Kitchen Upgrades Worth Every Penny
Wish your kitchen made cooking easier and looked better while doing it? Wondering which upgrades will actually pay off when it’s time to sell?
In this post, you’ll discover the top kitchen upgrades that improve everyday function, add major style, and increase your home’s resale value.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which upgrades are worth using in your southeastern Pennsylvania kitchen remodel.
What Are the Best Kitchen Upgrades?
Here’s a fast breakdown of the kitchen upgrades that add the most value:
- Cabinet refacing or replacement
- Countertop upgrades
- Energy-efficient, smart appliances
- Layered lighting
- Functional layout enhancements
- Durable, low-maintenance flooring
- Fresh paint and modern backsplashes
- Kitchen islands with storage and seating
- Open shelving
- Updated hardware and fixtures
- Sustainable, eco-friendly features
- Smart home kitchen tech
- Small space solutions and storage upgrades
- Sink and faucet upgrades
Contact us today about your kitchen remodel in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Why Are Kitchen Upgrades Valuable?
It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and for good reason. Kitchens are high-traffic rooms, used for everything from the obvious, like making dinner, to other special family moments, like working on homework, laughing during late-night talks, and hosting guests.
According to an article from Forbes, “Kitchens will give you one of the biggest returns on your investment.” The article goes on to say that even simple updates can make a significant impact on your home’s value.
Experts at HGTV agree, saying, “Ask any real estate expert what the No. 1 upgrade with the greatest return is, and the answer will be the kitchen.”
So, how can you decide which kitchen upgrades will be worth your time and money? Start by thinking about what will provide the most value to you and your family. Then, narrow down your projects by reviewing the following list of upgrades that can help increase your home’s value.
Discover more with our kitchen remodeling guide.
1. Cabinet Refacing or Replacement
Kitchen cabinets are one of the first things people notice, and updating them can make your entire space feel brand new.
Refacing is a budget-friendly option that replaces only the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the structure intact.
For bigger changes, replacing your cabinets lets you redesign your layout or add custom features like soft-close hinges and deeper drawers.
Refinishing or replacing cabinets is considered one of the best kitchen upgrades because it improves appearance, storage, and functionality all at once. If you’re wondering, does remodeling a kitchen increase home value? Upgraded cabinets are a big reason why the answer is yes.
Kitchen cabinet trends you need to be aware of.
2. Countertop Upgrades
New countertops are one of the kitchen upgrades that add value because they change both the look and feel of your space.
- Quartz and granite countertops are long-lasting, stylish, and popular with prospective buyers.
- Quartz is nonporous and low-maintenance, while granite brings natural texture and a luxury look.
- Butcher block is another option that adds warmth and works well in cozy or farmhouse-style kitchens.
Countertops are considered a huge selling point, especially when paired with new kitchen cabinets or appliances. They’re a smart place to invest if you want the renovation to make a significant impact.
3. Energy-Efficient, Smart Appliances
Today’s appliances do more than just cook and clean—they save energy, offer smart features, and make your life easier.
Swapping old units for energy-efficient appliances can lower monthly bills and boost your kitchen’s appeal. Many home buyers now expect features like smart fridges, touch-control ovens, and quiet dishwashers that blend into modern designs.
These are luxury kitchen upgrades that don’t just look sleek—they’re practical and add to your home’s resale value.
Consider going plastic-free in your kitchen too!
4. Layered Lighting
Lighting isn’t just decorative.
It’s functional, mood-setting, and one of the most overlooked kitchen upgrades that increase home value.
A combination of ambient lighting (like ceiling fixtures), task lighting (under-cabinet LEDs), and accent lights (pendants or wall sconces) makes your kitchen more useful and better looking.
Whether you’re chopping food, chatting with friends, or enjoying a late-night snack, layered lighting improves how you interact with the room.
5. Functional Layout Enhancements
A poor floor plan can make even a beautiful kitchen hard to use.
Improving your kitchen layout is one of the best kitchen upgrades for both comfort and value. Many homeowners choose to open up walls, reposition the island, or expand their prep area to get more space and a better flow.
If you’re asking how much value a kitchen remodel adds, it often comes down to whether the space feels functional, not just whether it looks good.
6. Durable, Low-Maintenance Flooring
Kitchen flooring needs to hold up against spills, foot traffic, and heat.
It also needs to be easy to clean, making this one of the most practical kitchen renovation choices. Hardwood floors bring warmth and value, while tile and luxury vinyl offer waterproof, durable alternatives that mimic natural wood or stone.
New flooring is especially important if your old floors are scratched, stained, or visibly outdated—it’s a good investment that improves the feel of the whole room.
7. Fresh Paint and Modern Backsplashes
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen.
Neutral wall colors appeal to more buyers, while an updated backsplash adds texture, color, and personality. Together, these changes brighten your space and show potential buyers that your home is well cared for.
These smaller kitchen design trends may not be considered luxury kitchen upgrades, but paint and backsplash updates are still some of the smartest moves for improving home value.
8. Kitchen Islands With Storage and Seating
Adding a kitchen island is more than just a style choice—it’s a major function boost.
An island gives you more counter space, more storage, and sometimes even more seating. Whether built-in or portable, islands are one of those kitchen remodel features that serve multiple roles in a busy space.
If your layout allows for it, this is one of the most requested kitchen upgrades by buyers and real estate agents alike.
9. Open Shelving
Open shelving gives your kitchen an airy, modern look and lets you show off stylish dishware or décor. It’s also more affordable than full upper cabinets and works especially well in small spaces.
However, it’s not for everyone. Future buyers who prefer enclosed cabinets may see it as a downside. But when styled cleanly, open shelves can still be a must-have feature that makes your kitchen feel more inviting.
10. Updated Hardware and Fixtures
Replacing old cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and faucets is a simple change that delivers outsized results.
Matte black, brushed brass, and nickel finishes are modern and appealing to most home buyers. These are easy weekend upgrades that can make an outdated kitchen feel like new.
In terms of cost versus impact, it’s one of the smartest kitchen remodel add-ons you can do on a budget.
11. Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Features
Green kitchen upgrades are becoming more important for home buyers who care about long-term costs and environmental impact.
Water-saving faucets, energy-efficient appliances, bamboo flooring, and recycled materials all support sustainability while increasing appeal.
12. Smart Home Kitchen Tech
Smart features like motion-sensor lighting, app-connected ovens, and fridges with internal cameras aren’t just for luxury homes anymore. These upgrades are increasingly common in standard remodels and appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
If you’re wondering how much value smart tech adds, it’s not always about resale—it’s about making your space feel more modern, connected, and user-friendly.
13. Small Space Solutions and Storage Upgrades
If your kitchen feels cramped, smart storage is essential.
Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, drawer dividers, and tall upper cabinets can dramatically improve how you use the room. Interior designer tips like vertical storage and multifunctional furniture make small kitchens feel bigger and more efficient.
These kitchen upgrades may not always be visible, but they improve quality of life, and that’s a big selling point.
14. Sink and Faucet Upgrades
A sleek new sink or high-end faucet can be a statement piece in a kitchen remodel.
Farmhouse sinks are popular for their classic style, while deep stainless steel or composite sinks offer great function. Pair that with a high-arc pull-down faucet, and you’ve added both beauty and usability to the space.
Let’s not forget upgrading your kitchen insulation.
What Not to Do When Renovating Your Kitchen
Now that you have a better idea of which kitchen upgrades are worth your time and money, here are a few things you should avoid.
Non-Neutral Paint Colors
Skip the bright colors in favor of shades of beige or gray, which will appeal to more people when you go to sell your home. If you really can’t live without a bright green wall, just be sure to paint it a more neutral color before putting your house on the market.
Wallpaper
Similarly, wallpaper can be a polarizing design choice. It can also be difficult to remove, so it’s best to avoid it altogether during the design phase of your remodel.
Luxury Kitchen Renovations
Like we mentioned above, luxury upgrades don’t always have a high ROI. For example, a brick pizza oven could be cool to have in your house if you’re a chef or a pizza connoisseur, but the average person doesn’t gain many benefits from having one in their home.
You’ll need to find the balance of upgrading your home with features you genuinely want and will use, with features that will also appeal to a large number of people once you decide to sell.
What Is the Average ROI of a Kitchen Remodel?
So, how much value can you expect to get back after investing in kitchen renovations? It depends on the project, but a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than you may think. However, it’s important to remember that all renovations are not weighted equally.
Minor kitchen renovations have a higher ROI than luxury upgrades since they are more appealing to the masses. So, unless you want stone countertops or commercial-grade appliances for your own use, you can skip them during your renovation since they won’t add much to your home’s overall value.
What is the cost of a kitchen remodel?
Help Your Kitchen Go From Meh to Meal-Ready with Gehman’s Design Remodeling
From modern layouts to luxury finishes, Gehman Design Remodeling creates kitchens that blend function, beauty, and long-term value for southeastern Pennsylvania homeowners. Whether you want more space, better flow, or a complete design refresh, our team brings vision and craftsmanship to every kitchen remodel.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen into a space that finally works for your lifestyle? Fill out our contact form today or give us a call.