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The kitchen is the heart of any home, featuring the hubbub of family meals and entertaining. Keeping your kitchen up to date with features that help make your life easier and more efficient is essential to being happy in your home environment. In fact, research shows that kitchen upgrades make people happier.
The National Association of Realtors and National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s recent report found that kitchen remodeling projects received a joy score of 10/10. This might be why real estate agents have seen an increased demand for kitchen upgrades (48 percent) and complete kitchen renovations (26 percent) among remodeling projects over the past 2 years.
While a kitchen renovation can require a serious financial commitment, it also offers one of the best returns on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project. A successful revamp can boost home value, increase functionality, improve safety, modernize appliances, and enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in the space.
But with so many choices and a wide range of prices, how can you decide which products to invest in when redoing your kitchen? You can cut costs with a slow reno to spread out your costs and wait for deals, there are certain areas where it makes sense to splurge or save. We spoke to several home design experts to hear their thoughts on where to focus a kitchen renovation budget to get the most ROI and satisfaction throughout this process.
How to Decide Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Whether you are working with a designer or embarking on a DIY project, when you’re ready to figure out your kitchen remodel budget, consider your priorities. Evaluate functionality, visibility, and frequency of use, says Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, designer at Cosentino, a global company that produces and distributes surfaces for architecture and design. “If something impacts how the kitchen functions day-to-day—like appliances or cabinetry—it’s worth investing in,” he says. “Ultimately, I encourage clients to think about how they live and prioritize what will bring lasting value to their everyday experience.”
Mike Anderson, founder of Tenon Builders, a residential construction firm based in Denver, Colorado, advises his clients to ask themselves three essential questions. If the answer is “yes” to any of these, it’s probably worth the splurge. If not, you have an opportunity to cut costs without sacrificing the integrity of the space.
- Will I use this every day?
- Is it difficult or expensive to replace later?
- Does it make a major visual or functional impact?
In addition, Anderson’s colleague Gary Leonard, also a founder of Tenon Builders, says it’s best to splurge on the elements your household uses daily but are difficult to replace, such as cabinetry, appliances, and countertops. “These are not only essential for everyday function but also play a big role in how a kitchen is perceived at resale,” says Leonard.
Where to Splurge
If you’re going to splurge, start with cabinetry, countertops, and appliances, recommends Anuszkiewicz. “These are high-impact, high-use features that define the kitchen’s level of quality and its function,” he says.
Cabinets
Cabinets typically rank as the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, accounting for about 30 percent of the overall budget. But you don’t want to scrimp on this key feature of your kitchen. Well-made cabinetry is an investment worth making, says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts in Fremont, California. “Solid wood cabinets, whether custom or semi-custom, provide not only design benefits but also long-term durability and storage options,” she says. Quality cabinets typically come with a long-term warranty and durable finishes that will stand the test of time. They also provide a great ROI, since they are frequently the first thing prospective buyers see when they enter a house.
Cabinets are also the hardest-working feature in any kitchen, says Leonard. “They’re opened and closed dozens of times a day, leaned on, bumped into, and expected to last for years. Skimping here often leads to regret.” Upgraded cabinetry, such as Starmark Cabinetry, elevates the entire space and boosts the perceived value of a home.
Countertop
A kitchen countertop also catches the eye when someone first walks into your kitchen. “Highly visible elements like countertops also make a strong impression and can elevate the entire space,” says Anuszkiewicz.
Therefore, experts agree that it’s worth investing in a high-end countertop like Cambria quartz surfaces or natural stone over the less expensive options like laminate or low-end composites. “Not only are they more durable but they’re also resistant to staining and heat damage,” says Leonard. Higher-end natural materials also require little maintenance and a great solution to such a high-touch area for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.
Appliances
Several experts also agree that choosing the best appliances possible, such as Bosch dishwashers, is a smart move when remodeling a kitchen. The appliances help everything run in the kitchen—where you store food and how you clean dishes—so you’ll want models that meet all your needs. “Appliances are another worthwhile investment,” says Leonard. “They impact your daily experience more than almost anything else and are a top consideration for future buyers,” he says. Consider upgrading to more sustainable appliances, such as an induction range, and incorporating appliances with smart technology features to level up your time in the kitchen.
Where to Save
“Some design elements may feel essential to the current homeowner but don’t typically increase the home’s value,” explains Anderson. Three examples include a backsplash, high-end light fixtures, and trendy features.
Backsplash
With a kitchen backsplash, there are endless ways to get creative and spend money. However, designers agree this isn’t the place to concentrate your budget. Instead, opt for a classic tile in a basic or interesting pattern—such as a Satori Hudson white tile in a subway pattern—that will allow your countertop and appliances to pop. Sticking to a simple tile for the backsplash is a great place to save without sacrificing style, says Anuszkiewicz.
Lighting
Picking light fixtures can quickly become overwhelming with nearly endless choices within a wide range of price points. Sometimes the most expensive fixtures look identical to the least expensive ones, which confuses decisions even more. Because of this inconsistency, experts suggest looking at kitchen lighting as a way to cut costs. “Lighting is a great area to save. There are countless affordable options that deliver on form and function,” says Anderson. Fortunately, you can still create an attractive look by carefully choosing light fixtures like the modern Sputnik chandelier based on their appearance, while keeping the price tag in mind.
Trendy Features
It is easy to get carried away and choose décor for your kitchen that is in vogue now but won’t stand the test of time. You’ll want to avoid spending money on trendy add-ons that you might regret later or that could turn off future buyers. Avoid items like built-in espresso machines, pot fillers, smart faucets, overly artistic hardware, or custom storage solutions that tend to reflect personal lifestyle choices rather than broad market value, says Anuszkiewicz.
How to Strike a Balance Between Splurges and Money-Saving Products
As you contemplate what to purchase for your new kitchen, try to blend splurges with affordable items. The key to finding a balance is to splurge on items or designs that will improve your everyday experience, and to save money where you can still achieve the look you want with the option to enhance the feature in the future if you choose, says Anuszkiewicz. “Splurge on foundational elements, then save on easily updated details that can swap out over time,” he says. “With a thoughtful plan and clear priorities, you can create a beautiful, high-performing kitchen that feels elevated without going over budget.”
