Sprucing up your home does not have to be an extravagant affair. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2019, minor remodels are high on the list of home improvements that provide value for homeowners.

Two of our partners at Home Service Connections provided plenty of helpful tips to update your kitchen in a big way through small changes.

According to Ron Jacques, the general manager of T.R. Young Services, the five big things to consider in a minor kitchen remodel are countertops, backsplash, wall color, cabinet color, and hardware. Jacques asserts that changing just one of those items can make a monumental difference to your kitchen.

Mark Elias, the vice president of Mina Enterprises, explained that kitchen remodels are becoming more popular due to their changing nature. “In the 80s and 90s the kitchen was just a place to cook, now it’s become a place where people hang out,” he said, adding that people want more open concept kitchens so they can entertain guests while still cooking.

Elias also mentions how painting cabinetry has become more popular. While cabinet quality has gone up, many people are shying away from natural wood tones, so spray painting your cabinets is an easy way to freshen them up.

When it comes to adding color, Jacques suggests sticking to neutral colors on the walls and getting creative with countertops and backsplashes. He noted that there’s a “new color trend every year” so sticking to timeless colors and materials will prevent your kitchen from becoming outdated quickly. There are many ways to make a statement in your kitchen, so experimenting with the color of cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances is a good way to add personal flair.

Another cost effective method to bring out the style of a house is to install new knobs or hardware. There are a lot of new finishes to appliances and fixtures that can appeal to different people, making it easier to add personality to a kitchen while maintaining functionality.