Renovations, especially kitchen upgrades, are always a hot topic with my friends and clients. I am on several discussion boards on Facebook and recently the topic came up again.  I linked them to my last post and they were very thankful.  So I thought I’d take any new suggestions and enhance the original blog post.  Kitchen renovations can completely change the look and function of a home, and since they can be expensive, homeowners want to make smart decisions that they will want to live with for a long time.

Since kitchen renovations can also be one of the best home upgrades you can make in terms of real estate resale, it makes sense to me to make the changes you need to make in order for your home to really work for you and your family.  Additionally, I work with builders and always work to keep on top of the trends so they can included them in their home designs.

I’ve put together some of the most popular “must-haves” and hope you can find some ideas or inspiration here!

Farmhouse sinks: There is a lot of discussion (and differences of opinion) about whether homeowners prefer a large divided sink or a single basin sink, but either way, a big, spacious apron front or farmhouse sink seems to be a favorite and enduring choice.  I personally love the deep single basin stainless and my builder has been using the white farmhouse like what is pictured below.  Tell me your preferences!

photo credit: signature hardware.com

Beverage station: keeping the family hydrated during Atlanta’s long (some would say 9 month) summer season without having the refrigerator opened constantly is the challenge that an independent beverage chiller solves. Whether a built-in undercounter refrigerator or a free-standing wine cooler with room for sodas and juice, a beverage station  keeps everything accessible and at the right temperature.

photo credit: houzz.com

Double dishwashers: Southerners love family dinners, and they love entertaining, but there’s nothing to love about running out of space in the dishwasher at the end of the night and having to hand wash a pile of dishes. Homeowners are loving the option of a second dishwasher that is capable of keeping up with ALL of their dishes.

Extra ovens: which extra oven works for you depends on your lifestyle and cooking preference, but an extra oven is a must for kitchen renovations. Steam ovens for the serious baker, convection ovens for the home chef , or hybrid microwaves are all popular choices (and the microwave can live in its own drawer in the lower cabinet to make snack time easier for kids.)

photo credit: lewelectric.com

Under cabinet or countertop plugs: with the trend in high end backsplashes like quartz or marble, people are opting for less visible plugs either as power strips under the cabinets or built into the counter as flush or pop-up outlets. We all know you can never have too many outlets in the kitchen and these options fill that need without breaking up the lines of a gorgeous luxury backsplash.

Drawers, drawers, drawers: and I’ll add, pull-outs in general whether for garbage and recycling or for racks for baking equipment and especially for pantries!. Cooks are tired of scrambling blindly in deep cabinets looking for the right size lid for a pot or an ingredient hidden behind boxes in a pantry and are opting for easily accessible drawer and pull-out storage.

photo credit: pinterest.com

photo credit: house.com

photo credit: homebunch.com

photo credit: bhg.com

Appliance garages: with families investing in appliances that they use everyday but don’t necessarily love seeing on the countertop (think Vitamix and Keurig coffeemakers), appliance garages are getting bigger and taller. I’m even seeing them as part of a counter-level cabinet with adjustable shelves where you just close the doors on the practical but not beautiful appliances once you’re done with them.

photo credit: thisoldhouse.com

High-end faucets: We all know, accessories can make or break an outfit so one of the most used elements in the kitchen should not be an afterthought! Faucets are also a place where function and design really come together and there are so many beautiful options out these days that can really make your kitchen sparkle.

Gold, brass, and copper facets are a bold trend that’s popping up more and more.

photo credit: desiretoinspire.com

Like that classic strand of pearls, traditional styles can complete the look of your kitchen in an understated but elegant way.

photo credit: any flow.com

Sleek, modern designs make a statement in a minimalist kitchen.

Air switches for garbage disposal: from gorgeous faucets to the mundane necessity of garbage disposals…but the air switch makes the disposal so easy to use and is virtually invisible mounted next to the sink.

photo credit: houzz.com

Clean lines, pleasing proportions: while the feeling of a fresh kitchen renovation is hard to beat, keeping the look fresh for a long time is key. Opt for clean, crisp lines and neutral colors in your built-in elements while getting trendy and experimental with your accessories for  long term renovation satisfaction. And pay attention to proportions to maximize your island, peninsula, and cabinets for the kitchen’s footprint.

photo credit: hwiblog.com

I’ve never hear anyone regret getting as large a kitchen island as their space allows. Islands seem to be the center of the home where everyone gathers, whether it’s getting the kids breakfast in the morning or a fun gathering of friends.

photo credit: houzz.com

What are your kitchen must-haves?