7 Kitchen Renovation Dos and Don’ts For Maximizing Your Return on Investment

It’s no surprise that the kitchen is often referred to as the most important room in a house or the heart of the home. Especially in today’s modern, open-concept homes—which typically feature a seamless connection between cooking, dining, and living spaces—the kitchen is where family and friends gather for daily tasks, celebratory occasions, and countless moments in between. 

The kitchen’s prominent placement and purpose make it one of the most popular—and most expensive—areas of the home to renovate. In fact, according to the 2022 U.S. Houzz and Home Study, kitchen renovations were the most popular upgrade for homeowners in 2021 and they accounted for the highest budget. But these spendy projects aren’t for naught: Architectural Digest’s 2023 Home Renovation Facts and Statistics report notes that homeowners recoup 60–70% of the costs spent on kitchen upgrades and complete renovations.

So if you’re planning to boost your kitchen’s appearance and functionality, it’s important to make smart improvements that provide the best return on your investment—especially if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future. Here, we outline the dos and don'ts for making the most of your money and creating a kitchen that suits your personal preferences while appealing to future buyers.

Upgraded appliances provide effortless style and ease in the kitchen.

DO: Upgrade the appliances. 

Appliances are crucial to a well-functioning kitchen, and they’re one of the first design elements potential buyers will notice. Upgrading your refrigerator, range, and dishwasher to newer and more reliable, energy-efficient models goes a long way. That said, it isn’t necessary to splurge on luxury designer appliances if they don’t fit comfortably within your renovation budget.

DON’T: Go overboard with pricey materials. 

You might be tempted to splurge on a slab of marble for your countertops or backsplash, but unless it’s crucial to your renovation vision, it might not be worth the investment. There are plenty of other durable, long-lasting kitchen materials that won’t break the bank and don’t skimp on style. For instance, quartz, butcher block, or granite countertops are a money-minded alternative to lavish marble, and ceramic and porcelain tiles are much more cost-effective than pricey glass tile.

Outfitted with neutral colors and classic materials, this kitchen in a home recently sold by Iron Works Realty has a timeless aesthetic.

DO: Choose timeless design elements. 

These days, with home improvement TV shows and social media accounts aplenty, it’s easy to fall for the allure of flashy interior design trends. But when you’re looking to maximize your return on investment, avoiding fleeting micro trends and instead opting for timeless design elements is key. If you plan to sell your home soon after your renovation, consider choosing neutral hues, transitional design elements, and classic finishes that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. And if your style leans a bit more bold, you can add accent pieces—such as textiles, countertop appliances, artwork, and decorative objects—that show off your personality. 

Painting your kitchen cabinets and adding new hardware is a cost-effective way to revive them.

DON’T: Pass up fresh paint. 

Paint is a powerful and effective tool in any room, and a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable and versatile ways to upgrade a space. If your kitchen cabinets look a bit dated, try painting them instead of fully replacing them. Choosing a new color for your walls will also make your kitchen feel new and refreshed. Just be sure to select paints in semi-gloss or satin finishes, which are easier to clean and can stand up to kitchen messes.

This kitchen shines, thanks to metallic gold pendant lighting and cabinet pulls.

DO: Add a boost of bling.

Just as jewelry enhances an outfit, lighting and hardware enhances a kitchen’s aesthetic. Updating cabinet and drawer pulls and pendant lighting adds serious visual impact to a kitchen. These accessories come in a wide range of price points, so with a little research, you can find stylish options that fit comfortably within your budget. Tip: Narrow down your search for hardware and lighting by only browsing options and sizes that will fit within your kitchen’s existing parameters. For example, say you want to replace the 3-inch pulls on your cabinets. Look for new options that fit in those 3-inch holes so you don’t have to drill new holes or replace the cabinets altogether.

DON’T: Forget about flooring.

Kitchens are high-traffic, mess-prone environments, so it’s important to invest in flooring that withstands wear and tear. Easy-to-clean materials such as hardwood, tile, or laminate work well in a kitchen and suit a variety of styles. If you have existing hardwood floors that are a bit dated, consider getting them professionally refinished to extend their longevity. 

When planning your kitchen’s design scheme, choose design elements similar to those found in other areas of the house for a seamless look.

DO: Keep it cohesive. 

In need of inspiration for your kitchen renovation? Look to the other rooms in your house—especially ones directly adjacent to the kitchen—as a starting point. Incorporating some of the colors, textures, and materials found in those rooms into your kitchen design scheme will create a common thread throughout your home and help the spaces flow together. This visual continuity can create a calming effect that appeals to buyers.

While it’s easy to get carried away with kitchen upgrades, the most practical way to get a good return on your investment is to create and stick to a budget that fits comfortably within your financial reality. Reaching outside of your budget in hopes of recouping the costs later is risky and may result in a net loss. With the multitude of design options available today, it’s possible to achieve a kitchen renovation that suits your style and wallet and attracts future buyers.

Need a kitchen upgrade before listing your home? Iron Works Realty can help.  

If your pre-listing checklist includes making updates and repairs to your home, Iron Works Realty is here to help you tackle these improvements and get the best possible return on your investment. We utilize our network of professional tradespeople to complete any recommended updates such as painting, flooring, staging, inspections, and more. With the Concierge Program, we’ll pay for and manage the improvements through a short-term, no-interest loan and be paid back at closing through the title company. Learn more about our residential real estate services here.