Ask a designer: The upgrades homeowners never regret asking for
Designers reveal the surprising kitchen remodel ideas to prioritize—from integrated lighting to quality cabinetry—and why homeowners appreciate these feature upgrades.
Most homeowners naturally focus their budget on what they can see: countertops, finishes, paint colors, and statement fixtures. But our design team encourages taking a different approach, one with a broader view. We asked Shauna Lueken, a Sr. Asset Creation Designer at MasterBrand Cabinets, which decisions clients still rave about long after their kitchen remodel is complete—and the answers go far beyond aesthetics.
The upgrades homeowners appreciate most are the thoughtful details that improve daily routines, stand up to years of use, and continue delivering value long after the remodel is finished. Many of these features require early planning, making them worth considering as you shape your dream kitchen.
Ready to move your kitchen remodel from vision board to reality? Connect with a kitchen designer and start planning for the unexpected upgrades you’ll appreciate every day.
Here are the kitchen upgrades our designers say clients are happiest they prioritized:
Move up a tier in quality with MasterBrand Cabinets and quietly improve your kitchen’s capacity for everyday ease.
Integrated lighting transforms everyday tasks
The difference between good lighting and integrated lighting comes down to thoughtful planning. Lueken, "Integrated lighting is an important element that takes planning and good communication with the electrician. It's something the homeowner will appreciate after the fact." Because wiring needs to be coordinated early, integrated lighting isn’t easy to retrofit later.
Under-cabinet LEDs, illuminated glass-front cabinets, toe-kick sensors, and smart cabinet lighting systems are top-tier upgrades that often aren’t on a homeowner’s initial remodel wish list. But these kitchen remodel ideas that enhance your space will quickly become your everyday favorites.
Integrated lighting eliminates countertop shadows, makes cabinet interiors easy to navigate, provides nighttime illumination, and allows you to adjust the mood throughout the day with easy-to-use settings. Planning ahead for this in your kitchen design creates a space that feels thoughtfully refined the moment you enter and functions just as beautifully.
Quality cabinet construction pays off over time
“Cabinet construction is not something you necessarily see,” Lueken notes, “but the overall wear and tear of quality materials will last longer.”
The quality of your cabinetry becomes more apparent with every passing year. Details like plywood instead of particleboard, dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware, and thicker materials all contribute to cabinets that perform better through years of daily use. Quiet mornings, fewer slammed doors, and smooth, effortless operation of your space create an everyday level of comfort and durability over time.
Integrated hardware looks clean and modern
Homeowners who appreciate contemporary design should consider cabinetry with integrated hardware, eliminating the need for visible knobs and pulls. Solutions like J-channel cabinets create a streamlined look while making the kitchen feel visually lighter.
Moreover, integrated hardware adds functional benefits to the kitchen, Lueken reminds us,
"Traditional bar pulls can clutter a high-traffic space. Integrated hardware elevates your design by creating a clean, uninterrupted visual flow."
Modern kitchen design from MasterBrand Cabinets with J-channel drawers creates a clean, cohesive look.
Appliance panels elevate the entire kitchen
Panel-ready appliances allow everyday appliances (freezers, ice machines, beverage and wine fridges, etc) to blend into the surrounding cabinetry. “Homeowners never regret choosing panel-ready appliances," notes Lueken. "It consistently delivers a beautiful, seamless look that makes the entire kitchen feel premium."
This cohesive appearance instantly makes the kitchen feel more custom. What homeowners don’t realize, however, is that this decision needs to happen with the other early remodel decisions for your kitchen. Panel-ready appliances affect cabinet dimensions, appliance specifications, overall layout—and not to mention cost. Discussing this option with your kitchen designer before finalizing cabinetry plans gives you the greatest flexibility.
Moving up a tier unlocks more cabinetry possibilities
Moving from stock cabinetry to semi-custom, or from semi-custom to custom, will dramatically increase the overall costs of their remodel. However, a modest step up in cabinet tier often opens the door to significantly more storage solutions and organization features.
"Investing in a higher cabinet tier maximizes your budget and helps prevent buyer's remorse," the designers advise. "It allows you to incorporate your must-have features upfront, ensuring you never look back and regret compromising on the details you truly wanted," Lueken encourages. Rather than focusing on the price of each upgrade individually, consider the bigger picture. With a higher level of customization, you’ll solve many kitchen frustrations at once, resulting in a kitchen that’s better suited to the way you cook, gather, and live.
For a selection of cabinetry styles, from standard to custom, to suit every budget and lifestyle, check out MasterBrand’s family of cabinet brands.
The best upgrades are the ones you’ll appreciate every day
Beautiful finishes will always make a strong first impression, but the upgrades homeowners appreciate most are often the ones that quietly improve everyday life. While integrated lighting or premium cabinet construction may not be the first thing guests notice, they’re often the details homeowners mention years later—wondering how they ever lived without.
Find a designer and start thoughtfully planning your kitchen, giving yourself plenty of time to explore the customizations that make the biggest difference.