There is an old adage among realtors: kitchens sell houses. 

And while it is true that breathtaking kitchens can get buyers’ imaginations swirling like few other areas of the property, not all kitchen projects are created equally. If the renovation is just going to create a bunch of extra work that is not worth the effort, then it may be advisable to put the project on the back burner.

If you are exploring ways to maximize your return when selling your home and have a kitchen renovation on your radar, keep reading for more information on 6 kitchen upgrades that sell.

New Flooring

Spills and accidents are going to happen in the kitchen. It’s simply inevitable. The kitchen will also receive heavier back-and-forth foot traffic than most areas of the home. 

Therefore, you have to choose flooring materials that are durable and easy to clean if you want to give your kitchen renovation a chance of maximizing its ROI.

Hardwood and tile are two of the most top-shelf kitchen flooring materials. Not only are they rugged and nonporous (if properly maintained), but they provide a stately aspect that homeowners find highly desirable and are sure to command a premium price on the resale market. 

One other material to keep an eye on in kitchen flooring is cork. It has a finished appearance that rivals natural hardwood, but it is a more sustainably sourced solution, coming from the tree bark instead of the timber itself. While it won’t be quite as long-lasting, it is a bit springier than hardwood, making it more forgiving for people who spend hours on their feet in the kitchen.

Non Porous Countertops

Like the flooring, kitchen countertops have to hold up to their fair share of use. Spills, hot dishes, and impactful blows are some of the forces that will confront kitchen countertops on a daily basis.

Stately stone surfaces such as marble, concrete, and granite have traditionally been the favorite choice among many homeowners. While there is no denying the beauty and utility of these surfaces, they stand to be a bit porous if left unsealed. 

As a result, engineered quartz countertops are trending in modern kitchen design. They can be manufactured into a number of attractive designs and finishes to guarantee top-notch aesthetics. However, as they are engineered with a binding epoxy resin that holds the mineral quartz in place, they are inherently nonporous and can be cleaned with little more than a wipe of the rag, adding convenience to the lives of busy homeowners. 

Modern Backsplash

Backsplash is one of the more interesting elements in kitchen design.

You may not always notice high-quality backsplash right away, but if the backsplash is missing or tacky, it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Therefore, make sure that if your backsplash stands out, it stands out for all of the right reasons. Granite, marble, and quartz are all classy options to blend the transition between the aforementioned countertops and stone veneer interior walls. However, stainless steel and other types of metal backsplash are becoming increasingly popular due to the industrial kitchen design trend. 

Impactful Windows

Gone are the days when the kitchen window was a small opening above the sink, serving as little more than a smoke escape to keep the detector from going off.

In 2023, kitchen windows must be large and pleasant to allow natural sunlight to add some life to the space. More ambitious projects are even choosing pass-through windows to facilitate passing food from the kitchen to the deck during summer grill-outs. 

New Cabinets

Tacky kitchen cabinets can greatly detract from the space. The brownish-yellows and pinks--with the matching wallpaper--that dominated during your parents’ childhood take more skill to pull off than the average homeowner cares to acquire in 2023.

As a result, modern cabinets are becoming decidedly more understated. Natural wood and neutral colors are a popular choices. There are even a number of homes eschewing the traditional closed-face cabinet altogether in favor of more floating shelves and hanging racks. 

Open Concepts

The sequestered cook area of the past is just that--a thing of the past.

Modern buyers want to see a kitchen that serves as a communal space that ties areas of the home together. Not only is it a place for cooking and eating, but it also must serve as the central hub of the home and act as a home office or study area, as necessary.

Therefore, replace full-spanning walls in favor of bar seating, add a central island to provide 360-degree surface accessibility, and choose lighter colors to better reflect light to give your kitchen the most open, inviting ambiance possible. 

Start on These 6 Kitchen Upgrades Today

Although kitchen renovations are some of the most exciting projects a homeowner can undertake, poorly executed kitchen upgrades will provide little in terms of ROI. If they can’t increase durability, lower maintenance requirements, and improve aesthetics simultaneously, then a kitchen project simply won’t stand out in 2023. If you are kicking tires on a kitchen upgrade, visit CADdetails today for more ideas and inspiration today!

Author Bio: Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and landscaping. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.

Cover image by Adam Winger on Unsplash