From what we saw from 2013, renovating the kitchen was the top value remodel in 2013. The national average cost for a kitchen remodel was $20,500 in which home owners recovered over 75% of their investment when they sold their home. If you didn’t make last year the time to give your kitchen a new look and feel, why not make it this year’s New Year’s resolution for your home.

Here’s a few ways to help improve your home:

Renovate the storage and cabinets
With either a small or large budget, you can give your cabinets a fresh new look from upgrading cabinet and drawer handles with more professional or unique design, repainting or resurfacing the cabinets or installing brand new cabinets that give your kitchen a greater appeal.

Upgrade Appliances
Having new appliances in your home will greatly increase the appeal and value of your kitchen. Any potential new home owner will be more attracted to a kitchen with appliances that are up to date. Any appliance that was built in the 90’s or earlier should be upgraded. The essential appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and stove/oven must be in good condition to show the house regardless.

Add some decor
Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference in appeal. Adding painting or unique objects onto the walls, or having a backsplash installed can really add to the look and feel of your kitchen. Consult some local home improvement stores for affordable ideas, as well as look online at some other kitchen remodels. You will be surprised how easy adding decor to your kitchen can be.

Improve the lighting
Brighten your room with an improved ceiling light, task lighting or undercabinet lighting. Add lighting controls with dimmers. Task lighting illuminates details to countertops and stoves. Accent lights can highlight prep areas. Using LED lighting can save on your electric bill while still illuminating the room.

Re-think the Sink
If your sink is old, stained or you have faucets out of date, it might be time to think about installing a new, more modern sink. Even if the sink basin is in good shape, you can still upgrade the faucets giving the kitchen sink a greater appeal. Sometimes 1 large sink is preferred over 2 smaller sinks especially if a dishwasher is present as this gives more room to prepare food.