Whether you’re cooking up a five-course meal or unwrapping some lovingly-ordered takeout, having a functional and welcoming kitchen is equally important. Kitchens have become the focal point of a home, and the space where everyone seems to gather. 

Perhaps you’re looking for a dramatic makeover or a thoughtful touch-up. Either way, there’s a lot to consider as you approach a kitchen project. Instead of scrolling through endless idea boards, consider this list to jump-start your plans. 

 

Cabinets 

Cabinets are a focal point of any kitchen, but the myriad style and color options might be overwhelming. To be frank – if you’re thinking about redoing the entire kitchen, you should connect with an experienced design-and-build team.  

But there’s a lot you can do to change the feel and functionality of your space while working with your existing layout. Depending on the material of your cabinets, you might be able to refinish the surface or replace the doors. If you’re looking for an open, airy space, consider a light color.  

 Open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a great way to show off your beautiful pieces while hiding the rest behind solid doors. No longer do you need Grandma’s old china cabinet. Installing under-cabinet lighting is another easy project that will completely change the feel of your home. 

Counters 

Replacing countertops is another big job, but it is an unmatched way to improve the functionality of your space.  

 Your first step is to decide what type of counter you want. There are environmentally friendly options, economic options, and simply aesthetic options. People who cook and bake a lot may lean toward natural stone, but those of us who are more prone to ordering in can find a manufactured dupe. 

 

Dining 

Having space of any size for eating transforms a kitchen from a work space to a gathering space. Whether you have room for two stools or a full farmhouse table, making an area for dining part of the prep space can be a major improvement.  

Carrying colors and materials from the prep space to the dining area will make both feel like one large space. It might be as simple as extending the counter and adding a couple of barstools, or finding a corner table to fill the extra nook. 

Accents 

Updating the hardware is another simple and effective way to make a change. If you like the handles and pulls you already have, consider using a quality spray paint to give them a more modern aesthetic. And if you want to replace the hardware altogether, it’s a project just about anyone can handle. 

Similarly, installing a backsplash can make any kitchen feel like new. Some tiling projects are pretty simple and can be done in a weekend, while others are best left to the professionals. 

As you begin adding the functional items like microwaves and spoon rests, leave some room for an herb garden or a few houseplants that can purify the air. Whether you create a hanging garden or some countertop dimension, greenery breathes new life into any space. 

 

Appliances 

If you don’t have the time for a major renovation, updating and coordinating your appliances will have a major impact on your day-to-day kitchen experience. Whether you prioritize a double oven or a top-of-the-line microwave, good appliances are the key to functionality. 

Upgrading the sink and faucet is another easy way to modernize the space you already have. Instead of the tried-and-true stainless steel sink, consider a porcelain or ceramic centerpiece. 

Remodeling your kitchen gives you the chance to design it based on exactly how you live in that space. 

 

Erin Langford is a home stager and landscape design writer. She loves entertaining and playing in her backyard, but she hates yard work.  She recently expanded her patio and added an outdoor kitchen so she has less grass to mow.