When you’re renovating your home and kitchen, there are always a host of things that could go wrong. Making mistakes is part of the renovation process, but it’s important to mitigate expensive errors by choosing the right tasks for your budget. Whether it’s an appliance, kitchen sink, or countertop, the right purchases can help to ensure the long-term value of your home. In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the smartest updates you can make to prevent costly mistakes, from choosing the right finishes to finding the best lighting.

FABULOUS FINISHES

Finished surfaces include everything from lighting fixtures, cabinets, and tiled walls to metal-finished appliances, kitchen faucets, and countertops. Certain materials like marble, brass, and fine tile evoke a timeless and classic quality that is sure to accentuate any design or style. For a bolder look at the kitchen sink, the best kitchen faucet is a great way to showcase a beautiful finish. 

Choose a finish that pairs well with your design style. While brass kitchen faucets may work well in modern space, matte black kitchen faucets can elevate an industrial interior. VIGO offers a range of sleek options, including brushed nickel kitchen faucets, stainless steel kitchen faucets, and matte brushed gold kitchen faucets. Expensive materials are a guaranteed way to improve the equity of your home, although you should choose wisely and be frugal when possible to minimize your expenses.

CONVENIENT COUNTER SPACE

Everyone seems to be a foodie or at-home chef these days, and there has never been a better time than now to invest money into your own kitchen. Since this utilitarian space is back in vogue, it’s a great idea to increase the functionality of your kitchen by adding more useful and coveted counter space. Replacing your kitchen sink can help save on counter space. Some homeowners opt for a kitchen island with a sink for increased utility. While a kitchen with a farmhouse sink may offer less counter space, it’s important to consider how you will be spending most of your time in the kitchen and factor in the pros and cons of having a larger sink. 

When it comes to conserving counter space, you don’t want to have unnecessary appliances or accessories lying around. A kitchen sink set, such as the VIGO All-in-One 30” Mercer Stainless Steel Undermount Kitchen Sink Set, comes with a number of accessories to make it easier to store everything you need in one place. While side sprayers can take up additional counter space, a pulldown kitchen faucet or kitchen faucet with sprayer can offer the same function while conserving space around the sink. A touchless kitchen faucet or single-handle kitchen faucet can be easy to install and easy to clean, yet greatly increase the value of your kitchen. Expensive materials are a good way to impress your guests, but in a home, with minimal cooking space it’s not just impressive — it’s essential.

AWESOME APPLIANCES

Investing in high-quality appliances with recognizable brand names is a good practice for any homeowner who’s looking to replace their kitchen’s hardware. If you’re considering an off-brand appliance because you want to save a little money, there are better ways to benefit your budget than by purchasing an appliance that’s more likely to break down or require service. It might be more expensive to choose a brand with consumer recognition and notoriety but it’s worth it in the long run especially if you ever plan on selling your home. 

Once you’ve found appliances for your kitchen, consider the ideal faucet for a kitchen sink. The best selling kitchen faucet from VIGO, the Edison faucet offers superior water pressure as it helps to add a touch of luxury to the kitchen. Chrome kitchen faucets often pair nicely with stainless steel appliances. Before making a big investment, be sure to measure twice because there's nothing worse than buying an appliance that simply doesn’t fit.

LOVE THE LIGHTING

Choosing the best balance of light isn’t just important for selfies, it’s also important for your kitchen — both in terms of function and design. Whether you prefer a farmhouse style or traditional style, the right lighting is essential to cultivate a meaningful and lasting impression. Be sure to incorporate a dimmer to maximize functionality in every lighting situation. Whether you’re washing dishes at your stainless steel kitchen sink or refilling your soap dispenser, proper lighting helps make everyday tasks more efficient. 

There are four distinct types of light: natural, ambient, task, and accent. Natural light is the most coveted and least controllable light source. Ambient light will fill in the gaps left by natural light and serve as your main conventional light source. Task lighting illuminates workspaces so you can safely prepare meals and make the most of your counter space, even for corner kitchen sinks. 

Last but not least is accent lighting. Accenting your room with some decorative lighting adds character and injects personality into your kitchen design. Cabinet lights, toe kick lights, and LED lighting are all great solutions if you’re interested in adding a bit of flair to your final design. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to match your lighting fixtures to your hardware, including the handle design and finish of your kitchen faucet.

SENSIBLE STORAGE

With a myriad of gadgets and appliances to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the perfect storage solution for your modern kitchen. Racks for dishware and clear cabinets are meant to sustain your sanity, but they may overwhelm your countertops or get in the way of functionality. Find permanent places for everyday appliances and store away those that are only used on occasion. Organize drawers and make the most of storage areas that are less visible. Keeping clutter out of sight will help your kitchen feel open and breathable.

Whether you prefer stainless steel farmhouse sinks, apron sinks, or undermount kitchen sinks, there are things you may need to store nearby — such as strainers, grids, and mats. When looking for accessories for kitchen sinks, keep in mind that an integrated soap dispenser for the kitchen may help save space. Purchasing a kitchen set, complete with a number of sink accessories, will make it easier to store everyday items. The VIGO All-in-One 30" Bedford Stainless Steel Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Set comes with a faucet, grid, strainer, and soap dispenser, meanwhile the VIGO All-in-One 30” Square Front Matte Stone™ Farmhouse Apron Kitchen Sink Set comes with a faucet, strainer, cutting board, and soap dispenser.

If you follow the suggestions and solutions outlined in this buying guide, then you’re sure to update your home in a way that’s both functional and fabulous. Although your long-term goal might be the overall value of your home, make sure the space meets your current needs and wants. After all, you shouldn’t just live in your house — you should love your house.