How to Remodel Your Kitchen: 5 Things to Get Right

This updated guide simplifies kitchen remodeling into five key decisions. Start with appliances to set the aesthetic, then select cabinets, countertops, sinks/faucets, and flooring that match your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Consider durable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and modern conveniences like touchless faucets or integrated appliances to get the best long-term value.

Remodeling a kitchen can feel overwhelming, but focusing on five core elements will keep the project manageable and effective. Start with the element that sets the room's tone, then make the rest of your choices coordinate with it.

1. Appliances: set the tone

Appliances shape both the look and function of the kitchen. Decide whether you want a sleek, modern aesthetic (stainless or matte black finishes, integrated/panel-ready units) or a cozier, traditional feel (white or colored ranges, visible handles). Also consider energy efficiency and smart features - Energy Star-rated refrigerators and induction cooktops can cut energy use and modernize workflow.

2. Cabinets: style and storage

Cabinet style defines the room's character. Shaker and flat-panel doors remain popular because they suit many styles. Choose construction and hardware that meet your budget: stock, semi-custom, or full-custom. Prioritize durable finishes and functional upgrades like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, and deep drawers for pots.

3. Countertops: balance look and durability

Countertops get the most wear, so match aesthetics with performance. Engineered quartz requires less maintenance than natural stone and resists staining. Granite, porcelain, solid-surface, butcher block, and concrete each offer different looks and care needs. Pick a surface that fits your cooking habits and maintenance tolerance.

4. Sinks and faucets: small items, big impact

Sinks and faucets occupy little visual space but shape daily use. Undermount single-bowl sinks maximize prep space; farmhouse aprons add a traditional touch. Faucets with pull-down sprayers or touchless activation improve convenience and hygiene. Finish choices - brushed nickel, matte black, or warm brass - should coordinate with other metal accents.

5. Flooring: durability and cohesion

Flooring must take traffic, spills, and occasional dropped pans. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offer warm looks with improved moisture resistance. Porcelain tile is extremely durable and easy to clean. Choose a floor color and pattern that supports the overall palette without competing with cabinets and countertops.

Practical sequence and final tips

A simple sequence helps: pick appliances first to set scale and finish, choose cabinets that fit appliances and layout, then select countertops, sinks/faucets, and finally flooring. Collect swatches and photos, lay them out together, and view them in the room's lighting. Prioritize durable materials in high-use areas and consider energy-efficient or smart options that reduce long-term costs.

With a clear priority list and a few coordinated decisions, a kitchen remodel becomes a manageable project rather than an avalanche of choices.