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Many people assume they need to have thousands of dollars to renovate their homesespecially if they want to upgrade their kitchen. But one woman is trying to disprove that notion. Lifestyle influencer Camryn Love posted a video to her TikTok account @camryn.love showing how she was able to give her space a new look using just one product from Dollar Tree.

"This renovation was under $30 & made my [kitchen] look so much more brighter," Love captioned her video.

For the remodel, Love gave her kitchen a new backsplash with peel-and-stick wallpaper. She used Main Street Wall Creations Gray Distressed Wood Wall Stickers, which she bought from Dollar Tree for $1.25 a pack.

"Home improvement has never been easier or less expensive! If you like a home with a rustic chic look then you'll appreciate these easily removable wall stickers [that] resemble distressed wood," the product listing on Dollar Tree's website reads. "They are so easy to work with and can be applied to almost any surface."

If you're not sure how to utilize these stickers, Love also showed the before-and-after process of her kitchen transformation. Read on to discover more about the exact steps this Dollar Tree shopper used for her budget-friendly renovation.

RELATED:I'm an Interior Designer and Just Bought 11 Luxe Decor Items at Dollar Tree.

The first step to Love's Dollar Tree kitchen renovation is picking the tiles you want to use since the retailer carries many different styles of peel-and-stick tiles and wallpaper. In the first half of her TikTok video, Love showed a marble hexagon pattern in the store before she ultimately went with the faux-wood style.

Next, Love prepared her kitchen area for the renovation by cleaning all her counters and walls and wiping them down with alcoholwhich she indicated in the comment section could be a crucial step in getting the tiles to stick on securely.

RELATED: Home Depot Shopper Shares $100 Hack to Upgrade Your Kitchen to "Marble."

After you've prepped your kitchen, you also need to prep your tiles. To ensure they fit your individual space, you may need to cut them down to fit your backsplash or carve out areas to fit around outlets. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Once you cut the tiles to whatever size you need, the last step is to simply peel off the adhesive and stick them to your walland viol! You now have a new, budget-friendly backsplash just like Love.

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I'm a Dollar Tree Shopper and I Renovated My Kitchen for $30: "So Much Brighter" - Best Life

At the turn of the 20th century, most kitchens held furniture like wooden dry sinks, tables, ice boxes, and storage cabinets rather than built-ins. These were practical workspaces and beauty wasn't a priority. Most homeowners these days prefer the modern look of built-in cabinetry and aesthetically pleasing countertops, though, like the granite Erin Napier selected for the "New-Stalgic Restoration" project.

When restoring an older house, you can also take inspiration from the pantries of Victorian homes since they were sometimes outfitted with wood, metal, or marble counters. Of these three, marble is the most popular choice these days, but quartz countertops mimicking marble are a more durable choice to consider. Or, you can put marble on the backsplash and another material on the countertops.

If you're seeking a countertop in a darker color with a matte finish, another option is soapstone since it's also more resilient than marble when it comes to daily wear and tear. Honed granite offers a similar aged look with a matte surface that can fit nicely in an older home, too.

Originally posted here:
HGTV's Erin Napier Warns Against This Countertop Type In Old Homes - House Digest

Galey Alix is not afraid to tackle big installs with limited time, and she is a certified fan of ceiling-height backsplashes. After remodeling her own kitchen, which aired in Episode 7 of her new show "Home in a Heartbeat," the star took to Instagram, saying, "Run backsplash ALL THE WAY UP to the ceiling. Always. No question. Give me a reason why one should not." As the image with her caption beautifully depicts, ceiling-height backsplashes add impact, drama, and attitude. They feel very finished off and can even make your kitchen look taller. By taking backsplash tiles to the ceiling and not chopping them off after a few inches, you can create an uninterrupted area that pulls the eye upwards.

Now, there is one reason that keeps backsplashes low, and this is budget constraints. Depending on labor and material costs, you can expect to pay around $1,000 on average for a kitchen backsplash installation. A ceiling-height backsplash is going to cost double, triple, if not quadruple, the price, depending on how tall your walls are. It might sound crazy to fork out for so much extra tile that isn't going to be, well, splashed on. But because uber-tall backsplashes have such a strong visual impact, they can pay themselves off in sheer style alone. If your kitchen needs a focal point, taking your tiles to the ceiling is a simple, chic solution. What's more, there are savvy ways you can save to make financial room for this splurge. For instance, if you were toying with the idea of handmade zellige tile, consider going with cheaper subway tile and laying it in an interesting pattern like soldier stacks or chevron.

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Kitchen Upgrades That Are Definitely Worth The Price, According To HGTV Stars - House Digest

Renovation without regrets.

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to add value to your home, especially a full-on remodel. There are so many decisions to make, especially if you have a limited budget. Whether youre planning on selling your home in the near future or you just want to have a kitchen you can enjoy with your family, its a matter of figuring out what renovations make the most sense for you. If youre looking to maximize your budget, here are five kitchen upgrades that are actually worth the money.

Related: 5 Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets If You Hate How They Look

Every kitchen needs a place to throw out trash. But having a trash can just sitting out can ruin the aesthetic of your kitchen, especially a recently renovated kitchen. Interior designer Audrey Scheck tells me an integrated trash drawer is worth the money. If you are customizing the cabinetry in your kitchen, integrating a trash/recycling drawer is certainly an area to not skip on. Having a dedicated drawer near the sink makes the functionality of a kitchen seamless, and it saves on the square footage necessary for a bulky, freestanding trash receptacle.

Quartz and other types of composite countertops have grown leaps and bounds in recent years because they have the look of natural stone at a far better price. But nothing beats the real thing, according to interior designer Sarah Stacey. I always suggest real marble over quartz.

Sometimes kitchen renovation projects can be so stressful that we often forget what the kitchen is really forcooking. So, its important to have room in your budget for high-quality appliances that make cooking easier or faster. For example, a high-quality range will have additional features to improve cooking, such as induction cooktops, burners designed to heat evenly, or built-in smart technology.

High-end appliances also tend to have better aesthetics, such as those by Lacornue, which is a brand that Stacey is a fan of. These types of appliances not only improve the cooking experience, but they can also boost the value of your home.

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And while its truly a matter of preference and style, panel-ready appliances are another smart option, according to both designers. Panel-ready appliances allow for a custom panel to be installed on top of a refrigerator or dishwasher to seamlessly integrate them into kitchen cabinetry. Eliminating the visual description of mismatched appliances makes the space feel more cohesive, says Scheck.

Some upgrades arent about what you see, but rather what you dont see. Scheck tells me recessed vent hoods are worth the extra cost and construction. Similarly to panel-ready appliances, recessed vent hoods allow for the exhaust liner to be hidden inside an intentional design element, says the designer. A recessed liner would be installed above a cooktop, then it can be framed around with wood to create any shape you desire. Once the framing is done, the options are endless on how to conceal it, such as plaster and wood painted similarly to the cabinets.

Most of us dont renovate our kitchens very often. So if youre going to invest in it and you arent planning on selling youre home anytime soonget what you want and you wont regret it. If youve always liked hunter-green cabinetsdo it. Gold hardware instead of builder-grade stainless steelwhy not? A built-in espresso maker? If you enjoy an espresso shot every daygo for it.

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5 Kitchen Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Money, According to Pros - Yahoo Movies UK

Painting kitchen cabinets is one way to give a home an easy refresh without going to the expense and inconvenience of a full remodel.

Updating tired cabinets with paint or experimenting with different colors and finishes can brighten an old kitchen and breathe new life into the family room. Here, we will outline basic tips and techniques to get one started on an easy DIY project, whether you are a pro or a beginner about to undertake your first home painting project.

For starters, one willl need to paint-prep the cabinets, which includes cleaning the surfaces to remove cooking grease/dirt/dust/grime and sanding them to a smooth, receptive surface the paint adheres to.

One will also want to take time to remove the cabinet doors and hardware, and carefully label each with painters tape for reassembly.

Prepping the cabinets is going to be the most time-consuming and crucial part of the entire project, so make sure to stick it out through the preparation process and not jump to the fun part of painting.

Taking due care to prep the cabinets will yield a long-lasting and polished paint finish that one can be proud of, improving the functionality and beauty of the kitchen for years to come.

Good paint and brushes and rollers for painting cabinetry will apply easier and better and last longer for the kitchen cabinets.

Scrub the surfaces of the cabinet to remove grease or grime that may have built up over the years. Next, lightly sand the cabinets this is a very important step particularly if you like a professional-looking finish.

Preferably, paint and prime rather than vice-versa, but there's a case to be made for applying the primer before applying paint when working with stained cabinets.

Priming before painting can seal the surface, improve paint adhesion and help prevent any stains from bleeding through. Choose a primer that's formulated to adhere to cabinet doors, and follow the manufacturer's directions for application.

Thin out the paint by using multiple coats (thin coat one, thin coat two, thin coat three), rather than making thick paint (thick coat one).

So no one gets runs, sludges and other puddles of unapplied mess. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

Break the work into little sections, several square feet each, so one wont get so overwhelmed by painting the entire kitchen that one ditches the idea of giving the cabinets a smooth, even finish for kitchen cabinets.

When painting around edges, corners, and small detailed areas, slow down, use the smallest brush one has, or a foam brush, and make sure that one continues to smear out drips and brush strokes as one paints them.

If one is painting just cabinet doors, select the cabinet doors first for painting. That way, as they are bare on all sides, one can paint them more conveniently. Also, the access to all sides is better, making painting kitchen cabinets easier.

Each coat needs to have good drying time between the coats of paint and before opening cabinets, so plan accordingly. Dont rush the process, or the of risk smudges, print and even ruining the final look entirely for the kitchen cabinets.

If one is working in an interior, this is a must: no one wants to be breathing in the fumes from the paint and primer. Open windows, and use fans to increase airflow.

Take one's time, and make sure to wait between layers for good, full drying. Dont rush this part, or the finish will show evidence.

When the paint is completely dry, reattach the cabinet doors and labels on the doors, and be sure to guide the hardware in carefully.

If you want a finish on the paint job that will resist stains and scratches, ask the paint store about a clear, protective topcoat for the kitchen cabinets.

Painting kitchen cabinets oneself can be a fine DIY project, an inexpensive way to rejuvenate the kitchen when one is not yet ready for a full kitchen remodel.

As long as one uses good materials, premium finishes and excellent techniques, one can achieve professional results. Eventually, updating one's cabinets by painting them oneself will revive the cabinetry, return appeal to the kitchen and save one truckloads of money.

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How to paint kitchen cabinets? Easy tips, techniques, and other details explored - Sportskeeda

She Called the Austin House Classic Central Texas Early 2000sa Kitchen Remodel Transformed It  Mansion Global

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She Called the Austin House Classic Central Texas Early 2000sa Kitchen Remodel Transformed It - Mansion Global

Experts: Here Are 8 Home Renovations Buyers Want the Most in 2024  Yahoo Finance

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Experts: Here Are 8 Home Renovations Buyers Want the Most in 2024 - Yahoo Finance

It's easy to get caught up in your Pinterest boards, particularly when it comes to home improvement projects. One of the best returns on a residential investment is in the kitchen; after all, it's the heart of the home and, according to many realtors, a deal-maker or deal-breaker for potential buyers. And while there are a slew of kitchen remodeling ideas out there, which of them are worth the cost?

For guidance, we called in the experts: realtors, an interior designer, and a general contractor. Here, they break down the upgrades to include in your kitchen renovation and how to implement them to maximize the value of your home.

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When it comes to house hunting, one of the first things we look at is the footprint of the kitchen. It only makes sense to start where our feet step. Cesar Bullon, general contractor and owner of Down South Renovations in Marietta, Ga., speaks from a place of experience, having started his business as a flooring specialist: "Tile is the best for both durability and budget. You won't have to replace tile unless you begin hating it!" He also finds that many homeowners find the cost of more moisture-resistant porcelain worth the upgrade from ceramic. Ariel Baverman, realtor for Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta recommends choosing "planks over 12-inch squares" to avoid dating the kitchen. "Those are very 'out,'" she cautions.

If you'd prefer something warmer underfoot, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a practical waterproof solution that's become more popular. Technology has made it possible for this alternative material to emulate the look and feel of hardwood without the natural material's risk of warping and damage from spills and humidity.

But even with these practical considerations, durable hardwoods like sustainable bamboo or oak remain top choice among home buyers. "Especially if it matches the rest of the flooring in an open kitchen leading into another space," says luxury realtor Lisa Graff of Houlihan Lawrence of Scarsdale in Westchester, NY.

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There's something about a kitchen island that reads like an invitation to linger. It's no surprise that one of Bullon's most commonly requested features is a multifunctional island. "If you're looking for more surface space or seating areas, this is the way to go," he says.

Power outlets can also be hidden into an island beneath the counters or even within them as pop-ups, all of which add usage flexibility. "Adding storage and stools for extra seating with electrical outlets is now often a must," says Graff. "Maximizing every square inch adds value." It's also recommended to choose a counter-height island: It offers a larger, wider surface, and opportunities for prep, serving, and gathering are just that much greater.

Knocking down a wall and swapping it for an island is also a great solution to Bullon's most common request: a bigger kitchen. Reducing hard boundaries creates the illusion of more space and expands the impression of the actual kitchen. Graff agrees that this is one of the biggest selling points in many homes. "Open concept kitchens that flow into family zones are extremely popular," says Graff. "Especially for those who want to keep an eye on kids as they're working; a fluid area for entertaining; or simply an in-eat kitchen that doesn't feel enclosed."

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Islands are also another way to emphasize fabulous counters, which are another deal-maker when it comes to attracting buyers. "Countertops are such a huge focal point in the kitchen; updated countertops are a way to elevate and modernize your space without doing a complete remodel," says Rachel Stults, managing editor at Realtor.com.

Waterfall counters with mitered edges, for example, can add drama, even while providing a clean, minimalistic, and contemporary feel. Weathered countertops are beloved by tactile folks who are happy to trade traditional gloss for texture and dimension. And swirled stones can add movement, while speckled ones can create depth. However, for all of the above, lighter looks are preferred. "Most people love them as they're bright and provide a sense of spaciousness," Graff says. "Darker stones tend to look more dated." .

And according to Stults, you dont have to spend your life savings on expensive marblecheaper but luxurious alternatives exist. An extensive selection of natural and hand-made materials have cropped up. The latter ranges from budget options such as laminate (Formica) and large-format tile to pricier ones like Corian, a composite product, and top-of-the-line quartz. Natural stones include granite, limestone, marble, and quartzite. No matter the category, granite sits at the baseline of what's considered desirable, no matter the grade or pattern.

"Consumers don't want anything less than granite anymore, so choosing tile or laminate is disappointing in a renovation," says Baverman. Bullon seconds that, recommending "simple granite for a basic renovation, sealed once a year for upkeep."

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Some people skip installing a backsplash or go the cheaper route of stick-on 3D effect contact paper, but from the requests Bullon gets, that percentage is, fortunately, trending down. "They're definitely needed in a kitchen renovation," he emphasizes, "as they make [the space] feel more complete and convey a sense that the owner was detail-oriented and took good care of the home."

Glass backsplashes are a newer trend Bullon has been seeing in high-end renovations in the South, but less costly tile can create interest, especially if it is laid out thoughtfully. Baverman is a fan of affordable subway tiles, which Graff agrees are being used in many different styles of homes. "Glass or colored subway tiles are common picks for mid-century modern homes and white for more traditional ones."

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Cabinets are one of the most expensive components of a well-done kitchen and a critical part of its functionality and visual appeal. Cosmetic accents add sophistication and value to your kitchen, all without having to mess with what's already there. Seemingly minor detailslike new knobs and pulls, and crown molding finishing at the top of the cabinetsmake a difference. Additionally, there's always the option to repaint cabinets, which is a costly investment but cheaper than a tear-down start-over.

However, if you're willing to invest in replacing them, the extra few inches a 42-inch upper cabinet gives you is well worth the added expense. You'll increase storage space by 25 percent, and if that's too high to reach? "Rev-a-shelf has incredible solutions that allow people of various heights and ages to access these cabinets safely," says Lisa M. Cini, author, president, and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio. "It also maximizes your shelf storage and can hide items, which allows users to transform the kitchen into a showroom."

For the most part, cabinet innovations are often worth the cost of investment. However, appliances with faux cabinets have become a faux pas. "Although it looks nice, it's just no longer necessary to hide appliances behind facades to match your cabinet choices," Graff says. This is especially true now that most are now designed to be showcased.

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Thermador introduced the stainless look during the 1950s, but it wasn't until about 15 to 20 years ago that it became readily accessible and affordable to average consumers. Since then, the elevation of the chef in pop culture has turned a trend into a mainstay.

"Stainless steel appliances always add value," says Graff, especially when they're name-brand or professional quality. "You can never go wrong with a chef's kitchen that features a six-burner stove!"

Built-in appliances (or those that look like it) can also add elegance to a kitchen. Slide-in ranges continue to sell and show well in the residential marketoften paired with space-saving over-range microwavesand are considered, "a great upgrade for upscale renovations," according to Bullon. He says the same of built-in wine refrigerators, a feature Graff calls a bonus, "even for people who don't drink, since it can serve as a beverage chiller." They free up precious refrigerator space for food, as Baverman points out.

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Were talking about more than just a big sink. "These are multifunctional sinks with drain boards, cutting board attachments, and tons of space to navigate in. Some workstation sinks even feature mixing bowl and colander attachments," Stults explains. So no more stepping back and forth from the counter to the sink! This is an easy way to help inch your homes sale price upward.

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Accessibility and storage are key to any kitchen, which is why lazy susans and blind corner cabinets are also always in demand. "Lazy susan corner shelves are wonderful for elderly people," says Bullon, allowing them to get to the "back" of their cabinets easily. Blind corner pull-outs do the same and use the space even more efficiently. Although the latter is less common in New York, where Graff serves, she and Baverman are all for either." Anything that gives additional storage adds value!" they note.

A seemingly small detail that can make a world of difference and add incremental value to your home: soft-close hinges and drawers. "These are essential," says Graffa mother of two young boys who inevitably slam both. Although they can break, as Baverman cautions, that risk is worth the reward of adding to the lifetime of the cabinets.

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Pantries are always a good call. "However you can get more pantry space, do it!" says Bullon. Built-in ones with pull-out drawers are a brilliant upgrade, and great for easy access, especially when a closet pantry isn't an option, according to Graff.

The functional features are worth the money if you plan to live in your space longer, but for a quick, gratifying upgrade, pull-out trash bins concealed behind cabinet doors have become exceedingly popular, addressing the unpleasant problem of having a too-small garbage tucked under your sink or an exposed freestanding one. "They're awesome for saving space and keeping the kitchen clean," says Bullon.

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Any home professional will tell you: A fresh coat of the right color paint can do wonders for a space. The kitchen is no exception. "It can change the atmosphere of a room drastically," says Bullon, providing an affordable facelift and instant-clean feeling to the room. As Graff points out, lighter kitchens are trending with grays, whites, and neutrals standing as safe choices for a crowd-pleasing aesthetic that can help increase your home value.

No matter what, when making your selections, adhere to one golden rule of kitchen renovations: Let one thing be the star. If you spring for a flashy backsplash, go neutral on the counters and cabinets, and vice versa. They can clash or worse, your high-end investment will fade into the background amidst too many other scene-stealing accents. Meanwhile, allowing the different elements to complement the other generates harmony and balance.

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Of course, how you light the space also affects color. Soft white lighting will lend a warm, golden hue to everything while daylight bulbs with their blue tones will be very bright and white. Depending on the mood of your kitchen, you can choose either accents like pendant lights, which are often requested by Bullon's clients. Although "pendants are for style more than function in most cases," per Baverman, there's no doubt that they add another level of interest while actively highlighting a handsome upgrade like an island. "Just be sure it's high enough that it doesn't ruin the sight line and people won't hit their heads when standing," says Graff.

Because light placement can make a big impact. For instance, under-cabinet lighting can create a sultry, modern, or cozy distant impression depending on the warmth of the color. Cini highly recommends not only adding lighting to the underside of your upper cabinets, but power strips and USB plugs as well. "Whether you're plugging in your coffee pot or air fryer, the area is easier to see with built-in lighting," says Cini. Best of all, it's an easy upgrade. "Ikea and Legrand have great options that are easy to install," she says.

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Technology has become a must-have in the rest of our homewhy not the cook space, too? Stults suggests installing voice-activated faucets, app-operated appliances, or refrigerators with built-in cameras. "Think about how easy it would be if you didnt have to get up and check the next time youre wondering how low you are on milk! These smart features can increase efficiency, which can be a huge selling point for busy homebuyers," she says.

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And, if you have the cash and the wherewithal, consider installing a skylight, recommends Stults. "A skylight can bring sunshine into your space and make the kitchen look larger. It also delivers an impressively high ROIan estimated $5,000 to $6,000 in value upon resale, according to some reports," she says.

Prioritize stone counters, cabinets with smart storage, islands when possible, durable flooring, and anything to physically or visually expand the kitchen. Ever the pragmatist, Bullon stresses: "These all add value to a home, so these are the renovations that are most worthwhile."

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13 Kitchen Remodel Ideas Worth the Cost, According to Realtors and Designers - Real Simple

Marni Jameson

I know were not supposed to care, but dont we all kind of want to know whats going on in other peoples houses? As least dcor-wise? Last week, the 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study came out, and I was eager to peek. I wanted to know what was cooking in kitchens not just because I like to keep up, and not even because I am generally nosy, but mostly because my daughter and her husband are about to tackle a major kitchen renovation.

This kind of feels like the first time you see your kid drive off with a new drivers license. While theres nothing you can do, you just hope they dont crash.

When Paige and her husband bought their first home together 18 months ago, they knew they wanted to ultimately upgrade the underwhelming kitchen. After living in the home, theyve had time to think about what they want.

We love to cook and entertain, Paige said. Thats how we live. Our kitchen isnt great for either. Their choice came down to move or improve. Sound familiar? Having a baby on the way (insert cartwheel emoji) caused them to make up their minds and get going.

They asked a designer to show them what was possible. The designer drew up a plan that would indeed allow them to get what they wanted. Their new kitchen will have a larger island with seating, upgraded creamy tan cabinets with smart built-in storage systems, better appliances and white quartz counters to replace the dark speckled granite.

Ive got news for Houzz. They didnt need to bother with a survey. This couple represents pretty much what most remodelers want in a new kitchen.

A popular software platform for home improvers and industry professionals, Houzz has been publishing the kitchen trends study for 10 years, said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist, who helped compile the study. This year more than 3,400 U.S. homeowners, all of whom had either just completed or were in the middle of remodeling their kitchens, responded.

The beauty of the survey is that we dont ask wishful thinking questions, like, would you like more storage? Or a walk-in pantry? We ask, what did you actually do? Sargsyan said.

Heres whats hot in kitchens today according to this years report:

Kitchens are opening up. After going through the pandemic, a time when homeowners were hesitant to open their kitchens to the rest of their house, I was happy to see a reversal, Sargsyan said. We are back to open-concept kitchens that allow for more socializing. Among respondents, 43% made their kitchens more open to other indoor spaces, up five percent from a few years ago. Of those homeowners who made their kitchens more open, nearly two-thirds (64%) removed a wall.

Organized Storage is a priority. Consumers continue to put function first, she said. Features such as cookie sheet organizers (55%), spice racks (44%), and organizers for cutlery (41%) and utensils (37%) each gained 3 percentage points in popularity over last year. These were all must-haves on Paiges list, too.

Islands are growing. Confirming that the kitchen is the place to be whether cooking, eating, entertaining or doing office or home work, the survey showed a strong trend toward bigger islands with seating. Among renovators, 42% added an island 7 feet or longer, up from 38% last year. We dont see as many islands shorter than 6 feet, she said.

Tradeoffs are real. What the report doesnt capture, Sargsyan added, are the tradeoffs most projects require. A bigger kitchen, for instance, may mean sacrificing somewhere else, like having a smaller laundry room. Paige, for instance, loves her walk-in pantry, but is giving it up to gain more counterspace and more floor space around the island. She is counting on clever storage solutions, to make up for the loss.

Most seek professional help. More than four out of five homeowners (84%) rely on professional help for their kitchen renovations. General contractors are the professionals most commonly hired (55%), followed by cabinetmakers at 35%. One in three homeowners hires a kitchen designer.

Folks still like white. Light colors still reign, especially on counters. Were seeing fewer multi-colored counters and backsplashes. Cream and white counters are the choice for 43% of remodelers. White cabinets also remain popular at 46%, followed by wood, whether dark, medium, or light, at 25%. Interestingly, one-fourth of renovators made their upper cabinets a different color from their lower cabinets, often white above and wood below. Meanwhile, 46% opted for their islands to be a different color from their cabinets. Among those who did, blue was the top pick at 25%.

Layer the light. Recognizing their sustainability and longevity, LED lighting factored into 91% of projects. Recessed lighting was part of the plan in three out of four remodeled kitchens; 69% included under-cabinet lights, and more than half (56%) included pendant lighting. Light dimmers are also on the rise, factoring into 47% of remodels.

Costs are up. Like everything else, the cost to remodel a kitchen has been climbing. The median spend for a major kitchen remodel (meaning all new cabinets were included) was $55,000, up 22% over last year, and for a minor remodel the median spend was $18,000, up 29%.

Whats out? Glass doors and open shelves are trending down, as more consumers opt to keep their stuff hidden, which is probably a good idea.

Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow, What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, and Downsizing the Family Home. You may reach her at http://www.marnijameson.com.

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AT HOME WITH MARNI JAMESON: What's cooking in kitchens? Open floorplans, bigger islands, study finds - The Times of Northwest Indiana

This Once-Popular Kitchen Trend Is Making a Big Comeback  Sunset

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This Once-Popular Kitchen Trend Is Making a Big Comeback - Sunset