From Kitchen Elegance to Upgrades That Actually Pay Off
Because a well-designed home doesn’t just look better—it lives better.
By Rachel Blindauer, Interior Designer, Furniture Designer & Purveyor of Beautiful Things
A Renovation Isn’t Just a Project—It’s a Recalibration
When done well, renovating your home isn’t about chasing trends or adding square footage. It’s about solving the friction points in your everyday life. A cluttered kitchen. A dark hallway. A layout that worked ten years ago but doesn’t anymore.
As a designer who’s worked on homes from Sarasota to San Francisco, I’ve seen that the best renovations are refined. They return your home to what it was always meant to be—a place that supports you.
Below, I’m breaking down what to upgrade in 2025, how to budget wisely, and why the kitchen still deserves its own rulebook.
Renovation Trends with Staying Power (Not Shelf Life)
Yet these 2025 trends aren’t just stylish—they’re intentional.
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Outdoor Living Rooms
Pergola-shaded dining spaces. Modular outdoor kitchens. Fireplaces beneath the stars. Exteriors are being reimagined as year-round sanctuaries, not seasonal bonuses. -
Warm, Layered Kitchens
Sterile white kitchens are fading. In their place? Natural wood cabinetry, unlacquered brass, and artisan stone. Try Farrow & Ball’s Scallop for cabinetry—soft, grounded, and quietly elegant. -
Flexible Built-Ins That Disappear
Storage is trending—but only if it doesn’t scream utility. From window-seat drawers to millwork that mimics furniture, smart storage is getting prettier and more personal. -
Sustainable Finishes with Soul
Think reclaimed wood, handmade tile, and honed natural stone that ages with grace. These aren’t just material choices—they’re lifestyle statements.
The Kitchen Still Has Its Own Rulebook
“Your kitchen is your home’s engine. Every finish, fixture, and layout choice carries weight.”
—Rachel Blindauer
I’ve designed kitchens for over 15 years, and here’s what I’ve learned: the best ones aren’t the biggest—they’re the most considered. Below are the decisions that matter most.
What Really Drives Kitchen Renovation Costs
Not square footage. Scope.
| Factor | What It Impacts |
|---|---|
| Materials | Countertops, backsplash, flooring |
| Permits & Location | Labor rates, timelines |
| Extent of Work | Cosmetic vs. full gut remodel |
Pro tip: Choose one hero finish—like a bookmatched marble slab—and scale back elsewhere to balance the budget.
The Backsplash Isn’t Background—It’s Architecture
A full-height slab behind the range. Zelige Tiles. Antique Mirror in a pantry. These details quietly elevate the whole room.
Hide the Microwave—Beautifully
Modern solutions include drawer microwaves, appliance garages, and recessed pantry installs. Because design should never be compromised by convenience.
Marble: Myth, Maintenance & Magic
Yes, it etches. Yes, it chips. And yes, it’s worth it. Honed or leathered finishes can hide wear, while bookmatched slabs create showstopping continuity. Marble isn’t just a surface—it’s a story. Calacatta Viola Marble is my current favorite for all bathrooms and kitchens. Gorgeous statement and hides stains.
Where to Spend, Where to Save: Your 2025 ROI Cheat Sheet
Not all upgrades are created equal. Some soothe your senses. Others quietly build long-term value. The best do both. Improvements with tangible impact (like curb appeal, kitchens and bathrooms) consistently perform well at resale.
| Project | Estimated Investment | Execution Level | Avg. ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Living Area | $15,000 | Contractor-led | 70% |
| Energy-Efficient HVAC System | $7,500 | Licensed installation | 60% |
| Insulation Upgrade | $2,500–$5,000 | Professional installation | 60% |
| Kitchen Fixture Refresh | $800–$2,000 | Simple to coordinate | 65% |
| Custom Built-In Storage | $5,000+ | Bespoke fabrication | 75% |
| Whole-Home Paint Refresh | $3,000 | Light trade involvement | 55% |
| Bathroom Renovation | $10,000–$25,000 | Licensed trades + designer | 60–70% |
| Curb Appeal Enhancements | $2,000–$10,000 | Contractor or landscape designer | 70% |
Need help choosing paint? Explore my curated color palette blog.
Budgeting
Every project I take on begins the same way: What do you want this space to feel like?
From there, we build a roadmap.
Your 3-Tier Budget Strategy:
Must-Dos: Structural issues, outdated HVAC, poor lighting
Nice-to-Haves: Cabinet upgrades, reconfigured layouts
Eventuallys: Custom details, sculptural lighting, statement stone
Reserve 10–20% for surprises. They always come.
Need a personalized roadmap? You can book your 2-hour design consultation here.
Rachel’s Picks: Small Changes, Big Impact
Interior upgrades that punch above their price tag.
Unfinished Brass or Matte Black Hinges & Knobs
Update builder-grade hardware for instant elevation.
Scented Candle as Your Signature Fragrance
Especially in entries and powder rooms.
Calacatta Viola Marble
Is my current favorite for all bathrooms and kitchens. Gorgeous and hides stains. Then bookmatch the countertop onto the backsplash. Not cheap but big impact.
Stainless & Brass Mixed Finish Stoves
Stainless stoves with brass knobs stoves is my current favorite. It makes sense of the mix of gold lighting and silver faucets.
LED Lighting
Place under floating cabinets. Motion censored bathroom toe kicks can be helpful.
Panel Ready Appliances
Just always. It’s much better looking.
Oversized Mirror
Use across from windows to bounce natural light and enlarge the feel of a room.
Zellige Tile
Hand-cut with imperfect texture. Luxurious without trying.
Elevate the Light Switches
Match the architecture in the design of the light switches. Nowadays you can schedule your lights from a phone or when your out of town and have multi-use switches by your bedside to close back out curtains.
Your 2025 Renovation Questions Answered
Q: What renovations increase home value the most?
Kitchens, HVAC systems, and outdoor living areas top the list for both buyer appeal and emotional ROI.
Q: Is 2025 a good year to renovate?
Yes. Interest rates are fluctuating, but material prices are stabilizing. Now is a sweet spot for value + flexibility.
Q: What’s the biggest kitchen design mistake?
Undervaluing lighting. A well-lit kitchen feels larger, cleaner, and more functional—even before the backsplash is installed.
Q: What should I upgrade if I’m not ready for a full reno?
Paint, lighting, and cabinet hardware. Small moves. Big returns.
Design How You Want to Live
Your kitchen isn’t just where meals happen. It’s where time is marked, guests gather, and the days begin and end. It’s a mirror of your rhythms, your rituals, your relationships.
Renovation is never just about resale—it’s about resonance.
So whether you’re planning a full kitchen redesign or just updating fixtures this spring, remember: the best renovations don’t just add value. They improve efficiency.
If you’re ready to create a kitchen that feels effortless—but lives beautifully—book a consultation here.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
THE PIECES RACHEL RETURNS TO, AGAIN AND AGAIN
