The modern-day kitchen has truly become the hub of the home. Because kitchens are often where we spend a lot of time, and where family and guests tend to congregate during gatherings, we need them to be functional, and want them to feel comfortable and welcoming. A full kitchen remodel can be a dream project and a worthwhile investment in your home, but not every kitchen needs a full remodel to feel like it’s living in this decade.

When we bought our home, I wasn’t a fan of the style of the kitchen, and knew I wanted to make it feel more like us, but the “bones” of the space were sound: well-made cabinets, good appliances, and a workable layout. I applied principles I knew from work projects to plan our update, and targeted elements that would make the most impact in how the space felt overall.

Here’s what it looked like when we bought the house:

We kept the cream-colored perimeter base cabinets, and had a new countertop hutch and island made. Although we kept a lot of the existing elements, there are three things we changed that I believe made the most impact on the finished space: countertops, plumbing fixtures, and lighting.

Countertops - Because countertops make up a lot of the visible surface area in any kitchen, changing them can have a large impact on the aesthetics. In our kitchen, we went from a dark brown quartz to a warm white marble, so the space immediately felt lighter and brighter. The marble we used is Calcutta Calocara in a honed finish. Older kitchens with tile, solid surface material (like Corian), or laminate (like Formica) could be updated with a single slab material - whether that be natural stone, or a stone composite, like quartz.

Plumbing Fixtures - Faucets are a place where I can justify a splurge in a kitchen update. Great design, functionality, and a beautiful finish on faucets can immediately distinguish the space. Because they are a high-use component, an investment in nice plumbing fixtures can be looked at on a price-per-use basis, which usually comes down to spare change. Our plumbing fixtures are by California Faucets in a burnished brass finish.

Lighting - Because the kitchen is such a functional space by necessity, lighting can get relegated to purpose only, which is truly a shame! Lighting in a kitchen should be balanced and varied, meaning there will need to be lights that provide enough illumination to cook and clean by, but there should also be types of light that serve to create atmosphere. Sconces, pendants, and surface-mount fixtures that add dimension by highlighting a feature should always be considered, and can bring a considerable amount of personality and charm. I’m a fan of table lamps in kitchens, too, for the low-level glow and cozy factor they can bring. Key tip: Make sure all hard-wired lighting is on dimmer switches, so you can adjust for early mornings or evenings, when soft illumination is enough.