
You’re thinking about a kitchen remodel or kitchen refresh and want to optimize your budget to upgrade the aspects that will have the biggest return on investment. But, what adds the most value in a kitchen remodel?
As a full service home remodeling company, Synergy’s primary focus is on large-scale, complex home remodels. We don’t provide cabinet refacing or replacing countertops only type services, but we want to ensure homeowners are informed when it comes to home remodeling – whatever your budget! So, here’s our top tips on the things that have the best return on investment when it comes to a kitchen remodel.
Cabinets
We’re big believers in quality cabinets and our cabinetry partners are some of the best in business! Cabinetry can make or break a kitchen remodel. Kitchen cabinets should last a long time from both durability and interior design standpoints. They are one of the biggest line items in any kitchen remodeling budget, so choose a reputable brand that will stand the test of time.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to all new cabinets, new techniques and finishes mean cabinet refacing or painting are also an option. However, we recommend you pay a professional to do this for you to ensure it’s done right: it may seem like a simple task to paint a few cabinets, but the quality and type of paint and your original cabinet finishes may impact your success.
Backsplash Tile
When it comes to backsplashes, a beautiful tile backsplash is hard to beat! You don’t have to splurge on marble to get a stunning look. Ceramic and porcelain tile works just as well and the design possibilities are endless. When it comes to design, geometric tile is still a hot trend. Subway tile is still a timeless choice, but new finishes and designs give them a new twist making subway tile both magazine-worthy and (depending on the tile you pick) budget-friendly.
Countertops
This one is a no-brainer. New countertops can give a kitchen a whole new lease on life! When it comes to countertop choice, there are endless possibilities. However, there have been changes to the choice of countertop material in recent years. For example, there has been a general move away from granite. Engineered quartz countertops are now popular with the added benefit of being durable and stain resistant. Unless you really, really want them, we’d recommend avoiding natural stone. Although they are beautiful, they typically soak up stains and require a lot more care to maintain them than their engineered counterparts.
Not sure what color might work best in your kitchen? Read Our Top Tips For Picking Countertop Color
Kitchen Sink & Faucet
An old, boring kitchen sink and uninspiring faucet never brought joy to anyone. These are two of the simplest things to replace in your kitchen. If budget doesn’t stretch to replacing both, change out the faucet. There are SO many options at reasonable price points in a range of different finishes, you have no more excuses. If you really want to splurge, go with a touch-sensor faucet or one that has a pull-down spray. You won’t regret it!
Don’t know the difference between overmount and undermount or looking for some design inspiration? Read Everything and the Kitchen Sink to get you started!
Lighting
One of the most overlooked aspects in many kitchens but, for us, it’s all about great lighting! This is another way to give your kitchen some pep and a whole new look without too much heavy lifting.
When it comes to what’s new in kitchen lighting, you don’t even need pendants over the island anymore. Many homeowners are opting for recessed lighting and/or under cabinet lighting and foregoing pendants for a cleaner, modern look. Likewise, the days of large, ornate lights are gone. Once a staple in kitchens, these heavy fixtures are outdated and lighting is now all about making spaces look airier and more open.
Interested to read more about other design elements that might be dating your home? Read this!
Kitchen Appliances
Old, tired and miss-matched appliances instantly date a space. If you are looking for a quick fix in your kitchen, replacing the appliances is the easiest place to start. If you’re refreshing a kitchen for resale purposes, potential homebuyers will notice if the appliances have aged out and are already doing a mental calculation of how much it will cost to replace them before they’ve even seen the rest of the home.
It’s not all about splurging on top-of-the-line appliances. It’s worth doing some research on consumer reports to determine which appliances are going to provide the best reliability. When it comes to finishes, stainless steel is still the go-to for many, but they are not a must-have when it comes to design. We’ve seen a move back to white appliances but updated with modern finishes and details for a stunning look.
Read What’s Trending in Kitchen Appliances for insider tips on kitchen appliances.
Ready to work with a local kitchen remodeler who can guide you every step of the way and provide advice on the best places to splurge and save when it comes to your home remodel? Give us a call. Our home remodeling consultations are FREE!