The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home. It’s where family recipes are passed down, holiday dinners are celebrated, and cleaning is neverending. The look, feel, and function of the kitchen is so important.

It’s no wonder that kitchen renovations are both popular and potentially costly. The average homeowner spends about $22,000 on remodeling their kitchen. If you have a small or medium-sized kitchen, it could cost a lot less.

The key is smart planning and prioritizing the most valuable aspects of the kitchen. We have gathered five of the most inspiring kitchen ideas to get you started. This list is going to focus on the most overlooked renovations to make the biggest impressions.

1. Countertops

Where you’ll see the biggest increases in functionality and visual appeal is the counter space. If your countertops are damaged, outdated, or clashing with your kitchen design, start anew. This includes the blacksplash, too.

We highly recommend looking into synthetic granite options. You get the luxurious look of mined granite, but without the weaknesses. Synthetic granites are non-porous, just as hard, and can be customized for any style.

2. Kitchen Islands

Do you want to bring more functional space to your kitchen without having to hire a contractor? Kitchen islands can be purchased for under a thousand dollars. They offer a great place to seat guests, entertain, mix drinks, and more.

Add more storage for those appliances you can’t seem to say goodbye to. Kitchen islands add an amazing value to your typical kitchen setup. We like the foldaway table designs and semi-mobile islands with wheels.

3. Appliances

Fill your kitchen with smart appliances. This is going to be the easiest upgrade you can make to your kitchen. It may not be the cheapest of kitchen renovations, but it is a good way to future-proof it.

The refrigerator that can reorder eggs for you when you’ve run out is a friend indeed. Appliances that can connect with a digital assistant like Alexa or Google makes life so much simpler.

Also, it is worth upgrading appliances, even if they are already modern. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient dishwasher, for example, can pay for itself in the long run.

4. Flooring

Kitchen floors set the tone for any renovation project. Cheaper than redoing your cabinets, redoing your floors is a great way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Let’s look at some of the major types of flooring.

Hardwood

Classic, warm and comfortable surface for any kitchen. You’ll experience less broken plates and fewer bruises from falling toddlers. The only downside is its vulnerability to scratches and scuffs.

Porcelain Tile

Beautiful, bright, and durable tiles. Porcelain is a popular choice for renovators doing mosaics or retro designs. Porcelain is very hard, does not retain heat, and is subject to cracking.

Cork

This is a kitchen flooring option that is often overlooked or missed. Cork is a good alternative to hardwood floors. It has the most cushion and can be customized and styled easily. The only major drawback to cork is the top coating upkeep.

Linoleum

Usually a default choice for kitchen renovators not going with tile. You get to retain a tile aesthetic with softer material. Linoleum can be very affordable, but it must be installed and maintained correctly or the cheapness will rear its ugly head.

5. Shelves and Organization

A kitchen without an effective use of space is just a frustrating mess. You can have the best cabinet solution, but if everything is stowed away, prep becomes a chore. You need to incorporate some shelving, racks, compartments.

If your kitchen lacks a traditional pantry closet, you’re going to need to create your own. Shelves that take advantage of wall space are ideal. Avoid putting too much on them, or risk dust piling up on things you don’t use.

It is also a good idea to invest in a nice sink that allows you to work faster and more efficiently in the kitchen. A shallow, small sink will contribute to the clutter on the countertop while cleaning/prepping.

Before You Remodel a Kitchen

If you’re going to be spending 10’s of thousands of dollars on this renovation, don’t go into it blind. Do some research and get professional quotes or consultations about your space. Experienced renovators know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the best kitchen renovation.

If you’re on a strict budget, don’t waste your time on things like ornate or luxury finishes on surfaces, led faucets, wine coolers, pot fillers, and etc.

Top Renovation Splurges

For those with a wider budget, this is for you. Don’t ever feel guilty for a renovation splurge that is more of a personal change of aesthetic than a functional upgrade. Installing a second or ungraded sink can change how large a kitchen can feel. Incorporating decorative panels to your cabinets can give the appearance of a custom-ordered build.

Spend money on widening the entryway, rearranging the cabinets, or counters. This can make a huge impact on the feel of your kitchen. Consider fixing up the overlooked aspects of the kitchen, like the frames, subfloors, and windows.

Have a plumber or electrician come to do a thorough inspection of your kitchen if you suspect any issues or inefficiencies. These are the types of renovations that look good on paper when selling your home, too.

Planning Kitchen Renovations

Now that you have a good idea on which areas you should focus on for the best kitchen renovations, it’s time to make it happen. Start planning, budgeting, and getting your kitchen ready for its new look. Take measurements of all your surfaces now, even if you don’t plan on renovating everything.

These measurements will come in handy when you are installing and fitting new pieces into place. If you need help figuring out the layout of your kitchen or how new appliances or fixtures will work, we can help.

Allied Plumbing and Heating Supply of Chicago offers everything you need to create the kitchen of your dreams. You can contact us today for a free consultation and get all the information you need to get your renovation started.