Here's What You're Getting Wrong About Your Kitchen Renovation

Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting yet overwhelming (not to mention, expensive) experience. If done right, however, renovating your kitchen could increase the overall value of your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, even relatively minor remodels (averaging around $21,000) have the potential to churn out a return on your investment of a whopping 81 percent. With that being said, there are a few things you should watch out for when completely redoing your kitchen. Focusing on mismatched hardware, for example, isn't exactly where you should be exerting your creative effort. 

"The average homeowner picks out a faucet and hardware and tries to build a matching palette, and they're never going to match perfectly because different companies make those products," director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets Stephanie Pierce tells PureWow. "It's better to pick a range of shades and go with that. Let them build on each other. That can be difficult to master if you're not a designer because there are a lot of finishes to layer."

Whether you're focused on maximizing your return on investment, or you're just interested in creating a space that's comfortable, there are a few things you can do to make your remodel a success. First, avoid skipping out on storage. Storage space is invaluable in a home, especially in the kitchen. You could insert additional shelves inside the cabinets, utilize open wall space with a fold-down table, or install tension rods underneath the sink or in the pantry to help organize cleaning supplies (via Architectural Digest). Other simple ways to max out on storage space could include hanging glassware (such as stemmed wine glasses) or purchasing dividers for lids, baking sheets, and pans. 

You also want to avoid overwhelming the space. Taking the layout of your kitchen into consideration is imperative. If you have a small kitchen, for example, stuffing a large island smack dab in the middle just won't work. Depending on the size of the space, you may be able to get away with a small peninsula (via Better Homes & Gardens). 

And finally, beware of making impulsive purchases. Sure, showrooms look amazing, but they're supposed to. Don't let the sweet allure of Pottery Barn or the glitz and glam of an Ikea showroom persuade you to make poor design decisions. According to Feels Warm, requesting samples is a must. By grabbing samples of the countertop or flooring you're interested in, you'll be able to configure what's best for your budget and space.