Whether you’re dreaming of a chef-worthy setup or just want to freshen up outdated finishes, kitchen upgrades can dramatically elevate the heart of your home. But not all kitchen remodels are created equal. While some improvements offer a solid return on investment by improving your space’s function and resale value, others drain your budget without adding much in return.
We’ll break down the smartest kitchen upgrades that are genuinely worth every penny. We’ll also shine a light on five popular features that, while tempting, often turn out to be more flash than substance.
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just updating a few key elements, this guide will help you spend your money where it counts most. Let’s dig in and make sure your kitchen remodel is built to last on both style and value.
Cabinets take up the most visual space in your kitchen and are one of the most used components. So it’s no surprise that upgrading your cabinets is one of the best investments you can make during a kitchen remodel.
Custom cabinets allow you to maximize every inch of available space. Unlike standard stock cabinetry, custom cabinets can be designed to fit around awkward corners, tall ceilings, or tight spaces. You also get full control over finishes, materials, and hardware to match your personal style.
In addition to aesthetics, high-quality cabinetry improves function. Soft-close hinges, pull-out drawers, lazy Susans, and built-in organizers transform everyday tasks into smoother experiences. While custom cabinets do come at a higher price point, they tend to last decades. This makes them one of the smartest long-term kitchen upgrades you can choose.
Countertops are a workhorse in any kitchen. They endure spills, stains, heat, and constant use. That’s why upgrading to premium surfaces like quartz or granite is worth the extra investment.
Granite stands out as a top choice for kitchens, and for good reason! It’s incredibly durable, shrugging off scratches, chips, and even hot pans without a fuss. That means you get a surface that not only looks fantastic but also lasts for ages. Plus, keeping it clean is a breeze. A quick wipe with soap and water is all it takes. And let’s not forget the looks. Each granite slab has its own unique, beautiful patterns and colors, giving your kitchen a sophisticated, timeless upgrade that can even boost your home’s value.
Quartz countertops also offer the best of both worlds: the durability of stone and the low-maintenance appeal of engineered surfaces. They’re non-porous, which means no sealing is required. They’re also stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and available in a huge variety of colors and patterns.
Homebuyers and design-savvy homeowners alike love quartz and granite for their clean, modern look and practicality. Compared to other materials like marble, quartz and granite are more consistent in quality and don’t require much upkeep. This makes them a top pick for today’s kitchen upgrades.
Lighting is one of the most overlooked but most powerful kitchen upgrades you can make. A well-lit kitchen feels larger, cleaner, and more inviting. It also improves safety and makes daily tasks more manageable.
Investing in a layered lighting approach gives your kitchen both form and function. Combine ambient lighting (like recessed ceiling lights) with task lighting (under-cabinet strips or pendant lights over islands), and don’t forget accent lighting (such as LED strips in toe kicks or glass cabinet displays).
Dimmable lights and smart lighting controls also add a luxurious, modern touch. Whether you’re cooking, entertaining, or just grabbing a midnight snack, the right lighting sets the perfect tone.
If you constantly find yourself cramming items into cabinets or stacking dishes awkwardly, it’s time to rethink your kitchen storage. A kitchen remodel is the ideal opportunity to include storage upgrades that make the most of your square footage.
Pull-out pantry drawers, corner cabinet carousels, hidden trash compartments, appliance garages, and vertical tray dividers all help keep your kitchen tidy and efficient. You’ll also want to consider deep drawers for pots and pans and custom inserts for utensils and spices.
These smart kitchen upgrades not only eliminate clutter but also improve daily workflow. You’ll spend less time searching for things and more time enjoying your kitchen.
A kitchen island isn’t just an extra counter, it’s the central hub of many modern homes. If space allows, upgrading or adding a large island can dramatically improve your kitchen layout.
Islands provide extra storage, additional prep space, and a place for friends and family to gather. Add a sink or cooktop to the island to make it even more functional. Include seating for casual meals or homework time, and you’ve created a true multitasking space.
Choose a bold countertop material or a contrasting cabinet color to make your island a stylish focal point. A well-designed island becomes the centerpiece of your culinary space. This makes it one kitchen upgrade that never goes out of style.
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models might not seem glamorous, but it pays off quickly. Modern refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves are designed to use less electricity and water while offering better performance.
Look for ENERGY STAR® rated appliances, which often qualify for rebates and can significantly lower utility bills. Smart appliances with app control and diagnostics also add a tech-forward touch that appeals to today’s buyers.
Matching stainless steel finishes and built-in installation options give your upgraded kitchen a cohesive and professional look. In short, new appliances improve function, reduce long-term costs, and add polish to your kitchen remodel.
While it might be one of the smaller elements in your kitchen, a backsplash upgrade can make a huge impact. It protects your walls from grease and moisture and gives your kitchen a finished, intentional feel.
Subway tile remains a classic, but bold patterned tiles, mosaic inlays, or even full quartz slab backsplashes are gaining popularity. Glass, metal, and handmade ceramic tiles can add color and texture that elevate the entire space.
A backsplash is also one of the easier elements to change later, so it’s a great place to inject personality without committing long-term. It’s a stylish kitchen upgrade that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
Kitchen floors take a beating. Between foot traffic, spills, and dropped utensils, they need to be both durable and attractive. Upgrading your flooring during a kitchen remodel can improve both function and aesthetic value.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, and hardwood are popular choices for modern kitchens. They resist moisture, clean easily, and are available in styles that mimic natural wood or stone. Hardwood brings a timeless elegance and natural warmth, instantly making your kitchen feel inviting and sophisticated. It’s also comfortable underfoot, which is a bonus for those long cooking sessions, and can be refinished multiple times to refresh its look.
On the other hand, tile is a champion of durability and water resistance, making it ideal for a space prone to spills and heavy foot traffic. It’s incredibly easy to clean and maintain, and the vast array of styles, colors, and patterns allows for endless design possibilities to perfectly match your aesthetic.
Investing in quality flooring also makes your kitchen safer and more comfortable. Choose slip-resistant textures, cushioned surfaces, and radiant heating options for added comfort during colder months. It’s a kitchen upgrade that blends practicality with comfort, making it well worth the investment.
No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, it won’t feel functional if the layout is awkward. That’s why revisiting the floor plan is one of the most impactful kitchen upgrades you can make.
Think about the “kitchen work triangle.” This is the path between your sink, stove, and fridge. The goal is to make meal prep and cleanup efficient and ergonomic. If you’re constantly walking around an island to get from the fridge to the stove, something needs to change.
Sometimes even minor layout shifts like moving an appliance, removing a wall, or reconfiguring a peninsula can drastically improve how your kitchen works. A kitchen remodel is your chance to fix layout issues that have bugged you for years.
A built-in espresso machine might make your kitchen feel like a luxury café, but in the long run, this upgrade often becomes an expensive regret.
These machines can cost thousands upfront, not including custom cabinetry work needed for installation. They also require regular descaling, cleaning, and occasional repairs. This can be a problem as not every appliance technician services built-ins. If the machine breaks, replacing it can be a nightmare, especially if the model is discontinued.
Unless you’re a serious espresso connoisseur and you’re committed to daily use, this is one of those kitchen upgrades that sounds cooler than it actually is. A high-quality countertop espresso machine gives you the same experience without the added cost or risk to your cabinetry.
Open shelving is a kitchen upgrade trend that has dominated design blogs and Instagram feeds for years. It gives kitchens an airy, minimalist look, but at what cost?
First off, open shelves drastically reduce your storage flexibility. You can’t just toss mismatched mugs or plastic containers up there without it looking messy. That means you’re constantly organizing and cleaning (not ideal for a space that’s used daily).
For kitchen remodels aimed at long-term comfort and resale value, closed cabinetry is still the smartest route. It hides clutter, protects dishes, and gives you freedom to be less-than-perfect.
Pot fillers, those swing-out faucets mounted over the stove, seem like a dream feature for anyone who hates lugging heavy pots from the sink. But in reality, they tend to be more of a kitchen remodel gimmick than a game-changer.
To start, pot fillers add complexity to your plumbing. Installing one requires opening walls and running a water line to a new location, which increases labor and material costs. On top of that, they don’t solve the biggest issue: you still have to carry the pot back to the sink to empty it. And if it ever leaks? You’re dealing with water damage above your stove (one of the worst spots for it).
For most homeowners, especially those who don’t cook massive batches of pasta regularly, the convenience just doesn’t match the investment. You’re better off putting that money toward a more accessible pull-down faucet at the sink.
The concept of a built-in desk or “command center” in the kitchen stems from the idea of a central hub for household organization. In reality, these areas often become dumping grounds for mail, keys, and miscellaneous clutter rather than organized workstations. With the prevalence of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, dedicated desktop computers are less common, making this kitchen upgrade largely superfluous.
Moreover, kitchens are prone to spills, food particles, and general mess, which aren’t conducive to sensitive electronics or important paperwork. Unless you have a very specific and ongoing need for a dedicated, always-clean workspace within your kitchen, these built-in areas often consume valuable counter and cabinet space that could be better utilized for storage or food preparation.
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of high-end drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and faucet fixtures, especially when they’re packaged under luxury designer brands. But here’s the reality: most designer kitchen hardware delivers very little added value beyond aesthetics, and in many cases, that look can be replicated for a fraction of the price. You’d be far better off going for custom-built hardware for your kitchen upgrade, if you need to spend the cash.
At The Viking Craftsman, we understand that every kitchen remodel is a significant undertaking. We pride ourselves on being the kitchen remodeling contractors in Plano, TX, who genuinely understand what works for your unique space and lifestyle.
We don’t just build kitchens; we collaborate closely with you, getting into your style preferences, your functional vision, and your precise budget. Our commitment ensures that your new kitchen is not only incredibly functional and undeniably stylish but also seamlessly integrates with your home’s existing aesthetics, ultimately elevating its value.
Call now and let’s discuss the right kitchen upgrades that are worth every penny for your family.
The Viking Craftsman, Inc. Proudly serving since 2002, we specialize in custom woodworking, built-ins, and full home renovations. With a commitment to detail and quality, we bring your ideas to life with expert craftsmanship and care.
