Planning a kitchen reno? There are certain cool things you might want to put in. In this article, I’ll be sharing my own dream kitchen must-haves to give you ideas for your kitchen renovation.
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What adds the most value to a kitchen remodel?
Making the right upgrades to your kitchen remodel can really boost your home’s value.
- High-quality countertops. Quartz and granite countertops instantly elevate the look of your kitchen and attract buyers looking for durability and style.
- Upgraded cabinets with smart storage. Custom or refaced cabinets with built-in organizers, pull-out shelves and hidden trash bins are cool things to put in your kitchen that make it more functional.
- Energy-efficient appliances. Investing in must have kitchen appliances like a smart fridge, a convection oven or an induction cooktop adds convenience and energy savings, which buyers love.
- A stylish and functional backsplash. A beautiful backsplash made of subway tile, marble or patterned ceramic adds character while protecting your walls.
- Ample lighting. Layered lighting with under-cabinet LEDs, pendant lights over the island and recessed ceiling lights enhances both ambiance and usability.
- A large kitchen island. An island adds workspace, storage and a gathering spot, making it a top feature for modern kitchens.
- Updated flooring. Hardwood, luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring that’s both durable and stylish increases appeal and value.
- A deep, high-quality sink. A large farmhouse sink or a workstation sink with built-in cutting boards and drying racks is a practical yet luxurious touch.
- Smart kitchen features. Motion-sensor faucets, smart lighting and Wi-Fi-enabled appliances are cool things to put in your kitchen that make daily life easier.
- Open layout and more natural light. Knocking down walls to create an open-concept design and adding larger windows or skylights makes the kitchen feel bigger and brighter, which is a huge selling point.
If you’re remodeling with resale value in mind, focusing on these upgrades will make your kitchen more attractive and functional but also maximize your return on investment.
What order should you renovate your kitchen in?
Renovating your kitchen in the right order helps keep the process smooth and efficient.
- Plan and budget. Before tearing anything down, create a clear plan for your layout, must-have features and budget. Think about storage, lighting and cool things to put in your kitchen like a pull-out spice rack, a built-in coffee station or a hidden charging drawer.
- Demolition. Remove old cabinets, countertops and flooring as needed. If you’re keeping any existing elements, be sure to protect them.
- Plumbing and electrical updates. If you’re moving appliances or installing must-have kitchen appliances like a double oven or a high-powered range hood, this is the time to update wiring and plumbing to accommodate them.
- Walls and painting. Once the major systems are in place, finish up drywall repairs and painting.
- Flooring installation. If you’re replacing the floor, do it before installing new cabinets to ensure a seamless fit.
- Cabinets and storage. Install cabinetry, shelving and other built-ins. This is often one of the most exciting steps because the space starts taking shape.
- Countertops and backsplash. Once cabinets are in, add countertops and a backsplash. A statement backsplash can be one of the cool things to put in your kitchen that adds character and style.
- Appliances and fixtures. Bring in your must-have kitchen appliances, sink and faucet. If you’re upgrading to smart appliances, make sure everything is connected properly.
- Lighting and finishing touches. Install under-cabinet lighting, decorative fixtures and accessories to complete the space. Consider adding unique features like a pot filler or a motion-sensor trash cabinet for extra convenience.
- Final cleanup and inspection. Give everything a deep clean and check that all installations are secure and working properly.
This order will help to make your kitchen remodel as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What is the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel?
The biggest expense in a kitchen remodel is usually cabinetry. Custom cabinets can take up a significant portion of the budget especially if you choose high-quality wood, custom finishes or built-in storage solutions. If you’re looking to save money, refinishing or refacing cabinets instead of replacing them can be a great option.
Appliances are another major cost, particularly if you’re upgrading to high-end or professional-grade models. Investing in must-have kitchen appliances like a high-efficiency dishwasher, a built-in convection oven or a smart refrigerator can add convenience but also increase expenses.
Countertops, especially if you go for materials like quartz, granite or marble, can also be a pricey part of the remodel. However, a stunning countertop can be one of the cool things to put in your kitchen that adds both beauty and functionality. If you’re on a budget, butcher block or laminate can be stylish and cost-effective alternatives.
Ultimately, where you spend the most will depend on your priorities: high-end finishes, smart appliances or maximizing storage and functionality.
15 dream kitchen must-haves
Designing a kitchen that’s both functional and beautiful means thinking beyond the basics. Most people remember the big appliances and storage solutions but there are a few dream kitchen must-haves that often go unnoticed and once you have them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
1. A pot filler faucet
No more lugging heavy pots of water from the sink to the stove. A pot filler mounted above your cooktop saves time and effort.
2. Drawer organizers for spices and utensils
Forget rummaging through a jumbled spice rack. A built-in spice drawer keeps everything in order, right where you need it.
3. Under-cabinet lighting
Task lighting isn’t just practical. It also adds a warm, inviting glow to your kitchen, making meal prep easier and enhancing the ambiance.
4. A walk-in pantry or appliance garage
Keeping small appliances tucked away but easily accessible makes your countertops look sleek while keeping your essentials within reach.
5. A built-in cutting board over the sink
A space-saving genius hack. A built-in cutting board that fits over your sink means less mess and more prep space.
6. Deep drawers instead of lower cabinets
No more crouching and digging through lower cabinets. Deep drawers allow for better organization and easy access to pots, pans and dishes.
7. A pull-out trash and recycling system
Hiding your bins in a pull-out cabinet keeps your kitchen looking tidy while making it easy to sort waste and recyclables.
8. A warming drawer
If you love entertaining, a warming drawer keeps food at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve.
9. A built-in water filtration system
Filtered water straight from the tap means no more bottled water waste. Good for you and the environment.
10. A Large, single-basin sink
A deep, single-basin sink makes washing dishes, filling pots and even bathing little ones so much easier than a divided sink.
11. Hidden charging station
Keep cords off your countertops by installing a hidden charging drawer for phones, tablets and other devices.
12. Magnetic knife strip instead of a block
A sleek, wall-mounted magnetic strip keeps your knives handy while freeing up counter space.
13. A pull-out shelf for heavy appliances
Love using your stand mixer but hate lifting it? A pull-out shelf lets you store it neatly and access it effortlessly.
14. Soft-close cabinets and drawers
No more loud slams. Soft-close hinges make opening and closing cabinets a quiet, luxurious experience.
15. A statement backsplash
Why settle for boring walls? A unique tile or stone backsplash can become the focal point of your dream kitchen must-haves, bringing both beauty and personality into your space.
Adding a few of these cool things to put in your dream kitchen will make cooking, cleaning and entertaining so much easier and stylish.
So, what are you planning to do to create your dream kitchen?
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