8 Kitchen Upgrades That Add the Most Value to Your Home

By Kamron Sanders

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 upgradesthat 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.

Want to really make a statement? Double kitchen islands are a popular luxury option.

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.

Cottagecore Hardware Is Trending: Design Experts Share How to Use It

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.

The Pros and Cons of Common Kitchen Countertop Materials

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.

The 17 Best Pendant Lights of 2025 for Every Style and Budget

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.

7 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends We Expect to See in 2025

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.

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March 10, 2025March 11, 2025

Decorate Your Home Like an Interior Designer

Curate Your Home Like a Pro

By Amanda Lauren

When you step into a designer’s home, it has a different feel—it’s more curated, intentional, and cohesive. Sure, you expect it to be stylish, but there’s also a perfect balance of furniture and decor that makes the space both unique and perfectly put together. Ever wondered what their secret is? We asked designers to reveal the must-have pieces they always incorporate into their homes to achieve that effortless blend of style and personality.

Incorporate Statement Lighting

Most designers take a “boob-light be gone” approach to decorating. They opt for bold, statement lighting whenever there’s an opportunity, such as in a dining room or living space. “We love to play with light,” says Darrell Gardner, director of product development at CORT Furniture. “An oversized pendant lamp or a vintage chandelier can transform a room from bland to extravagant!”

However, it’s not just about overhead lighting, adds designer Vicki Zagrodnik. “A well-chosen light fixture can provide a room with a sense of purpose, opulence, and architectural interest,” she says. “For example, a utilitarian highlight that brings personality and raises the mood is a stunning wall sconce, sculptural pendant, or dramatic chandelier. Warmth and depth can be created by layering task lighting, ambient lighting, and decorative fixtures instead of depending solely on recessed lighting.”

Buy Vintage or One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a chic settee from an estate sale, you’ll never step into an interior designer’s home without seeing at least a few vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces, according to Zagrodnik. “Each designer’s home incorporates contemporary and vintage pieces to make their space feel curated instead of contrived,” she says. “Handmade pottery, vintage rugs, and antique furniture provide a sense of history and personality that mass-produced home decor lacks. These pieces add authenticity and individuality, whether they are handcrafted Persian rugs, antique mirrors, or mid-century credenzas. Combining modern and historical design elements keeps a house from feeling overly formulaic.” Remember, you don’t need a huge budget to find vintage or one-of-a-kind pieces. Check out your local thrift store or resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp—you never know what fabulous find someone is trying to offload.

Add Functional Yet Stylish Storage

Even the most maximalist designer homes lack clutter. That’s because designers know how to incorporate functional yet stylish storage. “Higher storage solutions are a must because interior designers understand the importance of refined, uncluttered spaces,” Zagrodnik says. “All storage pieces—from woven baskets to decorative storage ottomans to custom-built-ins—must be both functional and visually stunning. Glass jars for pantry staples, floating shelves for thoughtfully selected dishes, and concealed drawers for seamless organization are all typical kitchen design features.”

Pile on the Pillows

Interior designer Lisa Faith says designers always have lots of pillows in their homes—potentially too many! “I’m a pillow addict, and I just won’t do anything but feed my addiction,” she says. “The mix of fabrics, textures, and colors keeps any home feeling curated, comfortable, and an extension of what you love and who you are.” Want your sofa or accent chair to look like a designer styled it? Don’t buy multiples of the same pillow—opt for variety instead. Remember: more is more here.

Decorate With Candles

Faith confesses that, like most designers, she has way too many candles in her home. “Creating a soft and fragrant atmosphere brings a sense of comfort and cozies up any space instantly,” she says. If you like candles but prefer a scent-free home, that’s okay—opt for small tea lights in unique vessels instead.

Mix a Variety of Glassware

If you go to an interior designer’s house and they offer you a drink, chances are they won’t serve it to you in a plain glass or mug. They usually have a generous collection of different glassware, according to Faith. “My kitchen cabinets are filled with glassware from all over the world,” she says. “I love my collection of kitchen glasses and dishes. Using different kitchenware allows me to have an outward expression of my mood—am I feeling vintage English garden, ’70s retro, or mid-century modern?”

Switch Up Your Decorative Items

Tiffany Glasco, founder of Nahla Madison Homeand Peyahla Design, explains interior designers often have a variety of decorative items they can switch out and mix up, such as throws, home decor items, lighting, and pillows. “These items are interchangeable yet add ambiance, layered texture, and seasonality to the home,” Glasco says. “Interior designers also tend to display their collectibles from their travel and shopping journeys in their home.”

Put Up Artwork

Gardner reveals you’ll always find cool art in any interior designer’s home. “An interior designer’s home is like a museum,” she says. “We always have at least one piece of artwork that tells a story or sparks conversation. It could be a painting, a sculpture, or even a quirky piece of folk art.” Keep in mind you don’t need to pay museum prices—a print from a local art fair or a thrifted oil painting can look just as cool and interesting as an expensive piece of art.

Add Coffee Table Books

Whether it’s a stack of vintage novels or chic coffee table books, interior designers always use books to decorate. “An interior designer’s home will always have books,” Gardner says. “They’re not just for reading; they can be used as functional decor on a coffee table or a bookshelf.” More of a binge-watcher than a reader? It’s easy to find stylish books at thrift stores and garage sales. Sometimes, local libraries even have seasonal book sales.

Use Pieces That Reflect Your Personality

Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, says she’s adamant about having statement pieces in her home that draw the eye and speak to her personality. Whether it’s a large piece of essential furniture or a bold sculpture, having something personal makes a house (or apartment) feel like home. “I am always telling my clients that authentic reflections of what you love and what brings you joy are the key to great design, and I point to my own home as proof,” she says. “One of my favorite pieces is a green velvet sofa—it’s always the first place your eye goes [to] in my living room, which is otherwise home to a lot of warm neutrals, and that’s the point—it’s fun, fancy, and totally me.”

March 8, 2025March 11, 2025

Remodels Made Easy-Revovations

Why Remodeling Homeowners Need Guidance

Practitioners can play an important role to help their clients make wise kitchen, bathroom and outdoor renovation decisions that will have a high ROI at resale.

Contractors working on a kitchen remodeling project

Home remodelinis surging, and more homeowners may be calling on their real estate agent for help. Agents who answer the call are finding they can play a role as an ally to clients who are embarking on a renovation.

Remodeling has been surging over the last few years as more homeowners opt to stay in their homes longer and leverage their equity for renovation projects that help them age in place. Also, the average age of U.S. homes is about 40 years old, so many homeowners are looking to update their property. Home buyers also may be purchasing a home with the intent of remodeling, and about 8% of homeowners say they were motivated to remodel in order to sell, according to research from remodeling site Houzz.

“A real estate professional absolutely can help clients with remodeling,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of the home services site Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List. “I always like to say, ‘You want to keep up with the Joneses, but you don’t want to beat the Joneses.’ If you have three bathrooms when everyone else has two, you won’t be getting the return on that. In thinking of the resale on your house, a real estate agent is going to be a great person to talk to.”

Also, agents view so many homes that they know what works, what doesn’t and the materials they see the most frequently, Hicks adds.

Homeowners are tackling small projects and larger ones—even taking on three rooms at a time when they remodel, according to research from Houzz. But their stress is high: 43% of homeowners surveyed say they have experienced increased stress due to home repairs, maintenance and remodeling, according to Angi’s State of Home Spending report.

Here’s how real estate agents can play a part in the remodeling boom.

Your Recommendations Matter

Expand your network of home service providers and contractors: Your clients may need them. Have a list of vetted, licensed plumbers and electricians as well as painters, carpenters and project managers. After all, 33% of homeowners identified “finding the right service providers” as the biggest challenge in a home remodel, according to research from Houzz.

“A real estate professional may not be the pro who is going to do the work, but they can help them find a pro,” says Marine Sargsyan, staff economist at Houzz.

Talk Resale Value

It’s easy to get distracted by fancy finishes and materials and lose sight of what matters most to your remodeling budget. But as the National Association of REALTORS®’ Remodeling Impact Report shows, it’s not always the biggest or most expensive project that nabs the highest return at resale. For example, refinishing hardwood flooring could offer the biggest bang for your remodeling buck, with an estimated $3,400 in upfront expenses but a potential $5,000 cost recovery at resale, according to NAR’s report.

Agents can share data for comparable homes in the neighborhood to help their clients gauge what features competing homes offer. Also, share industry data about which renovation trends result in the highest ROI so clients can make more informed choices.

NAR’s report identifies the following top interior projects for cost recovery at resale:

Hardwood flooring refinish: 147% of value recovered at resale
New wood flooring: 118%
Insulation upgrade: 100%
Basement conversion to living area: 86%
Closet renovation: 83%
Attic conversion to living area: 75%
Complete kitchen renovation: 75%
Bathroom renovation: 71%
Kitchen upgrade: 67%
Add new bathroom: 63%
Add new primary bedroom suite: 56%

The report showed the following cost recovery at resale for exterior projects:

Roofing: 100% of value recovered at resale
Garage door: 100%
Fiber cement siding: 86%
Vinyl siding: 82%
Vinyl windows: 67%
Wood windows: 63%
Steel front door: 63%
Fiber glass front door: 60%

Know the Remodeling Trends

As a housing expert, clients may ask you what type of materials and finishes you most often see when viewing homes. For example, quartz or granite countertops for the kitchen?

While each regional area may have unique preferences and trends, Sargsyan gave an overview of some nationwide remodeling trends during the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Houzz has found that kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces are among the most popular areas for homeowners to renovate. Here are some trends in each.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends

Upgrading kitchen cabinets remains a big priority for homeowners: shaker door styles and bar pull handles in brushed nickel finishes are the most popular.
More renovators are adding accent cabinets, such as a glass-front cabinet or open shelving to showcase glassware, decor or collectibles and break up rows of cabinetry.
White cabinetry remains the most popular, at 33% of remodels, but wood tones are gaining at 23%.
Two-tone kitchen cabinets are gaining popularity—choosing one color for the upper cabinets (like white, wood or gray) and a different one for the lower cabinets (like wood, blue or gray).
Engineered quartz remains the top choice for countertops (39%), followed by granite (19%). Butcher block or wood slab countertops have been losing popularity, coinciding with the fading of the farmhouse style.
Transitional is the most popular kitchen style, followed by traditional and modern.
Ceramic and porcelain are the most popular materials for backsplashes. More homeowners are opting to extend their backsplashes higher up the kitchen wall.
Green and blue kitchen cabinetry are emerging trends, particularly for kitchen islands, Sargsyan notes.

Bathroom Remodeling Trends

Many remodelers choose to upgrade the bathroom vanity, with shaker cabinetry and bar pull handles in brushed nickel finishes being the most popular choice.
Wood—whether light or dark—has overtaken white in vanities. Twenty-six percent of remodelers chose wood tones for the cabinetry, followed by 22% who selected white and 11% who chose gray or blue.
Quartz dominates for bathroom countertops, likely due to its durability and low maintenance compared to other materials. White countertops dominate, followed by off-white or gray.
Most homeowners select rectangular, ceramic or porcelain tiles for their shower walls but go with rectangular, hexagonal or square tiles for the flooring.
Large format tiles are increasingly being used for shower walls.
Bathtubs don’t appear to be a necessity in many owner’s suite renovations. Thirty-two percent of remodelers upgraded the bathtub in their remodel, whereas 27% removed it and another 27% had no bathtub at all.
Transitional style is the most popular, a balance of traditional with contemporary. However, Sargsyan notes that eclectic styles are gaining popularity: a mix-and-match of different styles, colors and materials that “results in a unique space that is full of personality.”
Lighting fixtures in the bathroom tend to be a combination of metal and glass finishes.
Accent walls are emerging as a trend in bathroom remodels, whether through patterned wallpaper or a contrasting wall color, creating a focal point in the space.

Outdoor Remodeling Trends

Structural upgrades often include decks (with composite, plastic or pressure-treated lumber), porches or verandas, shade structures, or the addition of a shed or workshop.
Twelve percent of home renovators added an outdoor kitchen, which often includes a grill, refrigerator, cooktop and faucet.
About one-third of outdoor renovators upgrade outdoor systems, like the lighting, irrigation, security, audio or visual media, or even rainwater harvesting.
For outdoor lighting upgrades, remodelers most often opt for landscape lights (81%), string or bistro lights (44%), porch sconces (37%), garage sconces (19%) and recessed lights (19%).
The most popular exterior colors are: white (23%), gray (19%), beige (10%), green (8%) and black (8%).
Metal roofing is gaining popularity, likely due to its durability and modern look, Sargsyan says. Still, metal roofs are selected by only 14% of remodelers, whereas asphalt-dimensional shingles (34%) and asphalt three-tab shingles (19%) remain the most popular.
The most popular front door colors are: black (24%), red (22%), white (18%), blue (13%) and green (11%).

Content by Melissa Dittmann Tracey

March 8, 2025March 11, 2025

Kitchen Facelift

How Homeowners Are Overhauling Their Outdated Kitchens

Nearly half of homes in the U.S. are more than 40 years old and likely have kitchens reflecting styles of a past era. That’s helping to lead to an increase in kitchen remodels, and homeowners are shelling out more money for an upgrade.

Kitchen remodelers are prioritizing some of these latest trends.

While the kitchen is often a focal point of the home, a renovation can be costly. Homeowners tend to recover about 75% of the cost of a kitchen overhaul at resale, one of the highest ROIs for home remodeling projects, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ Remodeling Impact report.

The amount homeowners are spending on a kitchen renovation continues to grow, with the median spend rising to $60,000 over the past year, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, a survey based on more than 1,600 renovating homeowners. What’s more, the number of homeowners taking on a “premium kitchen renovation”—spending a minimum of $180,000—has grown by 20% over the past year, the survey shows.

“As kitchens take on a more centralized role in daily activities, homeowners are choosing to surrender neighboring rooms and exterior spaces for additional kitchen square footage to meet their needs,” says Marine Sargsyan, staff economist for the home remodeling site Houzz. Indeed, more than a third of renovating homeowners say they increased the square footage of their kitchens by sacrificing other spaces—typically, the dining room or living room, the survey shows.

So how are these renovating homeowners allocating their money to pay for kitchen makeovers? The Houzz survey uncovers some of the following priorities.

Backsplashes are reaching for the ceiling.

Full backsplash coverage, stretching to the cabinets, range hood or even the ceiling, is becoming more appealing to consumers. Also, while the majority of homeowners choose tile for their backsplash (76%), about a quarter are opting for larger, bold backsplashes, according to the Houzz survey.

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

Countertops go dark.

White remains the top choice for kitchen countertops—favored by 41% of consumers—but black is gaining popularity. Nearly one in five homeowners chose black for a contrasting island countertop, the Houzz survey finds.

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

Some touches of glass.

Glass-front accent cabinets are adding display spaces into the kitchen, like a more modern form of the china cabinet. For example, homeowners are mixing in glass-front accent cabinets with shaker cabinets, which are the most common style. They’re using these accent cabinets to show off glassware, decorative items or dishware.

Photo credit: PC Photography / Getty Images

Hardwood flooring loses some appeal.

Hardwood flooring for the kitchen is declining slightly in popularity, with only 24% of renovating homeowners selecting it for their remodels. Meanwhile, vinyl or resilient flooring and ceramic or porcelain tile are increasing in popularity, at 22% and 20%, respectively.

Photo credit: Artem Perevozchikov / Getty Images

Smart cooking device upgrades.

More smart home tech is entering the kitchen, and a smart oven is a bigger priority for renovators, the Houzz survey finds. Nearly two-thirds of homeowners chose ovens with specialty features, like phone monitor controls, remote timer activation, control locks, precise temperature control and automated cooking, according to the Houzz survey.

Traditional styles make a comeback.

Transitional style—a blend of traditional and modern elements—is the most popular for kitchen design, but the number of renovating homeowners opting for a more traditional look is gaining attention. In fact, traditional now ranks as the number two most popular kitchen style, nudging out modern and contemporary kitchen designs, the Houzz survey shows.