A kitchen remodel is one of the most satisfying ways to refresh your home, especially if your current space feels dated or cramped. Many American homes are simply due for an upgrade. According to Comfy Living, as many as 80% of houses in the United States need some kind of remodeling or improvement because they are at least 20 years old. If your kitchen still has the same layout and finishes it did decades ago, this is your chance to rethink how it looks and works.
Remodeling is also a smart way to align your kitchen with how you actually live today. Whether you love to cook, entertain friends, or need a family command center, the right features can make daily routines much smoother. Focusing on both function and style helps you create a kitchen that feels organized, welcoming, and personal instead of generic. Here are five features worth considering as you plan your next kitchen remodel.
Add A Multifunctional Kitchen Island
A well-designed island can become the heart of your kitchen. It offers extra counter space for meal prep, a place to serve snacks, and a comfortable spot for casual seating. When planning your island, think about how you will use it: Do you want an area for baking, homework, or entertaining? That will guide whether you prioritize more storage, a larger overhang for stools, or features like a prep sink.
Storage inside the island is just as important as what happens on top of it. Deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out trash and recycling, or built-in shelves for cookbooks can dramatically reduce clutter. By making the island work on multiple levels, you free up wall space for windows or open shelving and keep your most-used items within easy reach.
Prioritize Smarter, Hidden Storage
One of the most common frustrations in older kitchens is the lack of thoughtful storage. A remodel is the perfect time to add features that tame clutter and make everything easier to find. Consider pull-out pantry cabinets, vertical tray organizers for baking sheets, and deep drawers for dishes instead of traditional lower cabinets. These details may seem small, but they make daily tasks much more efficient.
Corner cabinets can also be transformed with rotating shelves or pull-out carousels so you are not digging into dark, unreachable spaces. Inside drawers, dividers for utensils, spices, and food storage containers help you stay organized long after the remodel is complete. The more you customize storage for how you cook and live, the less likely your new kitchen is to end up feeling chaotic over time.
Embrace Color And Character
For years, white and gray dominated kitchen design, but homeowners are increasingly ready for bolder choices. Adding color through cabinets, a painted island, or a vibrant backsplash is a simple way to give your kitchen personality. According to House Beautiful, colorful kitchens were predicted to be the top design trend for 2023, and that appetite for richer hues has not disappeared. Deep blues, greens, and warm earthy tones are especially popular for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
If you are nervous about going all-in on color, start with a two-tone approach. You might choose neutral upper cabinets and more saturated lower cabinets or island base. You can also bring in color through tile, bar stools, and decor that can be updated over time. The goal is to make the space feel uniquely yours rather than like a showroom everyone else has.
Layer Your Lighting For Function And Mood
Lighting can make or break how your kitchen feels and functions. A remodel is an ideal time to rethink your lighting plan so you are not relying on a single overhead fixture. Aim for three layers: ambient lighting for overall brightness, task lighting for work areas, and accent lighting to highlight features like open shelves or a beautiful backsplash.
Recessed ceiling lights can provide even general illumination, while pendants over the island or dining area add style and focused light. Under-cabinet lighting is especially helpful for illuminating countertops where you chop, read recipes, or pack lunches. Dimmers give you flexibility, allowing you to shift from bright, practical light during cooking to a softer glow when you are enjoying a quiet evening or hosting guests.
Plan For The Way You Live Now And Later
When you remodel your kitchen, you are not just designing for today but also for how your life might look a few years from now. That might mean planning extra outlets for small appliances, leaving space for a second refrigerator, or choosing durable materials that will stand up to kids, pets, and daily use. Thinking ahead helps you avoid outgrowing your new kitchen too quickly.
Remodeling is top of mind for many people. According to CivicScience, about 62% of American homeowners say they plan to start a home renovation or remodeling project in the coming year, which is a significant jump from 48% who said the same in 2023. With so many others upgrading their spaces, taking time to design a kitchen that truly fits your routines, storage needs, and style preferences can help your home stand out and serve you better.
A kitchen remodel is a big investment, but choosing the right features ensures you get lasting value from the project. A multifunctional island, smarter storage, bold but thoughtful use of color, layered lighting, and future-oriented planning all work together to create a space that feels both beautiful and practical. As you refine your plans, stay focused on how you want the room to look, feel, and function day to day. When the design supports your real life, your new kitchen becomes more than just a showpiece; it becomes the place where your home truly comes together.
