Table of Contents
Remodeling projects, upgrades, and renovations are great ways to boost the value of your home. And since the kitchen is the heart of a home, what better place to begin for kitchen upgrades? Moreover, it is a wise move if you have a growing family as you will need to spend more time in your cooking zone.
The kitchen is that space of your home where you roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, get your hands dirty, and make lip-smacking dishes. Thus, it should be practical for a home chef but also aesthetically pleasing. After all, it’s the focal point of your home.
Plus, kitchen remodels give you a decent return on investment. Remodels, even minor ones, can recoup 71.2% of the remodeling cost.
Kitchen Upgrades that will Make a Big Impact
Here, we’ll share some kitchen upgrades that are absolutely bang for the buck.
1. Real Stone Countertops

A good countertop can elevate your kitchen from functional to fabulous. And when it comes to kitchen countertops, real stone is where it’s at.
Granite was all the rage 20 years ago. You can go for it if you’re after dark, speckled countertops. But there are better options available.
According to the founder and lead designer of Hearth and Honey Homes, Margie Kaercher, quartz and quartzite are the most favored options among homeowners. Both options are practical and stylish.
Quartz offers a sleek, modern look and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Plus, it’s non-porous, which means it resists stains and bacteria. Quartzite, on the other hand, combines beauty and durability, mimicking the look of marble while being more resistant to scratches and heat.
A quartz countertop can cost you between $50 to $200 per square foot. Quartzite countertops are a bit expensive, however. Per square foot, it costs $80 to $220. Compare your options and see which one works the best according to your budget and lifestyle.
2. High-End Kitchen Appliances

Swap out basic appliances with high-end ones and transform your cooking experience from mundane to magnificent.
Add a sleek, stainless-steel refrigerator to your kitchen. Its stunning looks will brighten up your space instantly. Plus, its smart technology will help you manage your grocery list.
High-end ovens are another worthy upgrade. Many come with precise temperature controls, multiple cooking modes, and even built-in air fryers. That way, you can whip up gourmet meals with ease.
Another must-have appliance is a pressure cooker. It is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, perfect for sous-vide cooking.
This handy tool will allow you to cook your food quickly while preserving its nutrition. However, safety is one thing you may need to pay extra attention to because many pressure cooker explosion cases have been reported.
Brands like Instant Pot have a bad reputation in this context. Many Instant Pot explosion incidents have been reported over the years. Some models have been recalled as well due to design defects.
Victims, TorHoerman Law informs, suffer from severe injuries, ranging from eye injuries to third-degree burns to the hands, wrists, and chest. Thus, it’s best to choose a brand that goes the extra mile with safety by design. Also, check the product reviews before buying a cooker.
3. An Integrated Trash Drawer

Your cooking space needs a place to throw out trash. A regular trash can might get the job done. But it often takes up valuable floor space and can be an eyesore in an otherwise beautifully designed kitchen. An integrated trash drawer is one of the fancy things in interior designer Shea McGee’s kitchen. Homes & Gardens loves this feature of her kitchen.
With a built-in trash drawer, everything is tucked neatly away inside a cabinet. Most designs feature two bins: one for trash and another for recycling, keeping your waste sorted and organized. The drawer pulls out smoothly, allowing you to quickly scrape leftovers or peelings right into the bin while cooking, no mess, no fuss!
It’s a particularly great feature for open-concept kitchens, where you want everything to look streamlined and clean. Plus, it keeps the trash hidden from pets and kids, which is always a bonus.
In the end, kitchen upgrades don’t have to be overwhelming or break the bank, it’s all about picking the right ones.
These updates can help you create a space that’s not only more functional but also more enjoyable to spend time in. The best part? These upgrades boost the value of your home, so they pay off in more ways than one.
Don’t forget that functionality and style go hand in hand. So, focus on upgrades that not only look great but also make your everyday cooking, cleaning, and organizing easier. To make the process easier consider working with professionals near you such as Cleveland’s finest kitchen Remodelers, Keselman Construction Group.
Also Read: The Latest Trends in Kitchen Remodeling