15 Must-Haves To Update Your Kitchen
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One of the first places many homeowners tackle when it comes to renovation is the kitchen. That's often due to how trafficked the room is and how often people use it. A kitchen can take a lot of wear and tear that eventually requires upgrading. And cosmetic changes can make the space feel more welcoming to cook in, as well as improve the function and flow. According to Angi, the average homeowner in the United States completes a kitchen renovation at $25,955, with the average range across the country falling between $13,409 and $38,531. The scope of the project is the main contributor to the price, with materials and labor costs also factors.
Many homeowners opt to update their kitchen after living in the home for a few years. This can help bring the style up to trend or make the space more functional to your current needs. There's also a good chance you'll have to replace some of your appliances as the average lifespan for most appliances is between 10 and 15 years, according to The Appliance Care Company. Having to replace your main appliances is a great opportunity to opt for some current must-haves throughout your kitchen.
1. Large single-basin sink
Single-basin sinks give you more room to wash, especially for larger kitchen items. And they also take up less counter space so you have more room for cooking and prep. A workstation sink with a ledge to add accessories like a cutting board and drying rack like the Kraus Kore, available for $399.99, makes your sink multifunctional.
2. Extra prep space
If you love to cook, you're going to need more prep space in your kitchen. But without an extension on the room, adding more prep space can be impossible. A pull-out surface like the Hafele Kessebohmer for $443.11 looks like a drawer but pulls out to be used as an extra surface to work.
3. Pantry organization that works
Pantries provide storage for dry items, but keeping them organized is the key to finding the ingredients you need and reducing waste. Clear bins of various sizes like The Everything Organizer, which range from $16.99 to $24.99 each, allow you to see what you're storing and keep like items together.
4. Cocktail maker
Whether you like to entertain or enjoy a drink at the end of the night, adding a cocktail maker to a bar corner or bar cart is the way to up your cocktail game. The Bartesian has capsules that make classic drinks and also comes with a set of cocktail glasses.
5. Toe-kick drawers
The space underneath your cabinets is wasted. Instead, opt for toe-kick drawers that give you a place for flat, awkward items like baking sheets and muffin pans, instead of taking up precious cabinet space. Builders can make custom toe-kick drawers to fit your kitchen starting at $139.99 that are pushed to open or soft-close.
6. Slab backsplash
Tile is the usual choice for the backsplash. But if you're looking for something that will make your kitchen stand out from the rest, consider using a slab of natural stone to elevate your look. Similar to counters, this is priced by the material and per square foot. Marble can fall between $45 to $90 per square foot.
7. A coffee maker that does it all
No need to go to a coffee shop when you could have a machine that makes all of your favorite drinks right in your own home. The Mr. Coffee One-Touch Coffeehouse can make espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes in your own home for $349.99.
8. Fluted glass cabinets
Your cabinets are looking tired and dated, but you don't have to replace them. Upgrade your kitchen cabinets by opting for stylish fluted glass-front cabinet doors, which look elegant and timeless. Use a reeded glass film for $8.39 or $33.56 per running foot as an easy way to add the glass-front look to your kitchen.
9. Base cabinet drawers
Swap bottom cabinets for drawers, which can allow you to better organize your kitchen. Deep drawers allow you to store large pots and pans and make it easier to retrieve them. Frameless drawer cabinets can be added to your kitchen for $485.
10. Freestanding island
Islands are a must-have in most kitchens. But instead of the standard kitchen island made of cabinetry, opt for a statement freestanding island, like the John Boos Grazzi Prep Table for $2,849, for something a little more unique.
11. Smart Toaster
Make your mornings easier with a smart toaster that will make your bagels, English muffins, and frozen waffles to perfection. The Revolution InstaGLO toaster for $349.95 also has a panini press mode that creates sandwiches and quesadillas with a separate insert.
12. In-drawer charging station
Instead of cluttering your counters with cords and devices, have them tucked away in a dedicated drawer. Build an in-drawer outlet and create the perfect solution to protect your devices from spills and keep your counters from getting too crowded.
13. GE Kitchen Hub
Modern kitchens need the right tech and smart vent hoods are a must-have for a tech-savvy kitchen. The GE Kitchen Hub, for example, allows you to control other smart devices, stream videos, and follow over 5,000 recipes.
14. Invisible cooktop
An invisible cooktop can add a seamless look to your kitchen. These are induction ranges that sit under your countertop and allow you to cook right on it. The INVISACOOK cooktop, for $3,090, can even be controlled by an app.
15. Toe-kick vacuum
No need to pull out the broom and dustpan with every spilled crumb. Instead, sweep it right into a vacuum underneath your cabinets. The Sweepovac Undercounter kitchen vacuum for $189.89 is stealthily hidden under the cabinets, allowing you to push dirt and dust up to the suction opening.