize light during dinner prep, create moody ambient lighting for an evening in, or provide simple task lighting to help you find your way to the coffee maker in the morning. Consider also the type of light bulb and work to replace harsh, yellow fluorescent lighting with energy efficient LEDs or CFLs.
Install or Replace the Backsplash
The backsplash, which is a material added to the wall between the counter and the underside of the upper cabinets, has a two-fold purpose. First, it protects the wall from cooking spills or accidents and moisture, any of which can potentially damage the drywall. Second, it provides an opportunity to add style and personality. There are several backsplash materials on the market, including tile, glass, and stainless steel, so there's sure to be an option for your tastes and budget. The backsplash can become a key element to the new style of your kitchen, or you can select subtle materials that do the job without taking all the attention.
Note: This post was originally published on Sep 29, 2015. It was most recently updated on March 4, 2020 with new images and the text was edited slightly for clarity.
