According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, 95% of the homeowners who remodeled their kitchens said they liked spending more time at home after the renovation. The kitchen is the heart of the home so that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Some remodel their kitchens because the surfaces look worn out or they want to add their own design touches.
The trouble is, your new kitchen can look dated in a few years if you choose things that are too trendy. Remodeling your kitchen is costly, which is why it’s wise to choose kitchen upgrades that look timeless enough to last for years.
Read on to find out what kitchen upgrades will give your home the expensive look you’re after.
1. Install Great Lighting
Great lighting is what separates a nice kitchen from an expensive luxury kitchen. No matter the size of your kitchen or your budget, you should make lighting a priority.
Cooking is easier and safer in a well-lit kitchen. Plus, the right lighting can create ambiance when you’re entertaining friends and family in the kitchen.
You can use a combination of canned lighting, stylish light fixtures, and natural light. Under-cabinet lighting will also make prepping food easier. You can even add a sky light or install a different kitchen window for extra light.
2. Make Room For An Island
If you have the space for an island, make room for one in your budget. Most luxury kitchens have islands, so adding one will instantly make your kitchen look more expensive.
You can even move your sink or your cooktop to the island to match the style of a gourmet kitchen. That will make your kitchen feel more spacious and functional.
Kitchen islands have been popular for many years, so you won’t have to worry about it going out of style. Plus, you’ll have extra room for storage and seating.
3. Invest in Quality Countertops
No expensive looking kitchen is complete without high-quality countertops. If you’re going for a luxury look, choose quartz, marble, or granite.
Plus, you can’t go wrong with classic stone countertops. They won’t go out of style for years and they’ll last for a long time.
Before you choose a material, make sure you understand the upkeep you’ll have to do. For example, marble and granite both need a new coat of sealant every few years. If you want your kitchen to look new for years to come, make sure to factor this into your budget.
4. Add a Farmhouse Sink
When it comes to long-lasting kitchen trends, nothing beats classic farmhouse sinks. They date back to original farmhouses, so you know they won’t go out of style.
Not only do they make a great design statement, they’re also very practical. If you cook often and have a lot of large pans to wash, a farmhouse sink might be right for you.
Keep in mind that they’re larger and heavier than standard kitchen sinks. You may need to make some adjustments in your kitchen if you want to include one.
5. Stick to a Neutral Color Palette
If you’ve scrolled through design magazines, you’ve probably noticed how luxury homes are often white, beige, and gray. The clean minimalistic look is timeless. Plus, the color shows any mess which will remind you to keep the kitchen clean.
That doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You’ll be amazed at how interesting a design can look just by mixing different neutrals. With a limited color palette, you can play around with different textures to add interest.
Plus, with a neutral base, it’s easier to add new accent colors. A runner or some vases in an accent color can quickly freshen up your kitchen’s design. You can also switch out those accent pieces as the seasons change.
6. Install a Pot Filler
Kitchens that look expensive always feature great amenities. While a wine fridge might be the first luxury item you think of, but a pot filler is more practical.
A pot filler is a special faucet on the wall behind the stove. They’re designed to fill large stockpots with water right on the stove. That means no more lugging a huge pot of water from the sink to the stove.
It seems like a small convenience, but you’ll appreciate this thoughtful upgrade the first time you boil pasta. Many luxury kitchens nowadays have a pot filler and you’ll quickly see what you’ve been missing.
7. Switch to Stainless Steel Appliances
If you haven’t made the switch yet, upgrade your appliances to stainless steel. It’s been a trend in home kitchens for at least the last 15 years. If you’re looking for a simple way to make your kitchen look more expensive, turn to your appliances.
If you spend a ton of time in the kitchen, you could even upgrade to a professional grade stainless steel gas range. These stoves typically have more burners and an oven that can reach hotter temperatures.
Keep in mind that one of these stoves can come with a high price tag. But, it will instantly make your kitchen look more expensive and impressive.
8. Choose a Statement-Making Backsplash
A kitchen backsplash is one of the best places to show off your design personality. While you only have so many appliances to choose from, the backsplash possibilities are practically unlimited.
If you’re going for an expensive look, try marble panels. These panels will give your kitchen a luxe look with virtually no grout lines.
For a timeless look, you can’t go wrong with a classic white subway tile. The simplicity of these tiles makes them fit with many different designs. They look just as good in a modern kitchen as they do in a farmhouse or traditional kitchen.
Try One of These Kitchen Upgrades in Your Home
Remodeling a kitchen comes with a ton of decisions, from the appliances to the backsplash. If you’re going for an expensive looking luxury kitchen, your choices make all the difference. No matter which kitchen upgrades you choose, your renovation is your chance to make your mark on the design.
For more design ideas, keep scrolling through our blog.
