When it comes to visual appeal and boosting your home value, a kitchen remodel is the single most impactful indoor home improvement project you can complete. A standard remodel will make your home more attractive to potential buyers, but you can maximize your value and minimize your kitchen remodel costs if you modernize your kitchen and install the features buyers are looking for. Use these kitchen remodel ideas in 2025 to get the most bang for your buck, and check out the before and after kitchen remodel pictures to get some inspiration for your project.
1. Add a backsplash
About a third of design experts agree that a high-end backsplash behind your counters is one of the most sought-after luxury kitchen upgrades. While standard subway tile offers a simple and affordable option, upgrading to a stone backsplash can create a more elevated look. However, with costs ranging from $800 to $2,000, it can be a pricier investment.
Anyone looking for a budget kitchen remodel idea can opt for a less expensive ceramic tile that mimics the look of natural stone. You can also opt for quartz, which is less expensive than granite, engineered stone, and marble, in most cases, but still brings tons of natural beauty to your space. Make your kitchen a bit more cohesive by matching your backsplash to your island countertops as in the kitchen remodel pictured below.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Nieu Cabinet Doors
2. Paint your cabinets
73% of design experts agree that mixing wood and painted cabinets is a trend that will dominate kitchens in 2025. You can mix colors and finishes between upper and lower cabinets, across different sections of the kitchen, or among the perimeter cabinets and kitchen island. For the painted cabinets, green shades and soft, earthy tones are likely to be the most desirable in 2025.
Having a professional paint your cabinets costs an average of $1,900, and prices can climb as high as $5,000 if you have a large kitchen. You can maximize your kitchen’s appeal on a budget if you paint your cabinets yourself.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: @cpv_media
Related article: What Is the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets? | Top Picks for Durability, Water Resistance, & More
3. Add an island
Adding a kitchen island can instantly transform your kitchen from drab to fab, not to mention the utility and functionality it offers. It’s not all about looks and usefulness either; 42% of design experts agree that a multi-functional island with seating and storage will continue to trend throughout 2025, and 33% of experts say that a contrasting kitchen island is well worth the investment for modernity and desirability.
Sizing your kitchen island properly is crucial, and hiring a kitchen designer to match colors and maximize utility by adding appliances, seating, and prep space is a good idea for maximum value. A kitchen island costs an average of $5,000 to install, but while it’s not a cheap upgrade, experts agree that it’s a worthwhile one.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Kitchen Solvers
4. Incorporate a breakfast nook
Installing a breakfast nook can help make the most of limited space, so it’s a popular kitchen remodel idea for small kitchens. If you have a bay window, the cost to install built-in seating will average around $1,800. You can also convert an existing section of your kitchen to a dedicated breakfast nook for between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on materials and square footage.
One thing’s for sure: a breakfast nook is a charming and functional addition to any kitchen in 2025. Whether it’s a small coffee station or a dedicated seating area, it maximizes space while adding character.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: @cpv_media
5. Spruce up your appliances
Gone are the days of standalone, visible appliances cluttering up your kitchen. According to 48% of design experts, seamless, built-in appliances have increased in popularity and will continue to be trendy through 2025. Installing them in your existing kitchen can be quite expensive, depending on your cabinets and how easy it is to match the doors and drawer fronts. Expect to pay an additional $200 to $600 per appliance you need to install and face to match your cabinets. However, the clean, modern appearance is well worth the investment.
For maximum value, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. Not only can this save you money with efficiency rebates, but savvy buyers also look for efficient appliances for a reduced carbon footprint and long-term savings.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: The Trade Table
6. Upgrade your lighting
Lighting is one thing that often goes overlooked when remodeling a kitchen, yet it plays a crucial role in both appearance and functionality. A third of design experts agree that upgrading to unique fixtures is going to be a popular trend in 2025, so ditch the home improvement store special and enhance your kitchen with custom light fixtures.
Just look at how the before and after photos below differ, and you’ll see the impact lighting can have. Recessed lighting costs an average of $1,500, and 16% of design experts agree that layered lighting will add even more value, so couple that with pendant lights and under-cabinet lighting for the most value.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Melichar Architects
7. Add tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been popular materials for kitchens for decades, not only because they look clean and modern, but also because they stand up well to water and moisture and are easy to clean. Design experts agree that this trend will continue in 2025 and specifically recommend large tiles and avoiding busy patterns.
Ceramic tile backsplashes cost between $1.25 and $50 per square foot, so you have budget and luxury options whether you’re installing them on a backsplash or accent wall. You can also cover the walls from counter to ceiling for a clean, cohesive look, as you’ll see in the after picture below.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Melichar Architects
8. Change the floor
An easy way to upgrade the look of your kitchen is by replacing the floor—just be sure to choose a kitchen floor material that will stand up to heavy use and spills. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular options, and design experts agree that stone tiles will be trendy in 2025. Expect to pay between $10 and $20 per square foot for standard tiles and up to $50 per square foot for stone. Budget options include luxury vinyl tile, which costs between $5 and $13 per square foot, and laminate tiles, which cost as little as $3 per square foot.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: 702 Cash Buyers
9. Add a pantry
Around 57% of design experts agree that added storage is a trendy kitchen remodel idea in 2025. You can add a pantry for maximum space, a kitchen island to add storage and prep space, or wall-to-ceiling cabinets to add storage without taking up square footage. A walk-in pantry costs between $2,500 and $10,000, making it an expensive but worthwhile upgrade.
10. Upgrade the hardware
Much like lighting, kitchen cabinet hardware often goes overlooked during a kitchen remodel. Experts agree that mixing materials is the way to go in 2025. To avoid making your space too busy, hire a designer for help, or simply match colors to contrasting cabinets. The best part is that updating kitchen hardware costs an average of $150, and even high-end hardware will rarely cost you more than $400, so this has a big impact for minimal cost.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Nieu Cabinet Doors
11. Install open shelves
Open shelving has been a staple for years, and design experts don’t see that changing in 2025. And why would it? Open shelves add beauty and a sense of openness to your kitchen while also giving you the utility of added storage, making it an especially good upgrade for small kitchens.
Expect to pay between $150 and $500 for open shelving in your kitchen, but rest assured that your ROI will almost certainly improve.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Image credit: Nieu Cabinet Doors
The Impact of a Well-Planned Kitchen Remodel
A well-planned kitchen remodel will improve the visual appeal and resale value of your home. By incorporating sought-after trends like a natural stone backsplash, mixed cabinet finishes, and seamless built-in appliances you can create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Explore all the kitchen design trends for 2025.
Dan was a property manager from 2015 to 2020, during which time he managed and oversaw the upkeep and repairs of over 2,000 residential properties. He uses that experience, as well as his extensive DIY knowledge, to bring reliable information to homeowners about renovations and home-related projects. Since 2020, he has been using his experience to write about home improvement, and his work has appeared on sites like USA Today, CNN, Angi, and Today’s Homeowner.