The kitchen is widely considered to be the most important room in a home, and it’s also one of the spaces with the most potential for transformation. With a few well-chosen upgrades, you can completely change the look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen. 

Whether you’re looking for a modern makeover, a classic refresh, or something in between, here are nine kitchen upgrades you can use for a stylish transformation so you love your kitchen for years to come. 

1. Modernize with sleek cabinet doors

Sleek cabinet doors with clean lines and modern materials can instantly modernize your kitchen and create a more spacious and stylish feel. This transformative touch not only rejuvenates the kitchen but also imparts a sense of sophistication and elegance.

Here are some actionable tips for modernizing your kitchen with sleek cabinet doors:

• Swap out traditional solid cabinet doors for glass fronts to give your kitchen a lighter and more open feel. Glass doors create the illusion of space and allow you to showcase beautiful dishware or decorative items.
• Consider using frosted glass for cabinet doors to obscure the contents of your cabinets while still allowing light to pass through. This is a good option if you want to hide clutter or if you have items in your cabinets that you don’t want to display.
• Add a pop of color to your kitchen by painting your cabinet doors a bold color. This is a great way to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money.
• Use a variety of cabinet door finishes to create a unique and stylish look. For example, you could use high-gloss cabinets for the upper cabinets and matte cabinets for the lower cabinets.
• Consider using custom cabinet doors to create a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen. Custom cabinet doors can be made in any size, shape, or color.

2. Illuminate with pendant lights

Pendant lights are versatile and stylish fixtures that can add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. They can also be used to create a focal point in the room and provide task lighting over countertops and islands.

When choosing pendant lights for your kitchen, consider the overall style of your space and the specific areas where you need task lighting. If you have a large kitchen, you may want to use a cluster of pendant lights over your kitchen island or breakfast bar. For a smaller kitchen, a single pendant light above the sink or cooktop can be a stylish and functional addition.

No matter what your style is, there are pendant lights available to suit every taste. From industrial-chic to farmhouse-inspired to elegantly modern, you’re sure to find the perfect pendant lights to complement your kitchen’s unique design identity.

Here are a few tips for choosing and placing pendant lights in your kitchen:

• Pendant lights should be large enough to make a statement, but not so large that they overwhelm the room.
• Pendant lights should be hung at a height that provides adequate task lighting without being too low or too high.
• Place pendant lights in strategic locations to create a focal point in the room and provide task lighting where needed.
• Choose pendant lights that complement the overall style of your kitchen.

3. Revamp with new colors and patterns

Color and pattern upgrades go a long way in transforming your kitchen’s aesthetic. When choosing colors and patterns for your kitchen, consider the overall mood you want to create. Do you want a vibrant and energetic space, or a calm and sophisticated one? Your choices in hues and patterns will set the tone for the room.

If you’re looking for a bold transformation, consider using contrasting colors or patterns. For example, you could paint one wall a bright color and the other walls a neutral color. Or, you could choose a patterned backsplash and tile the rest of the kitchen in a solid color.

If you prefer a more subtle look, you can use similar colors and patterns throughout the kitchen. For example, you could paint all of the walls the same color and choose a backsplash with a subtle pattern. Or, you could choose a solid-colored countertop and add patterned accessories, such as towels or dishware.

4. Create a focal point with a kitchen island

A kitchen island is a versatile and stylish addition that can transform your kitchen into a hub of activity and functionality. It’s not just an extra surface to prepare food on; it can also be a focal point for the room, a place to gather with friends and family, and a way to improve the overall flow and functionality of your kitchen.

If you have a small kitchen, a smaller island can be a great way to add counter space and storage without overwhelming the room. Look for clever design features that maximize storage potential, such as built-in shelves, drawers, or cabinets. This added storage can be a game-changer, helping you keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

If you have a larger kitchen, you can opt for a more expansive island that can serve multiple purposes. It can not only provide ample counter space but also accommodate seating for a few people or even function as a cozy breakfast nook. 

5. Add a touch of luxury with stainless steel appliances

Bring a touch of modern luxury to your kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Not only do they add a professional and polished look, but they also offer durability and easy maintenance. 

Stainless steel complements various design styles, from contemporary to industrial, and creates a cohesive and sophisticated kitchen feel. Make sure to choose appliances that have the features that you need and that are energy-efficient, saving you money on utility costs over time.

Here are some tips for incorporating stainless steel appliances into your kitchen design:

• Mix and match different finishes: Stainless steel appliances come in a variety of finishes, such as brushed, polished, and matte. Mixing and matching different finishes can create a unique and stylish look.
• Add a dash of color: If you want to add a touch of color to your kitchen, you can pair stainless steel appliances with colored cabinets or countertops.
• Use stainless steel accents: If you don’t want to go all-out with stainless steel appliances, you can still add a touch of luxury to your kitchen with stainless steel accents, such as a backsplash, hardware, or lighting fixtures.

6. Enhance storage with open shelving

Open shelving is a versatile and stylish upgrade that can transform your kitchen’s storage and aesthetic. Display your favorite kitchenware, cookbooks, or decorative items on open shelves to add personality and visual interest to your space. Open shelves also provide easy access to frequently used items, making your kitchen more efficient and functional.

Tips for incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design:

• Open shelves can be bulky, so it’s important to make sure they will not overwhelm your space.
• Open shelves can be placed in a variety of locations, such as above the countertop, over an island, or in a corner. Choose a location that is convenient and accessible, and that will complement your overall kitchen design.
• Choose shelves that are durable and easy to clean. You may also want to consider shelves with adjustable heights to give you more flexibility in how you organize your belongings.
• Style your shelves carefully to avoid a cluttered look. Group similar items together and add a few decorative items to break up the space.

7. Make cooking a breeze with task lighting

Task lighting is a must-have upgrade for any modern kitchen as it provides focused illumination for specific work areas. This makes it easier to perform tasks such as chopping vegetables, preparing meals, and cleaning up. Task lighting can also be used to create a more inviting and stylish kitchen environment.

Popular types of task lighting include:

• Under-cabinet lighting: Under-cabinet lighting provides bright, focused illumination to countertops. They can be installed under upper cabinets or wall cabinets, and come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any kitchen décor.
• Pendant lights: Pendant lights can be hung over countertops, islands, or work areas to provide focused illumination. They come in a variety of styles and are commonly used to create a focal point in the kitchen.
• Track lighting: Track lighting is a versatile task lighting option that can be used to illuminate a variety of areas. These fixtures can be mounted on the ceiling or wall, and they can be moved and adjusted to provide the illumination you need.
• Recessed lighting: Recessed lights can be installed in the ceiling to provide ambient lighting, but they can also be used to provide task lighting by placing them over specific work areas.

8. Make a statement with a stunning backsplash

A statement tile backsplash is a bold and eye-catching way to transform your kitchen into a work of art. Whether you prefer a classic subway pattern, intricate mosaic, or bold geometric design, a visually striking backsplash can become the focal point of your kitchen and tie the entire space together.

When choosing a statement tile backsplash, consider the overall style of your kitchen and your own personal style. If you have a traditional kitchen, you may want to choose a classic subway tile backsplash in a neutral color. If you have a modern kitchen, then consider a more contemporary design, such as a mosaic backsplash with bold colors and patterns. And if you’re daring, try metallic with gold, silver, or copper finishes for a unique look.

No matter what style you choose, make sure to select materials that are durable and easy to clean, especially if your backsplash will be located behind the stove or cooktop. For especially active kitchens, ceramic and porcelain tiles make smart choices as they are resistant to heat, moisture, and stains.

9. Maximize your kitchen storage with smart solutions

Smart storage solutions can make your kitchen more efficient, organized, and inviting. Choose storage solutions that maximize every inch of space and make it easy to find what you need when you need it.

Here are a few specific smart storage solutions that can make your kitchen beautifully organized:

• Pull-out pantry shelves: Pull-out pantry shelves make it easy to see and access all of the items in your pantry.
• Deep drawers: Deep drawers are ideal for storing large items, such as pots and pans, baking supplies, and cleaning supplies.
• Custom organizers: Custom organizers can be designed to fit any space and store any type of item.
• Wall-mounted racks: Hang wall-mounted racks to store pots and pans, utensils, and other kitchen items.
• Vertical space organizers: Vertical space organizers maximize storage space in small kitchens.

Upgrade your kitchen with Auros

Whether you’re considering a complete kitchen overhaul or selectively upgrading key elements, these impactful changes will not only enhance the aesthetics but also elevate the overall experience of your kitchen. Remember, the best kitchen upgrades are the ones that align with your personal style, making your kitchen a reflection of your taste and a joy to be in every day.

With over 20 years of experience in remodeling kitchens, our creative designers and professional contractors can help you upgrade the heart of your home. We can work with your budget to bring your vision to life in as little as 10 install days—so you can quickly start enjoying the kitchen of your dreams.  

Get started by scheduling your free in-home design consultation today!