When first putting a house on the market, sellers are taught to focus on big changes, on overhauling this or rebuilding that. So much time and energy goes into making big, dramatic kitchen upgrades that, oftentimes, the little things (that sometimes make all the difference!) get overlooked. There is no single room in the house more prone to this kind of seller oversight than the kitchen.

The kitchen has been the heart of the home for centuries—a source of warmth and comfort. Today, the kitchen typically is the hub for the home - we eat there, we chat there, and when we entertain, everyone gathers there. Here are a few kitchen upgrades to help improve yours.

 

 

1.  Add a rug. A Rug can make a huge difference when you want to impact the feel of a room. A good quality rug will hold up well to vacuuming and cleaning as well as add a sense of elegance to your kitchen. They can also easily be changed to create a new feel.

 

2.  Replace the kitchen faucet. This is a very simple, straightforward way to upgrade your kitchen. Really, anyone can do it! Yes, faucets can get pretty pricey, but  you can find single-handle faucets for as low as $80, and nicer, high arched faucet spouts for about $150 – a small investment for something you use multiple times a day.

 

3.  Update the cabinet hardware. Switching out your old knobs or pulls for something more modern or decorative can transform the look of your cabinets, particularly if they cabinets are particularly bland.

 

4.  Swap out the electrical trim plates. Switching out your old electrical trim plates for stainless steel or decorative ones can be an extremely cost effective upgrade for any kitchen. The stainless steel plates are easier to clean, and they often lie flatter to the wall than the older plastic style. If you want to go fancy, you can find decorative switch plates from places many sources both local and on the internet.

 

5.  Add or change the kitchen lighting. If the lighting in your kitchen is dim, or you hate the overhead fixture, change it! Switching out an overhead light fixture is much easier than it sounds. It doesn’t have to be super expensive, either. A new fixture can be purchased for as little as $20 at your local hardware store. Don’t forget about under-cabinet lighting! Always a nice touch!