8 kitchen design decisions to make now that could increase the value of your home later, according to interior designers

Kitchens are, for many people, the most important room in a home, and so their design needs to be functional, stylish, and clever. And while a well-designed kitchen improves daily life for the whole family, it also has the potential to increase the value of your home, if and when you come to sell.

And so, carefully designing this hardworking space to be as practical as it is chic, through clever storage, durable materials, well-considered layouts, and other kitchen ideas, may have more benefits than you might first think. Here, we've rounded up the kitchen design decisions to make now that could increase your home's value, including timeless kitchen design elements that cater to remodels and smaller decorating projects.

'The kitchen has a significant impact on a home’s resale value,' says Sabrina Dylag, lead designer at MDI Luxury Design. 'Whether you're planning a full renovation or making a few strategic updates, certain design decisions can enhance both your quality of life and your home’s appeal to future buyers.'

1. Invest in high quality, natural materials

From kitchen countertops to fittings and fixtures, designers say that investing in natural materials such as marble and brass can add value to your home, offering timeless appeal and longevity.

'Timeless materials such as marble and unlacquered brass add enduring value,' says interior designer Jamie Gernert, founder of WYC Designs. 'These natural finishes develop a beautiful patina with age, adding warmth and character. Choosing materials that age gracefully, rather than following fleeting trends, is a smart way to maintain long-term, sustainable value in your kitchen design.'

'The best way to achieve a classic look is by selecting natural materials like marble or quartzite for countertops, rather than granite or quartz, which can easily date a space,' adds Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer at Silo Studios. 'I also recommend choosing a kitchen backsplash that complements the overall design without being overly bold, patterned, or colorful. Sourcing a timeless finish like bronze, polished nickel, or brass is always a good idea, as these finishes are classic and not going to date themselves.'

2. Choose wood kitchen cabinetry

Similarly, wood kitchen cabinet ideas also offer timelessness and durability, making them a good option if you want to increase the value of your home.

'When working with a client on the investments they make in their homes, we prioritize quality materials like the rich wood cabinetry,' says Dallas-based interior designer Angeline Hall of Angeline Guido Design. 'These selections offer both durability and visual appeal.'

'The warmth of stained woods and the timeless beauty of natural stone add depth and character, transforming the kitchen into a standout feature that elevates the entire home's design and desirability,' agrees Grayson Knight, principal designer at Layered Dimensions Interior Design.

3. Mix and match kitchen hardware

Mixing different kitchen cabinet hardware ideas is one smaller design detail that is said by designers to help elevate your space.

'Mixing hardware is a great way to add dimension and interest to your kitchen,' says interior designer Shelby Van Daley of Daley Home. 'Choosing a mix of hardware sizes and finishes will add value to your kitchen because it adds personality and charm to an otherwise simple, more builder-basic design. It’s a great element to pay attention to and add interest.'

4. Choose a clever kitchen layout

If you're designing a new kitchen, choosing the right kitchen layout is arguably the most important decision to get right.

'When I’m designing a kitchen with future resale value in mind, I always prioritize a thoughtful layout that supports natural traffic flow and maximizes functionality,' says interior designer Jessica Whitley.

'It’s not just about how a kitchen looks – it’s about how it works. I think about how people move through the space, where the most-used zones should be, and how to keep prep, cooking, and clean-up areas efficient and intuitive. A well-designed layout instantly makes a home feel more livable and valuable,' says Jessica.

5. Ensure smart storage solutions

While stylistic choices are bound to elevate the value of a home, it's also worth ensuring your kitchen makes use of kitchen storage ideas, reducing clutter and creating an organized space where everything has its home.

'I also emphasize smart storage at every opportunity,' says designer Jessica Whitley. 'Buyers are always drawn to kitchens that feel organized and spacious, even if the square footage is modest.'

'I often recommend scaling up kitchen islands – not just for visual impact or additional seating, but to integrate deep drawers, hidden cabinets, or even under-counter appliances. Permanent upgrades like soft-close cabinetry, integrated inserts, and generous pantry storage signal quality and thoughtfulness. Those added storage opportunities make a huge difference in how the space lives day-to-day,' says Jessica.

6. Add a kitchen island

Another consideration to make if you're in the process of designing a kitchen is to include a kitchen island, which designers say can help add value to your home.

'One of the most impactful upgrades is adding a kitchen island,' says interior designer Sabrina Dylag of MDI Luxury Design. 'Highly desirable in modern homes, an island offers multiple benefits: extra prep space, informal dining, and potential for added storage or built-in appliances like a sink or wine cooler. It also helps define the layout in open-concept designs, improving flow and functionality.'

7. Stick to neutral colors

While kitchen color ideas can be changed more easily than more permanent fixtures, if you're thinking about the value of your home, it may be a good idea to stick to decorating with neutrals.

'To boost a kitchen’s value without a full renovation, start with easy upgrades: repaint cabinets in a fresh warm white paint and update hardware and faucets with timeless finishes like unlacquered brass or polished nickel,' advises Isabel Brewster, founder and principal designer at Isabel Brewster Interiors. 'White marble, as used in our Rhinebeck project, instantly elevates the space with sophistication and longevity.'

'While we love embracing bold colors and textures, there are still a handful of clients who look for the timeless sensibility of neutral colors in the kitchen for lasting appeal,' agrees Marissa Rago, senior designer at PBF Homes. 'Neutral cabinets ensure the kitchen still feels fresh and relevant, whether the home sells in two years or ten.'

8. Invest in custom cabinets and panel-ready appliances

Lastly, opting for custom-built kitchen cabinets along with panel-ready appliances can add value to your kitchen, creating a seamless, space-optimized flow and an uncluttered look.

'One of the most valuable kitchen design decisions I recommend is investing in custom cabinetry and panel-ready appliances,' says Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors.

'Custom cabinetry allows for thoughtful storage solutions tailored to how a family truly lives, while panel-ready appliances create a seamless, cohesive look that elevates the entire space. These choices not only enhance everyday function but also signal quality and craftsmanship – two elements that consistently add long-term value to a home,' says Marie.

If you're in the early stages of a kitchen remodel, consider these design decisions to maximize your space and potentially increase the value of your home. It's also worth being aware of common kitchen design myths that there's no need to adhere to.

That said, if you're not in the process of remodeling, consider making some small upgrades which could potentially increase your home's value. From painting kitchen cabinets and walls in soft neutral colors to investing in quality hardware, small changes can have a big impact.