Kitchen Remodeling Tips from Design Experts | Renovate Smart in 2025

Top Kitchen Remodeling Tips from Interior Design Experts

The kitchen is more than a place to cookit's the heart of the home. Whether you're brewing morning coffee, helping with homework at the counter, or hosting dinner with friends, your kitchen is a central part of your daily life. Thats why a kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make.

But remodeling your kitchen can also feel overwhelming. With so many design choices, layout options, and material upgrades to consider, its easy to get lost in the details. To help you plan smarter and design better, weve gathered top kitchen remodeling tips straight from interior design experts.

From layout advice to lighting strategy, heres how to transform your kitchen into a beautiful and functional spaceno matter your budget or square footage.

Prioritize Layout and Workflow First

Before choosing cabinets or tile, focus on the layout. Designers agree that the flow of your kitchen is more important than the finishes. Think in terms of functionality firstwhere things go, how you move, and how the kitchen supports your lifestyle.

The kitchen triangle remains a popular guideline: place the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangle formation for efficient movement. But modern homes often require more flexibility. If you cook with others, consider adding extra prep stations or a larger island to support multiple users.

Think carefully about how you use your kitchen every day. A well-planned layout enhances usability far more than any backsplash or paint color.

Choose Timeless Cabinetry with Smart Storage

Cabinetry sets the tone for your kitchens aesthetic, but its also a key component of everyday functionality. Interior designers recommend sticking with classic cabinet styleslike Shaker, flat-panel, or slab frontsthat won't go out of style in a few years.

More importantly, maximize your storage. Add deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out spice racks, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and hidden trash bins to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

If youre short on space, consider floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or open shelving for visual openness and easy access to everyday items.

For stylish, functional cabinetry inspiration, explore design-forward options at Ahome, where modern storage meets timeless design.

Invest in Quality Countertops

Countertops are one of the most heavily used surfaces in the kitchen, so durability is just as important as appearance. Quartz continues to be a favorite among designers for its low maintenance, resilience, and wide range of finishes.

Other popular materials include granite, butcher block, and composite stone. Choose a surface that can stand up to heat, spills, and scratches while still complementing your overall design.

When selecting your countertop color, aim for a balanceif your cabinets are light, a slightly darker surface can ground the space; if your cabinets are dark, a lighter countertop adds contrast and brightness.

Light It Like a Pro

Lighting is often overlooked, but its one of the most critical elements in a successful kitchen remodel. Interior designers recommend a three-layered approach to lighting: ambient, task, and accent.

Ambient lighting provides general illuminationthink recessed lights or ceiling fixtures. Task lighting is focused on work areas like counters and the sink; under-cabinet lighting is especially effective here. Accent lighting adds mood and stylependant lights over the island or a decorative fixture above the dining area can elevate the entire space.

Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting throughout the day and for different occasions. Good lighting isnt just functionalit creates atmosphere and enhances every design detail.

Use a Cohesive Color Palette

Color has a powerful effect on how your kitchen feels. Choose a cohesive palette that reflects your personality while keeping resale value in mind.

Soft neutrals like white, cream, light gray, and warm beige remain popular for their timeless appeal and versatility. You can add personality through accent colors in backsplashes, island bases, bar stools, or even small appliances.

Dark, moody colors like navy or forest green are trending for lower cabinets and islands, offering a bold yet elegant contrast when paired with lighter uppers or countertops.

Aim for balance, and remember: a unified color scheme creates a calm and cohesive space.

Incorporate High-Impact Backsplashes

Backsplashes are both functional and decorative. They protect your walls from stains while serving as a key design feature in your kitchen.

Interior designers love full-height backsplashesextending the tile all the way to the ceiling or upper cabinetsfor a dramatic, modern look. Subway tile remains a classic, but new patterns like herringbone, zellige, or terrazzo add texture and flair.

Choose a backsplash that complements your counters and cabinets, and make sure the material is easy to clean and resistant to moisture and grease.

Dont Underestimate the Power of Flooring

Kitchen flooring needs to be durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. But it should also tie your design together. Hardwood and engineered wood are still favorites for their warmth and versatility. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and porcelain tile are also excellent choices for durability and cost-effectiveness.

If your kitchen is open to other living areas, choose flooring that blends seamlessly from one space to the next to maintain visual flow.

Patterned tiles can create a statement in smaller kitchens, while neutral flooring keeps the focus on cabinetry and fixtures in larger spaces.

Add an Island (If Space Allows)

Kitchen islands have become essential features in modern layouts, offering extra prep space, storage, and seating. Even in smaller kitchens, a narrow island or mobile cart can add functionality without taking up too much space.

Interior designers recommend keeping at least 3642 inches of clearance around the island for easy movement. You can include drawers, outlets, wine racks, or open shelving for added storage.

Islands also provide an opportunity to introduce a second material or colorcontrasting countertops or cabinet finishes create visual interest and help define the space.

Upgrade Fixtures and Hardware

Small details can make a big impact. Replacing outdated faucets, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls instantly modernizes your kitchen without a full overhaul.

Matte black, brushed brass, and mixed-metal finishes are popular choices that add subtle sophistication. Look for a faucet with a pull-down sprayer and efficient water usage for both style and practicality.

Matching your hardware and fixtures to your overall design theme keeps the look cohesive and intentional.

Conclusion: Create a Kitchen That Works for You

A successful kitchen remodel blends function, beauty, and personal style. Whether you're doing a full renovation or simply updating select features, every decision should support how you use the spaceand how you want it to feel.

Start with a clear plan, invest in quality where it counts, and focus on elements that add both value and comfort. With thoughtful design and a bit of expert guidance, youll create a kitchen that inspires you every day.

To explore beautiful, functional kitchen products and style ideas, visit Ahomeyour destination for curated home upgrades that blend performance with personality.