Let’s talk kitchen upgrades: the improvements that can make the difference 

People upgrade their kitchens for all sorts of reasons. Maybe the furniture and appliances are worn out or damaged due to the heavy use that kitchens usually endure. Maybe they lack counter or storage space – a common issue in many households that leads to crowded kitchens, poor workflow, and reduced functionality. Maybe the kitchen looks dated and could use a bit of a makeover to bring it up to speed with the latest trends and styles. Maybe the homeowners want to sell their house and are looking for ways to make their property more attractive to buyers, in which case a modern kitchen can be a definite strong suit. Or maybe they’re just bored and need a project to keep them busy, and a kitchen upgrade just happens to fit the bill.

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There are a lot of maybes that can ignite someone’s desire for a kitchen transformation and they’re all just as valid. But regardless of motivation, one needs to know what areas and aspects they should focus on when planning a kitchen makeover to get the best results. Not all changes are for the better and not all improvements are worth the money or the effort. Some might even have the opposite effect and ruin your kitchen’s appeal. 

So, if you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a quick facelift anytime soon, here’s a look at some of the best upgrades that can make a positive difference to the design and functionality of the space, and some not-so-great improvements that you should probably avoid. 

What to focus on 

Let’s start with the improvements that will give you the most bang for your buck.  

Updated cabinets 

Refreshing your cabinetry is sure to make an impact and transform the look and feel of your kitchen in no time. You can do that by painting your existing cabinets, replacing the doors, changing the hardware, or investing in new units altogether. Choosing the best solution depends on how worn out your cabinets are, the result you want to achieve, and obviously your renovation budget. 

Modern appliances 

The comfort, convenience, and functionality of a kitchen largely depend on its equipment. Kitchen appliances are meant to make your life easier by simplifying tasks and helping you save time and energy, so if they no longer work as they once did, it might be a good idea to replace them or look into new equipment or tools that can be of use to you. 

From multi-burner stoves to food processors, coffee makers, electric kettles, or dishwashers, there’s an entire range of high-quality appliances and utensils that can cater to various needs. Newer models also tend to be more energy-efficient than their older counterparts and have a more pleasant design, which means modern appliances check the boxes for both functionality and aesthetics. 

Clever storage and organisation solutions 

Fighting mess and clutter in the kitchen can feel like a never-ending battle, and it’s not always the lack of space to blame for this commonplace issue. More often than not, it’s the ineffective organisation and storage causing these problems. And so, the key to keeping your kitchen perfectly clean and tidy at all times is to use smart storage and organisation solutions.

Hanging floating shelves, using clear storage containers for groceries, building a kitchen pegboard,   installing hooks, or integrating your white kitchen bin in a pull-out drawer for better waste management are some of the clever hacks that are worth giving a try. 

Quality countertops 

Countertops play an essential role in the kitchen, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. They are the first element that stands out when walking into a kitchen, and they also see a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. This is why investing in quality countertops that look great, are durable, and easy to maintain makes perfect sense for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen. 

Things that matter to you 

A kitchen reno is not something you get to do all that often, so if you do decide to embark on such a project and invest your time and money into it, you want to make it count. Try not to get swayed by what other people do in their homes or what experts recommend. 

While consulting different resources for inspiration can help, keep in mind that people have different needs and lifestyles and what works for others might not work for you. So, forget about trends and design rules and focus on the things that matter to you and fit your personal requirements. If you want to put a black kitchen bin in an all-white kitchen or install an oddly shaped kitchen island, there’s nothing stopping you. Do what feels right to you and you won’t regret it. 

What to avoid 

Some upgrades are more of a waste of money than an investment, so you have to be careful what you include on your reno list. For example, just because modern appliances can enhance efficiency and convenience in the kitchen doesn’t mean you should go and buy every single tool and high-tech gadget out there. Before you buy an item for your kitchen make sure you have an actual need for it, or else you’re going to end up with a bunch of unnecessary devices that are just going to gather dust and occupy space on the counter.

Following trends just for the sake of following trends is another huge mistake that many people make when renovating their kitchens. Trends come and go, and they become obsolete sooner than you realise. Instead of constantly chasing new designs and upgrading your kitchen more often than necessary, you should try to figure out what works for your kitchen and create your own style. 

Home improvement projects can be a real challenge, so keep these tips in mind when the time comes to spruce up your kitchen and try to choose wisely.