A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive updates you can make to a home. With projects averaging between $14,000 and $41,000, every decision carries weight. The problem is not choosing upgrades.
It is choosing the right ones. Some features look impressive in a showroom but add little long-term value, while others quietly improve function, resale appeal, and daily life.
To help you spend wisely, we asked interior designers, architects, builders, and realtors which kitchen upgrades consistently justify their cost. These are the ten they say are worth it.
Lower Drawers Instead of Cabinets
Lower cabinets can be difficult to organize and access, requiring you to move items just to reach the back. A better solution is installing lower drawers, which can be customized in width and depth to fit your needs.
“One of the efficient upgrades is replacing the lower cabinets with the drawers,” says Architect and Interior Designer Priyanshi Jain of Pixels and Spaces. “Drawers provide easy access to contents, reducing the need to bend down and reach into the back of cabinets. This change is especially valuable in deep storage spaces.”
Durable, Long-Lasting Countertops
Countertop trends change, but durable options are a smart investment. Quartz is a top choice for its marble-like look and durability, costing $50–$200 per square foot. Other long-lasting options include butcher block, soapstone, quartzite, and sintered stone.
Pull Out Recycling and Trash Bins
A trash can in the middle of the kitchen ruins the aesthetics. A pull-out recycling and trash system keeps waste out of sight while saving floor space.
According to Pam Hutter, an architect and designer at Hutter Architects, practical upgrades are worth the money, and this is one of them. “For instance, pull-out trash and recycling drawers are a game-changer in maintaining a sleek, uncluttered kitchen environment while promoting recycling habits. These are always worth the investment for the ergonomic benefits and the neat look they grant your kitchen,” she advises.
Cabinet Refacing Instead of Full Replacement
Ripping out cabinets is one of the most expensive parts of a renovation, but it is not always necessary. If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and your layout works, refacing can deliver a dramatic visual update without the cost and disruption of full replacement.
According to the team at Rockfab Kitchen and Bath, many homeowners comparing cabinet refacing vs. replacement assume they need entirely new cabinetry, when their existing boxes may still have years of life left. “If the cabinet structure is solid and the layout functions well, refacing can provide a completely refreshed look at a fraction of the cost of replacement,” their team explains.
They note that while refacing projects are often completed in just a few days, full kitchen remodels that involve removing and reinstalling cabinet boxes typically require several weeks and a significantly larger investment.
Pantries
Extra storage is always valuable in a kitchen. If a walk-in pantry isn’t an option, tall cabinets work just as well. For deep pantries, pull-out drawers and shelves improve accessibility and organization.
Touch Faucets
A touch faucet prevents mess and germ spread by allowing you to turn on the water with a simple tap.
“Upgrade to touch and hands-free faucets, to add a modern touch and improve hygiene. This is especially helpful while cooking, it mainly prevents the germs from spreading and simplifies the cleaning process,” says Jain.
Under the Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting adds ambiance and functionality, allowing you to illuminate your space without harsh overhead lights. Options include hardwired switches or battery-operated versions.
Realtor Hannah Jones says inexpensive under-cabinet lights are one of her favorite kitchen upgrades. “For $5, you can give a luxe feel to your kitchen and make it a designer space! Ever feel hungry in the middle of the night and don’t want to wake up the missus while you’re gorging on ice cream? Don’t turn on the kitchen lights – just use the under-cabinet lighting.”
Hidden Appliance Garages
Appliance garages are a newer kitchen design trend, but they might be worth the splurge.
“Appliance garages are a great way to sustain a sleek look in the kitchen by hiding small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and blenders. They help reduce the clutter on the countertop and make the space look more organized and aesthetically pleasing,” says Jain.
If you hate countertop clutter, investing in these garages is an easy way to keep your appliances tidy but still within reach.
Multifunctional Kitchen Islands
To make your kitchen a central gathering space, add an island for family and friends to enjoy.
“Beyond providing extra countertop space, islands we’ve installed often feature additional storage, built-in sinks, and seating areas, making them a central hub for both prep work and social interactions,” says Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders. “The versatility of a well-planned kitchen island can transform the flow and function of the entire space, making it one of the most appreciated upgrades in modern homes.”
Neutral Cabinets
Kitchen cabinet color trends change, but neutrals stand the test of time and appeal to buyers. Wood tones, white, and soft neutrals are timeless choices, while overly glossy or bold colors may not suit every home.
Quality Cabinet Hardware
When you don’t have extra money in the budget for cabinetry, upgrading hardware can go a long way. Choose a high-quality option that suits the style of your home. Update cabinet pulls and knobs and door knobs.
Statement Range Hoods That Frame the Cooktop
A well-designed range hood does more than vent smoke. It anchors the entire cooking zone.
In traditional kitchens, custom wood hoods with curved detailing and corbels create a built-in look that feels intentional and architectural. Instead of treating ventilation as an afterthought, designers often frame the cooktop with cabinetry and decorative trim, turning it into a focal point. This upgrade adds visual weight and elevates the cabinetry without changing the kitchen’s footprint.
When done properly, a statement hood makes the entire wall feel custom rather than standard.
Bold Cabinet Color That Defines the Space
Neutral cabinets are safe, but strategic color can transform the mood of a kitchen.
Deep green cabinetry, especially when paired with patterned backsplash tile and brass hardware, creates a space that feels layered and confident. Designers note that when the layout is simple, color becomes the feature. A saturated cabinet tone can modernize flat-front doors and make standard cabinetry feel tailored and high-end.
When balanced with light countertops and proper lighting, bold cabinet color becomes an upgrade that adds personality without sacrificing sophistication.
Integrated Metal Backsplashes for a Seamless Work Zone
Tile is common, but a continuous metal backsplash creates a cleaner, more modern work surface.
In streamlined kitchens, stainless or brushed metal panels installed behind the sink and cooktop protect the wall while visually extending the countertop line. Designers favor this upgrade because it reduces grout lines, simplifies cleaning, and creates a subtle professional feel. When paired with neutral cabinetry and dark hardware, the result feels intentional rather than industrial.
It’s a small surface change that delivers both durability and visual continuity.
Built-In Niche Storage Behind the Cooktop
Instead of leaving the wall blank, recessed storage niches add depth and function without cluttering the counter.
Integrated cubbies built into the backsplash area provide space for oils, spices, and everyday essentials while keeping the countertop clear. Designers often frame these niches under a statement hood to create balance and symmetry. The effect feels architectural, not decorative.
When planned during remodeling, this upgrade adds storage without increasing the kitchen’s footprint.