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. Especially when you’re boiling pasta or making stock.
Check out this Delta Faucet Traditional Wall-Mounted Pot Filler in Brushed Nickel on Amazon
Features dual shut-off levers, a long 24-inch reach and a classic look that works with both modern and farmhouse kitchens. Easy DIY install above your stove.
Also consider:
Moen Align Pot Filler in Matte Black
Installation tip: place the filler 10–15 inches above the range to allow for tall stockpots.
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. They’re a simple upgrade that instantly improves kitchen functionality.
My top pick: YouCopia SpiceLiner Drawer Organizer
Soft foam liner keeps up to 30 spice jars securely in place. No installation needed. Just trim to fit and drop it in.
Great alternatives:
Bamboo Expandable Utensil Organizer
Joseph Joseph Compact Cutlery Tray
Budget tip: you can even DIY your own drawer dividers with foam board or tension rods.
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. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to elevate your kitchen aesthetics.
Top pick: Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Light Kit
Battery-operated with remote control. Dimmable, easy to install and perfect for renters or homeowners alike.
Other options:
GE Enbrighten Plug-In LED Fixture
🔧 Pro tip: Go with dimmable or motion-sensor models for extra energy savings and convenience.
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.
Top pick (for appliance garages):
Rev-A-Shelf Appliance Lift for Stand Mixers
Tucks away your stand mixer or blender, then lifts it up when you need it. No heavy lifting required.
Storage upgrades to consider:
Simple Houseware Stackable Can Rack
ClosetMaid Pantry Organizer Shelves
Design tip: Use sliding doors or tambour cabinets for a built-in garage look without a full remodel.
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. It’s one of those “why didn’t I have this sooner?” kitchen upgrades.
Top pick: KRAUS Workstation Sink Cutting Board
Made from sustainable bamboo, designed to fit over Kraus sinks and many standard ones too.
Combo option: KRAUS Kore 33” Workstation Sink with Accessories (Board, Strainer, Grid)
Benefits:
Saves counter space
Easily rinses scraps into the sink
Pairs well with deep single-basin sinks
Care tip: Choose bamboo or plastic boards for wet use. Avoid traditional wood unless sealed.
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.
Top pick (DIY drawer inserts): Rev-A-Shelf Two-Tier Cookware Organizer
This pull-out drawer system fits inside your existing base cabinets and adds deep, tiered organization for pots, lids or baking dishes.
Also consider:
mDesign Deep Drawer Bins (4-pack)
IKEA MAXIMERA Deep Drawer Hack Kit
Design tip: Install drawers at varying depths (12″, 15″, and 21″) to fit a mix of items from utensils to stockpots.
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. It’s a simple, hygienic upgrade that adds huge functional value.
Top pick: Simplehuman Pull-Out Trash Can System
Smooth-glide rails, fits in standard cabinets and includes a 9-gallon bin with optional dual-bin versions for recycling.
Budget option:
Rev-A-Shelf Pull-Out Dual Trash Cans
Real Solutions Single Pull-Out Waste Bin
Installation tip: Look for soft-close slides or slow-return systems for a quieter, smoother experience.
8. A warming drawer
If you love entertaining, a warming drawer keeps food at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve.
Check out: Empava 24″ Built-in Drawer
Pro tip: If a warming drawer is too expensive, a countertop food warmer tray or slow cooker can serve a similar purpose affordably.
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.
These filters typically last 6–12 months. Pair with a sleek faucet like the Moen Sip Beverage Faucet for a clean look.
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.
Top pick: Kraus Kore Workstation Farmhouse Sink (33” Stainless Steel)
Comes with integrated ledge, cutting board, drying rack and strainer. The ultimate all-in-one sink.
Installation tip: Consider undermount or farmhouse style for a seamless, high-end finish.
11. Hidden charging station
Keep cords off your countertops by installing a hidden charging drawer for phones, tablets and other devices.
Top pick: Docking Drawer Blade Duo Charging Outlet
Designed specifically for in-drawer installation. It safely charges phones, tablets and small appliances while keeping cords tucked away.
Budget-friendly:
Anker USB Charging Station (6-Port)
Pro tip: Designate a drawer near your command center or fridge to double as a mail drop and tech station.
12. Magnetic knife strip instead of a block
A sleek, wall-mounted magnetic strip keeps your knives handy while freeing up counter space.
Top pick: Modern Innovations 16-Inch Magnetic Knife Bar
Stainless steel, holds up to 10 knives securely and installs easily with screws or adhesive tape.
Alternatives:
🔧 Safety tip: Mount it out of reach of kids but within arm’s reach of your prep zone.
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.
Top pick: Rev-A-Shelf Appliance Lift with Soft-Close
Designed for standard base cabinets. Heavy-duty spring action lifts 45 lbs easily, with locking arms for safety.
Ideal for: stand mixers, bread makers, blenders, food processors.
14. Soft-close cabinets and drawers
No more loud slams. Soft-close hinges make opening and closing cabinets a quiet, luxurious experience.
Top pick: Blum Soft-Close Cabinet Hinges (Pack of 10)
Easy to install on most existing cabinets. No slamming, smooth glide and adjustable tension.
Drawer solution: Blumotion Soft-Close Drawer Glides
DIY tip: Many soft-close systems can be retrofitted without replacing the whole drawer or cabinet.
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.
Top pick: Art3d Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile (12″x12″, Marble Look)
Easy to install, renter-friendly, heat and moisture resistant.
Other styles:
SomerTile Patterned Ceramic Backsplash
Smart Tiles Self-Adhesive Backsplash
Design tip: Use backsplash tiles to define a focal area behind the stove, above the sink or across the entire back wall.
Shop this post
Here’s a quick roundup of recommended products (all affiliate-friendly):
| Item | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pot Filler Faucet | Delta Traditional Wall-Mount Pot Filler | $653 |
| 2. Drawer Organizer | YouCopia SpiceLiner Drawer Insert | $17 |
| 3. Under-Cabinet Lighting | Brilliant Evolution LED Puck Lights | $13 |
| 4. Appliance Garage System | Rev-A-Shelf Appliance Lift | $89 |
| 5. Over-Sink Cutting Board | Kraus Bamboo Workstation Board | $39 |
| 6. Deep Drawer Organizer | Rev-A-Shelf Two-Tier Cookware System | $179 |
| 7. Pull-Out Trash | Simplehuman Pull-Out Trash System | $69 |
| 8. Warming Drawer | Bosch 500 Series Warming Drawer | $1,199 |
| 9. Water Filter System | Aquasana 3-Stage Filtration System | $140 |
| 10. Single-Basin Sink | Kraus Kore 33” Workstation Sink | $428 |
| 11. Charging Station | Docking Drawer Blade Duo | $235 |
| 12. Magnetic Knife Strip | Modern Innovations 16″ Strip | $20 |
| 13. Appliance Pull-Out Shelf | Rev-A-Shelf Appliance Lift | $141 |
| 14. Soft-Close Hinges | Blum Soft-Close Hinge Pack | $50 |
| 15. Statement Backsplash | Art3d Peel and Stick Tile Pack | $19 |
So, what are you planning to do to create your dream kitchen?
GET: Printable Family Wall Art
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