When it comes to the rooms of your home it’s hard to decide which one to address first. Some might just need a quick, ten-minute tidy to make them feel more open and welcoming. Others might need to lose a few walls. Both scenarios can be intimidating. Believe me, I’ve done the downsizing and organizing and I’ve done the complete remodel. What I’ve found in South Florida, is a variety of the two as well; some homeowners are new and really want to overhaul each room to match their personality and lifestyle; some have downsized and need help organizing and maximizing their space for their new era as empty nesters. Ultimately, everyone turns to the kitchen as the room that needs some updates.
Why Focus on the Kitchen
It’s been called the heart of the home, but really, we focus on the kitchen because it needs to be functional. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I can’t imagine having a kitchen that doesn’t cater to my daily cooking needs, let alone makes entertaining clunky or impossible.
In South Florida, specifically, because of our great weather all year round, your kitchen might be used more than usual. The typical “hibernation” season isn’t as popular here, so cook outs, dinner parties, and other gatherings happen regularly. Additionally, South Florida kitchens often connect to the outdoors with French doors or big windows, so they’re a great place to relax with a coffee, work, cook, gather, and more. I’m a huge advocate for starting with the kitchen when you’re remodeling your home. They are only second to a bedroom remodel in my book.
13 Kitchen Updates
These small, medium, and large updates to your kitchen can completely transform the room and make it a more attractive place to come together or just make your dinner.
1) Kitchen Surfaces. A great way to (nearly) instantly get a new look in your kitchen is to update your kitchen surfaces. Granite and quartz are still very popular choices for luxe countertops, but butcher block is becoming more popular as well. Or, if you want to stick with the less expensive materials, there’s nothing wrong with simply replacing your laminate or going the concrete route.
2) Address the Cabinets. Are your cabinets dated? Do they feel heavy in the room? Consider mixing closed cabinets with open shelving and other customized options to store wine or wine glasses, plates, and spices. There are lots of door options, including glass-fronted if fully open shelves kind of freak you out. Another option that we love is painting them! We have a whole article about how to paint cabinets effectively.
3) Add an Island. If you have the space, a kitchen island is a great way to expand your storage and add some dynamic to your kitchen layout. Consider an island with a contrasting color to add depth and interest to the kitchen, choose a contrasting cabinet or countertop color, and don’t forget the fun features you can include in the island. Move the sink there, install a cooktop or a wine fridge, or simply just add cabinet and countertop space.
4) Tiles. These days we have all sorts of great innovations for installing wallpaper, tiles, and even floors. Add a tile backsplash to your kitchen easily with peel-and-stick or easy install tile designs. These tiles come in a variety of styles, designs, and colors—from classic to bold, and everything in between. It’s a great opportunity to create a lovely focal point in the kitchen.
5) Lighting. Elevate your kitchen lighting with a single chandelier or pendants above the island for ambience and task lighting (don’t forget to include dimmers to enhance functionality). There are lots of light options, but keep in mind that, in the kitchen, you are aiming for functionality so go for task lights, large pendants, and even recessed lights. Then add ambient lighting with a small table light, candles, and string LED lights under the cabinets.
6) Charging Stations. Two words: charging stations. We live in an age of technology. Recipes, music, and calls with the grandbaby all happen on your phone, so don’t let it die in the middle of the conversation. A simple solution is to integrate charging stations wherever makes the most sense for today’s tech savvy world. There are table lights that have charging stands, or phone charging pads that can easily be hidden when not used.
7) Touchless Technology. Again, the age of technology snuck up on us, but don’t shy away from it! Integrate touchless technology with touch faucets in classic stainless steel finishes, brass, or black. Add an Alexa if you’d like, or keep it simple with a touchless garbage can and soap dispensers.
8) Cabinet Lighting. It’s such a simple change, but adding lights of any kind to your cabinets can instantly create a warm atmosphere. Enhance your cabinets with lighting features within your glass-front cabinets that showcase beautiful glassware. Or add lights underneath the cabinets for work surface lighting that doubles as atmospheric light. Another option is placing a small lamp or Himalayan Salt Lamp in the cabinet as an accent light.
9) Art. If there is an opportunity for art in the kitchen add it! Source art from local artists or talented family members that strikes up conversations and enhances the layout and overall design of your kitchen. One suggestion is to keep in mind the placement; if it’s close to the stove or anything that might make things around it dirty, be sure to frame the art with glass to protect it.
10) Seating. Comfortable seating is imperative. As we said before, kitchens are the heart of the home and everyone needs a place to sit, stay, enjoy, and relax. If space allows, add a comfortable table and chairs along with counter stools to encourage conversation. For open concept spaces, orient the dining table or living room set up to include the kitchen area so no one feels cut off from the action.
11) Energy Efficient Appliances. One of the bigger, more expensive changes is to upgrade your appliances. Swap out your older appliances for those with increased energy efficiency and improved technologies. This is a great opportunity to get appliances that match!
12) New Hardware. A smaller, very affordable update is to replace your cabinetry hardware. Find a new metal finish or pick something unusual and fun to shake up the appearance of your cabinets. Or, go wild, and remove the hardware altogether!
13) Don’t Forget the Floor. Floors often get forgotten, but they can completely change the whole look of the room. Again, there are so many materials to choose from so this doesn’t have to be an expensive upgrade. Be sure it harmonizes with your cabinetry and other finishes for a stunning, put-together look. And don’t forget to consider the durability and how easy it is to clean.
Get the Guide!
There are lots of details to think about when remodeling or simply upgrading a space. That’s why we’ve made a guide! This room-by-room guide has a list of the absolute essentials for each space.
Visit a Kitchen Showroom
One final bit of advice: visit a showroom! Before beginning a kitchen project visit local showrooms to get a sense of what things cost today and what options are available. With recent tariffs and improved technologies, get acquainted with pricing to garner expectations from the start. These should include appliances, flooring, tile, stone, as well as lighting and cabinetry. A showroom also gives you a chance to feel the materials, get a better idea of true color, and even see if your wall paint swatches match.
A local showroom I absolutely love is Scavolini. They have gorgeous, Italian finishes and appliances that completely lift your kitchen.
Work with YDP
Part of my mission is to banish the overwhelm from the process of remodeling and upgrading your South Florida home. Whether it’s E-Design or Full Design, I can help you envision and realize your home design dreams!
Work with YDP and find a true collaborative partner when giving your kitchen new life.
