When it comes to remodeling a kitchen, the temptation to change everything can be strong. After all, a new kitchen feels like a blank slate. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to overhaul every single detail to achieve a fresh, stunning look. Sometimes, keeping key features while strategically changing others makes the biggest impact.
In my kitchen remodel, I focused on balancing what I love and what I wished I had done differently. Here’s a look at what I kept, what I changed, and why. Hopefully, these kitchen upgrade ideas will inspire your own remodel—whether you’re starting from scratch or working with what you have!
Kitchen REMODEL Ideas: What To Keep vs Change
Before diving into a remodel, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your current kitchen. Here are some questions to guide your decision-making process:
- What’s working? Identify features that are both functional and visually appealing. If it’s not broken, why fix it?
- What’s not working? Think about elements that feel outdated, inconvenient, or inefficient. These are prime candidates for upgrades.
- What’s your budget? Upgrading everything can quickly get expensive. Prioritize changes that will have the most impact on your daily use and overall design.
- What’s your style vision? Consider whether existing elements align with the style you want for your remodel. If they do, keeping them can save money and maintain continuity.
By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of where to focus your resources and efforts. For me, this process was key to determining what to change and what to keep in my kitchen.
What I Changed in My Kitchen Remodel:
Part of the joy of remodeling a kitchen is picking a few areas to elevate! While I didn’t upgrade absolutely everything, here is what I changed to make the space feel even more special.
Panel-Ready Dishwashers
One of the biggest changes I made was opting for panel-ready dishwashers. This means the dishwasher blends seamlessly with the cabinetry instead of standing out as a stainless steel appliance. It’s a small upgrade that makes the entire kitchen look more cohesive and custom. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re aiming for a high-end design.
Waterfall Island and Full-Slab Backsplashes
I knew I wanted my kitchen to feel modern and luxurious, so I swapped out the traditional backsplash and island style for something sleeker. The waterfall island—where the countertop material flows down the sides—creates a bold centerpiece. Pairing it with a full-slab backsplash (no grout lines!) gave the kitchen a polished, upscale look. These changes might seem trendy, but they’re timeless enough to stand the test of time.
Sink by the Window
Before the remodel, my sink was awkwardly placed on the island. While functional, it often turned into a messy focal point. By relocating the sink to a spot by the window, I not only opened up the island but also gave myself a view while doing dishes. Now, the island is clutter-free and better suited for prepping, serving, or hosting.
What I Kept the Same In My Kitchen Remodel:
Now, just because I was remodeling didn’t mean I needed to reinvent the wheel. Some features were already working beautifully, so I decided to keep them as they were—with maybe a little refinement.
Extra Storage on the Island (Barstool Side)
A kitchen island can be so much more than a pretty countertop. I had already included extra storage on the barstool side in my previous design, and this feature proved too functional to part with. It’s perfect for stashing seasonal items, less-used cookware, or even kids’ art supplies. Keeping this design detail was a no-brainer.
Customized Stock Cabinets
Instead of splurging on entirely custom cabinets, I stuck with my customized stock cabinets. These are stock cabinets that I dressed up with crown molding, mixed hardware finishes, and a custom range hood. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a high-end look without the hefty price tag.
Gold Workstation Sink
My gold workstation sink was already one of my favorite kitchen features, so why mess with perfection? It combines style and practicality, with built-in accessories like cutting boards and drying racks that make meal prep a breeze. Keeping this sink added continuity to the design while maintaining its functionality.
Smeg Appliances
I adore the retro charm of my Smeg appliances, and they’ve held up beautifully over the years. Rather than swapping them out for newer models, I kept these reliable workhorses as part of the design. The character they bring to the space is unmatched.
Wood-Stained Island and White Perimeter Cabinets
This classic color scheme stayed put because it just works. The wood-stained island adds warmth, while the white perimeter cabinets keep the space bright and airy. It’s a combination that’s both timeless and adaptable to various styles, so there was no reason to change it.
The Takeaway: Thoughtful Kitchen Upgrades Make All the Difference
Remodeling a kitchen doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Sometimes, small but impactful changes (like adding a waterfall island or relocating a sink) can elevate the entire space without losing what already works.
The key is to identify what’s functional and beautiful in your current kitchen and build on that foundation. With the right balance, you can create a space that feels both new and familiar – and totally “you.”
So, as you plan your own kitchen remodel, take a moment to evaluate what you truly love about your space and what’s not serving you anymore. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in creating a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
Do you have anything in your kitchen upgrade ideas you want to incorporate into your space? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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