If you’re updating your kitchen with resale in mind, you’re already focused on the right room. In Southeast Michigan, realtors consistently point to kitchens as a major driver of buyer interest. The key is combining smart, value-boosting upgrades with today’s most in-demand design choices.
What Buyers Want Right Now
Most homeowners (81%) change their kitchen style during a renovation, and the trend is shifting back toward warmer, more classic looks. Traditional kitchens are making a strong comeback, rising to about 14% of remodels, while transitional remains the top choice at 25%. Modern and contemporary styles are holding steady, and farmhouse style continues to decline.
Altogether, kitchens are getting bigger and bolder. About 35% of homeowners are expanding their kitchen footprint, often borrowing space from dining rooms or living rooms, while others build additions to create the open, multifunctional kitchens people love. Backsplashes are also becoming major design statements, with full-height tile now the most common choice and ceiling-high designs growing in popularity.
Upgrades Realtors Say Add the Most Value
These are the improvements that typically deliver the strongest return and align with current buyer expectations:
- New flooring: Old, mismatched, or damaged floors drag down value fast. Seamless flooring, especially hardwood or quality wood-look options, immediately improves first impressions.
- Fresh, neutral paint: A professional repaint in warm whites, soft grays, or creams brightens the space and makes it feel move-in ready.
- Updated cabinets (paint, reface, or replace): Cabinets set the tone for the whole kitchen. If the boxes are solid, repainting or refacing delivers high-end impact for less. Soft-close hinges and drawers add a premium feel.
- Modern cabinet hardware: One of the simplest upgrades with the biggest visual payoff. New pulls and knobs can refresh the entire kitchen quickly.
- Matching appliances: A coordinated appliance package makes kitchens photograph better and feel more finished. Stainless steel is still the buyer favorite, and matching finishes matter.
- A modern sink faucet: A clean-lined, pull-down, or touchless faucet is a low-cost upgrade that signals an “updated kitchen” to buyers.
- Lighting that fits the style: Replacing dated fluorescent or builder-grade fixtures is usually worth it. Stick to timeless, high-quality fixtures over overly custom designs.
- A kitchen island (when layout allows): Islands are still high on buyer wish lists for prep space, storage, and gathering. If space is tight, a movable island can add function without hurting flow.
- Quality countertops: If you have laminate or low-end surfaces, upgrading is a strong value move. Durable stone or quartz keeps your kitchen aligned with today’s expectations.
- A clean, full-coverage backsplash: Since backsplashes are trending larger and more dramatic, upgrading a dated or missing backsplash is a smart choice. Neutral ceramic or porcelain tile keeps it buyer-friendly while looking current.
Value-Focused Budget
Kitchen spending varies widely. High-end remodels can go far above average, especially in larger kitchens, but you don’t need a luxury budget to get a meaningful return. The best strategy is choosing improvements that buyers notice first: flooring, cabinets, lighting, and surfaces.
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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.
Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.
