14 Designer-Approved Kitchen Remodel Ideas That'll Increase Your Home's Value
No matter how cozy and comfortable the rest of your home is, everyone always gravitates toward the kitchen. It's where you prepare daily meals and gather with friends and loved ones around the table. It only makes sense that this room should be as functional and beautiful as possible to accommodate the hustle and bustle of both everyday life and special occasions like holiday parties. However, sometimes the kitchen you have doesn't meet the standards of the kitchen of your dreams. If your space looks outdated or the layout just doesn't work for your household, it might be time to start thinking about a refresh—these kitchen remodel ideas from designers are sure to inspire.
No matter the size of your kitchen makeover—whether you're completely gutting it or simply switching out the hardware—make sure you design it to be exactly what you want. We talked to interior designers to hear their best kitchen remodel ideas that'll help you take your cooking space to the next level.
The Most Popular Kitchen Remodel Styles
Of the designers we spoke to about kitchen remodel ideas, most of them point to specific colorways, details, and trends when it comes to popularity rather than distinct design styles. Designer Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. sums up the most popular aesthetics for kitchen remodels in three separate categories: warm minimalism, bold color moments, and European-inspired designs.
Warm minimalism encompasses natural wood tones (like a light oak or walnut), an open-concept layout, and that timeless white kitchen. You'll possibly find beautiful marble or quartzite countertops in these kitchens too, sitting under layered lighting and standing out against the creamy white painted walls.
Bold color moments, on the other end of the spectrum, make a kitchen feel more personalized and less builder-grade. Green is still a popular hue, but Chiprut singles out navy as another color that people like for a nice pop.
European-inspired kitchens are always in style, though in different ways. The heavily Tuscan-inspired cooking spaces that were so popular in the early 2000s are now seen as dated, and more classic styles like French country are all the rage. Natural stone, plaster range hoods, Shaker style cabinets: These are the features homeowners desire now.
How Much Does a Typical Kitchen Remodel Cost?
The factors that determine the cost of a kitchen remodel idea include the size of your project and where you're located. If you're looking to do a complete overhaul (i.e., switching out appliances, adding new cabinets, putting up a different backsplash, installing new flooring) you can expect the starting cost to be around $65,000, according to Angi. Factors like customization and high-end appliances will push that final cost a lot higher though. For a smaller remodel with bargain appliances and prefab cabinets, you could still get a beautiful result with a budget of around $20,000.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodeling Tips?
The most surefire way to save money in any renovation is doing parts of it yourself, as long as you actually know what you're doing. You wouldn't want to DIY your backsplash and then wake up to it crashing down in the middle of the night!
Working with the existing layout is another budget-friendly tip, so you won't have to move around your plumbing or electrical systems. But with any renovation, figuring out what will have the most impact on your lifestyle will help you figure out what you need to spend on and where you can save. For instance, if you love to cook and entertain, maybe you'll want to allocate a good chunk of your budget toward a top-of-the-line range than custom cabinetry.
For more kitchen inspiration:
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70 Genius Small Kitchen Ideas That'll Make You Love Your Space
Switch Up Your Lighting Plan
Mark Schubert from Phillip Harrison Interiors wants every homeowner and builder to remember that if you're changing the layout of a kitchen during a remodel, then you need to create an entirely new lighting plan. This includes architectural recessed lighting, interior cabinet lighting, under-cabinet lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. He explains that it's "key to not only the success of the design but to also create layers of light that work together that will create a highly functional space."
Related Story: 45 Chic Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Aren't Boring
Make Space for the Dog
Designer Sarah Robertson's clients had a unique requirement for their kitchen remodel idea: a built-in pet station. Sarah, the founder of Studio Dearborn, ingeniously converted an empty cabinet space. It features an inset bar sink that serves as a water bowl that never runs dry for the family dog and a pot filler to make watering convenient and easy.
Install Prep Cabinets
When most of your cooking prep happens on the kitchen island, then you might as well add a storage area within it to make chopping and dicing easier. The team at Studio Dearborn put in these cabinets specifically to hold cutting boards and knives for this purpose.
Related Story: 25 Easy and Impactful Kitchen Island Decor Ideas
Design a Workstation
If you're a home chef thinking about kitchen remodel ideas, consider including a dedicated workstation. Harper Halprin of AAHA Studio often incorporates this feature by installing a wide sink and bar seating at the large kitchen island. "And if not seating, at least a standing area for a 'chef’s island' with nothing in it," she adds.
Related Story: 7 Butcher Block Islands That Suit Every Type of Kitchen
Always Opt for Paneling
In the words of designer Allison Handler: panel, panel, panel. As you're dreaming up kitchen remodel ideas, many experts feel that paneling over your refrigerator is a must. "Nothing worse than seeing large chunks of stainless steel, in my opinion," she says. "We always integrate the appliances, specifically the fridge/freezer."
Related Story: 30 Best Wood Paneling Ideas for an Instant Character Boost
Choose Pieces That Will Patina
For a kitchen that's truly timeless, you should choose features that will gain a patina over time to show how well-loved they are. In designer Shavonda Gardner's kitchen, she went with unlacquered copper pots, a sink, and soapstone counters that look just as beautiful now as they will when they're decades old.
Cater to Your Lifestyle
This tip may seem obvious, but it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting something simply because it's new, beautiful, or trendy. You must consider what matters most to you when it comes to function and form before deciding on the general direction of your kitchen remodel idea, Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. says. "These personal considerations should be front and center as you embark on your design journey," she adds. "They will serve as the foundation for every decision, ensuring that your new kitchen not only looks stunning but also enhances your lifestyle in meaningful ways."
Related Story: 8 Things in Your Kitchen to Throw Out ASAP, According to Professional Organizers
Invest in a Great Stone
"Nothing says 'wow' more than a great stone in a kitchen," Amy Kalikow tells House Beautiful. "With the new membranes that can be applied to stone, worrying about staining is a thing of the past!" However, if you are going to invest in stone countertops, make sure you know how to take care of it and ensure you can spare the time to do so before picking something out.
Related Story: Quartz vs. Quartzite: What's the Difference?
Always Add a Pot Filler
A pot filler is a small detail that will completely change the way you cook, and it simply looks so professional and chic. In this Chicago kitchen, Erin Shakoor added a sleek reflective silver one above the cooktop and just under the bronze mirrored hood, so there will be no precarious trips to the sink for this homeowner.
Have Separate Activity Zones
Whether it's for cooking purposes, the ease of storage, or both, having separate stations in your kitchen is a must-have for designer Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. She explains, "Dividing the space into activity-based zones, such as a baking area with space for ingredients, mixing bowls, and a stand mixer, can be incredibly helpful for efficiency." Not to mention, it will feel and look so professional.
Related Story: 5 Kitchen Upgrades to Skip if You're Trying to Sell Your Home Fast
Opt for Storage-Centric Cabinetry
After spending so much time and money on your kitchen remodel idea, you don't want to then cover it up with small appliances, cookware, and other necessities. Make sure you have enough storage-centric cabinetry to hide everything stylishly away, as Vani Sayeed of Vani Sayeed Studios suggests. "Must-haves include storage-centric cabinetry like deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out pantry shelves, and built-in organizers to maximize space," she says.
Related Story: The Best Kitchen Cabinet Brands to Elevate the Heart of Your Home
Set Up Optimal Wine Storage
Nothing says luxury like a wine cabinet. If you're already installing custom cabinetry in your kitchen remodel idea, you might as well create spaces specifically for your interests. Designer Erin Shakoor made sure this storage spot looked absolutely seamless.
Install a Backsplash Stone Slab
For a kitchen remodel idea that really stands out, choose a single stone slab for your backsplash rather than tiles. "A marble backsplash, often extending from counter to wall, can add character and create a cohesive, luxurious look," Emma Corner of Emma Corner Interiors says.
Related Story: 57 Gorgeous Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Every Home's Style
Splurge on a Dirty Kitchen
If your home has enough space, incorporating a dirty kitchen is a trend among high-end designers. A dirty kitchen, as exemplified here by designer Lindsey Black, serves as a practical cooking area separate from the main kitchen, where guests typically gather.
Related Story: High-End Designers Are Putting a Dirty Kitchen in Nearly Every House They Renovate
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