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Few renovation projects can refresh your home quite like a kitchen refresh—but not all kitchen upgrades add resale value.

Below, we’ve spoken to real estate and design professionals about the best kitchen upgrades that 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.

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.

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.

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 its look by refacing it.

4. New cabinet hardware

Even swapping your cabinet hardware can work wonders for your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, as 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.

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 for quartz and granite for the best balance of cost and desirability.

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.

“Pendant lights over the sink or island, under-cabinet lighting, or LED recessed lighting can transform the ambiance,” notes Farnan.

8. Neutral paint

A new coat of paint is nearly always a good idea, as it can transform your space without making a major dent in your budget.

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.

(Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.