They say that “everything is bigger in Texas,” and when compared to homes in other regions of the country, Dallas and Fort Worth homes typically boast more square footage. Homes in the DFW Metroplex often feature large communal areas like living rooms and kitchens. When it comes to updating, kitchen remodeling is normally a sound investment for helping improve your home’s appeal and resale value in the future. Since the kitchen is often a gathering place for friends and family, many locals like to create inviting and beautiful spaces for cooking and entertaining.

1. Consider a Crisp White Palette

When it comes to kitchens, nothing is as timeless and elegant as varying hues of white, according to Dallas Culture Map. For example, if your kitchen features painted cabinets that were once popular but are now out of style, consider having your cabinetry painted to a bright white. If you’re replacing cabinets, there is an abundance of pre-made and custom options in white or light cream colors. White cabinets and walls are currently trending because it can make a space seem brighter, cleaner, and bigger.

You can also use white in crown molding and baseboards, as well as choosing light-colored materials for countertops. Marble, for instance, offers a beautiful luster in numerous shades of white. DFW-based Traci Connell Interiors suggests that quartzite is another option for achieving a bright yet elegant effect on countertops. This durable stone comes in hues of cream and gray, and appeals to both modern and traditional tastes.

2. Achieve Soft Yet Bright Illumination with Recessed Lighting

Many kitchens in older homes lack good lighting. In fact, outdated light fixtures are a great place to start for kitchen remodeling — for example, large fixtures that house fluorescent bulbs or overhead fans with a light kit. Many newer kitchens typically feature a series of recessed canister lights and drop-down fixtures over a kitchen’s focal point like an island or the center of the room. Dallas Culture Map recently posted a gallery of current design trends that shows how lighting is used in remodeled or new kitchens.

3. Invest in Upgraded Appliances

New appliances are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Stainless steel appliances continue to impress homeowners and designers. Many new stainless steel appliances offer high-tech features like induction cooktops and more accurate cooking temperatures. Induction cooktops also use vastly less energy and can heat food much faster.

4. Paint Your Kitchen’s Walls and Trim

If you’re on a budget, your kitchen remodeling project can involve something as simple as a fresh coat of paint — especially if your kitchen has dated colors. For baseboards and crown molding, choose light colors such as off-white or ivory. For your walls, choose a color that complements your flooring and decor. For example, if you want your kitchen to have an Old World feel, consider painting your walls in earthy hues of red or amber shades.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, you can draw on inspiration from magazines and Internet searches. Consider enlisting the help of a friend with an eye for design or a certified interior designer to help your home improvement project seem less daunting.

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