8 Kitchen Upgrades That Are Practically Guaranteed to Add Value to Your Home

Few renovation projects can refresh your home quite like a kitchen refresh—but not all kitchen upgrades add resale value. Sure, a beautiful backsplash, on-trend cabinetry, updated countertops, and sleek appliances would improve any kitchen, but, if you plan on eventually selling your home, you need to know which kitchen updates have a good ROI.

Below, we’ve spoken to real estate and design professionals about the best kitchen upgrades that will add the most value to your home.

1. Kitchen Islands With Seating

Real estate advisor Kourtney Pulitzer says one of the highest ROI kitchen upgrades is adding a kitchen island with seating. “People really love being able to spend time in the kitchen, which is often the heart of a home,” she says.

Kitchen islands haven’t always been a must-have item, but, these days, they’re on many buyers’ wishlists. While kitchen islands historically served as prep surfaces, they’ve transitioned into the focal point of the kitchen, a gathering spot where many (if not most) meals are eaten and parties are hosted.

2. Updating or Adding Cabinetry

In most cases, Pulitzer says you can’t go wrong updating your kitchen cabinets, noting that upgrading cabinets and pantry organization can often result in extra money in your pocket when you sell.

Traditional kitchens have both upper and lower cabinets, which naturally take up a lot of visual space. So, updating this cabinetry will have a major impact on your kitchen’s overall look. Plus, modern cabinetry options can make the kitchen more organized and user-friendly, which appeals to buyers.

3. Cabinet Refacing and Painting

Let’s face it, even builder-grade cabinets cost a lot of money. But, there are budget-friendly ways to update your cabinetry. “Instead of replacing cabinets, refinishing, painting, or refacing them is a cost-effective way to modernize the kitchen,” advises Kristin Farnan, founder of Ridge Residential Design.

You can refresh the look of cabinetry with a coat of paint or completely overhaul their looks by refacing them. Both options can cost a fraction of a full cabinet replacement, and, in some cases, they may offer the same return.

4. New Cabinet Hardware

Even swapping your cabinet hardware can work wonders for your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, as the antiquated hardware could be dating your otherwise beautiful kitchen. “Updating cabinet handles, hinges, and drawer pulls is a small change with a big impact,” Farnan says.

Depending on the size of your kitchen and the type of hardware you’re replacing, this is an upgrade you could do for less than $100. Plus, swapping cabinet hardware takes hardly any time at all.

5. Countertops

Yes, countertops are expensive, but they make a major visual impact on the kitchen that buyers will notice right away. Plus, there are plenty of countertop materials to choose from, offering beautiful looks at an attainable price. Farnan recommends shopping quartz and granite for the best balance of cost and desirability.

6. Refreshed Backsplash

Farnan says a modern backsplash (subway tile, glass, or stone) can up your kitchen’s visual appeal without breaking your budget. When done well, a kitchen backsplash can elevate the existing countertops and cabinetry, giving the entire kitchen a refreshed look at a lower cost than cabinetry, countertops, and appliances.

7. Light Fixtures

Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Upgrading kitchen light fixtures is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. In fact, most experienced DIYers can knock out this renovation themselves, which increases the ROI potential.

“Pendant lights over the sink or island, under-cabinet lighting, or LED recessed lighting can transform the ambiance,” notes Farnan.

8. Neutral Paint

A new coat of paint is nearly always a good idea, as it can totally transform your space without making a major dent in your budget. Plus, most DIYers can perform a decent paint job themselves, adding to their ROI. However, not just any paint will work.

Farnan advocates for the use of neutral colors (white, gray, beige, etc.) on cabinetry and walls, as they will give the space a clean, updated look. Plus, opting for neutral colors will appeal to most buyers, while bolder choices may be more polarizing.

Kitchen Upgrades With the Worst ROI

We’ve covered the kitchen upgrades with the best ROI, but what about kitchen renovations with the worst ROI?

• High-end appliances: Both Farnan and Pulitzer agreed that high-end appliances rarely ever return on the steep initial cost.
• Overly specific features and appliances: While you may love your nugget ice maker and built-in espresso machine, buyers won’t necessarily be as enthused. In fact, they may view your prized features as must-remove items.
• Overly trendy designs: While your edgy kitchen design may look great to you and others, it won’t necessarily appeal to your buyers. Farnan says bold colors, open shelving, and modern cabinetry come in and out of style, meaning they won’t necessarily align with the buyer’s wants and needs.