6 min readPictured Above: A kitchen designed by Sarah West.
A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. Between the budget, the planning, and the disruption of having one of the busiest spaces in your home out of commission, even a modest renovation requires careful consideration. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out the scope of the project—does your kitchen simply need a cosmetic update, or is it time for a full-scale renovation?
Whether you've recently bought your home or have lived in it for years, it's easy to become accustomed to your surroundings. Much like overlooking everyday clutter, you may no longer notice that your cabinets feel outdated, your hardware no longer matches your style, or your kitchen's layout makes cooking and entertaining more difficult than it should be. That familiarity can make it hard to recognize when small improvements are enough—or when the entire space needs to be reimagined. That's where experienced designers can provide valuable perspective.
We asked designers to share the key factors they consider when deciding whether a kitchen calls for a light refresh or a complete remodel, including what stands out first, which upgrades deliver the most value, and where it's worth investing your budget.
What to Consider When You Look at Your Existing Kitchen
Taking budget out of the equation for a moment, there are a few things designers look for when assessing a new client's kitchen. These items tell them what the space needs in terms of design.
Layout
The layout is probably the biggest indicator of what type of reno your kitchen needs. Danielle Chiprut, of Danielle Rose Design Co., puts it simply: "If the kitchen layout doesn’t meet the client’s functional needs—like [if it has] limited counter space, a lack of storage, or poorly placed appliances—it often requires a more substantial redesign." If the client is an avid home chef and the designated host of the family or friend group, their desired workhorse of a kitchen might need added room for food prep and a better workflow. Or, maybe the homeowner cares more about the aesthetic of their kitchen than how functional it is. In that case, Sarah West of Sarah West Interiors says that keeping the floor plan as it is might be better so that the budget can go to other, more aesthetic concerns, like beautiful cabinetry or appliances.
A kitchen's layout is extremely personal to the homeowner; in every situation, when you're considering how to upgrade your kitchen, recognizing your particular needs is the first step to deciding whether or not you can live with the current floor plan.
Appliances
After the layout, the appliances tend to be what designers consider next. For some homeowners who recently moved into a new house, the appliances may be the only parts of the existing kitchen they actually like. In cases like these, Lisa Schwert of Innate Studio says, "If there are high-quality appliances that still have a lot of life left in them, we can incorporate them into the new design," while making tweaks such as changing the cabinets.
But if your new home's appliances have seen better days, they might be telling you it's time for an overhaul. While we support using appliances as long as possible, sometimes it can be more sustainable to finally swap out that 15-year-old oven that looks fine and still works well enough for a new, more energy-efficient option. Plus, it'll make your kitchen look better. Chiprut says that outdated appliances are one of her telltale signs that a "kitchen needs more than just a cosmetic refresh."
Age of Materials and House
Home safety regulations weren't always as important to homeowners and builders in the past. That's mostly due to the fact that they didn't know any better, and weren't aware of how dangerous some practices and materials—such as asbestos or lead paint—can be. Due to the health risks posed by certain once-popular materials, the age of your home and when the kitchen was last renovated can determine whether you could do with a simple refresh or need a full renovation, explains Schwert. With a complete overhaul, "we can ensure that everything within the walls—such as framing, plumbing, electrical work, and insulation—is sound and properly done," Schwert explains. "The last thing we want is for our clients to invest in a beautiful new kitchen only to have to tear things out because of a failure within the walls."
Chiprut also looks for more obvious signs of wear and tear—which often can be fixed with less drastic measures. If there are any cracks in the countertops, outdated finishes, or worn cabinetry, then, she says, you could probably get away with a simple refresh. Unless, of course, the materials are beyond repair.
Cabinetry
Your cabinets serve as the backbone of your kitchen, bringing storage, color, and personality to the space. This is why West scrutinizes cabinets so heavily when making the decision on refresh or overhaul for her clients. "If they are in poor condition, they should be replaced. If they are in good condition, keeping the cabinet boxes can save a lot for your budget, not only in the cost of new cabinets, but also in the cost of installation," she explains. Just replacing your cabinet doors can elevate the overall look of your space.
Does a Gut Renovation Fit Into Your Budget?
Now it's time to bring your budget back into the picture. After considering the factors listed above, you need to assess what you want to have done to your kitchen and what you can actually afford to do. If your kitchen needs a whole renovation but your budget won't allow it, then there are still ways to create the space of your dreams.
For her clients who fall into this category, Schwert always recommends bringing in a professional home organizer to "maximize the utility of the existing space by introducing organizational systems, tools, and techniques that enhance functionality." It makes the homeowner's experience in the room better while they're saving up money for the project. Once the renovation gets started, these organizational tips and improvements can be utilized in the remodeled kitchen too.
That being said, West does not recommend doing a project "piecemeal," as she puts it. That's because, she says, working in fits and starts often ends up being more costly in the end. "The kitchen is a unique space that requires a fusion of aesthetics and function working together harmoniously, so updating things one at a time can result in a choppy, disjointed finished project," she says.
Still, if you work with a designer who can stick to your vision and you're keeping your original kitchen layout, then gradually updating things in phases could result in something beautiful. Just make sure to update your countertops last, once you've finalized the footprint of the kitchen, so that they'll look their best.
What's Worth the Splurge
Whether your kitchen renovation is merely cosmetic or super invasive, there are some features that are worth spending a bit extra on, according to these designers.
- Panel-ready fridge and freezer: For a truly elevated space, don't shy away from concealing these large appliances to create a more cohesive look.
- Custom cabinetry: Purchasing custom cabinets not only allows you to create storage solutions best suited to your needs, but also adds a personal element to the design.
- Stone countertops: Natural stone countertops are costly in the moment, but their timelessness and durability make them one of the smartest long-term investments.
- High-quality appliances: Mid- to top-tier appliances are worth the splurge because they tend to offer better warranties and service, while upgrading your kitchen's overall look.
What Isn't Worth the Splurge
Thankfully, there are a number of things you don't need to spend top dollar on in order for your kitchen to look beautiful.
- Trendy finishes: Not only can these quickly date your kitchen, but you'll likely grow tired of them sooner rather than later.
- Specialty appliances: Unless you're an avid cook, those flashy, ultra high-end appliances typically aren't worth it.
- Hardware: You don't need designer hardware for a chic kitchen. As long as you pick something that's good quality and will hold up over time, you can go with the less expensive option.
- Decorative lighting: While lighting is important—especially while you're cooking over a hot stove and chopping vegetables with a sharp knife—you can find pretty light fixtures that won't break the bank, especially if you're seeking something more trendy. Save here to splurge elsewhere!
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.
Meghan Shouse is House Beautiful's Digital Editor, and she's been with the team since September 2023. On top of being the magazine's go-to Waco expert, Meghan also touches on quite a few other verticals in the digital space, like hot news content featuring your favorite HGTV stars, home design inspiration, and the latest interior TikTok trends. However, her favorite pieces are the ones that start conversations, such as stories about resale value and whether or not the Solo cup is chic. Before becoming a home writer, Meghan worked in the fashion industry for two years, writing for Harper's Bazaar after graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in apparel merchandising. When she's not interviewing interior designers about home trends, you can find Meghan reading a fictional thriller with her cat in her lap, planning themed parties, or strolling through flea markets searching for chunky candle holders and vintage bookends.
