5 Home Renos That Quietly Make Everyday Life So Much Better, Designers Say

Experts often have strong views on which home renovation upgrades are truly worthwhile and which are just extra or nice to have. And given that most people are working within limited budgets and don’t wish to have their home constantly be under construction, it’s extremely helpful to have a clear understanding of what to prioritize versus what to put on the back burner or wishlist for one day.

When it comes to those features that will truly transform your home, though, you will want to pay close attention to the following five. These renovation upgrades, pros say, really are all that and should move to the top of your list of priorities ASAP, if they’re not already.

Good Quality Cabinetry

Do not underestimate the power of investing in good quality cabinetry during your renovation, says Cathleen Gruver, the lead interior designer at Gruver Cooley.

“It is used constantly, and well-designed, durable cabinetry makes a huge difference in everyday life,” she says.

In addition to holding up well over time, well-designed cabinetry will make your day to day life simpler if you opt for styles with maximum functionality and organization capabilities, Gruver explains.

Erin Tripodi, the founder of Erin Tripodi Design, is also a proponent of investing in high-end cabinetry and notes that this is not limited to just the kitchen; it’s a key feature of laundry rooms and mudrooms as well.

“Having everything in its place behind closed doors makes daily routines smoother and provides a sense of calm and order instead of chaos,” she says.

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Plumbing Fixtures

If you have the opportunity to upgrade your plumbing fixtures during a renovation, this is an investment that you certainly will not regret, according to Gruver.

“Plumbing fixtures may not seem glamorous, but they are critical to the function and longevity of your home,” she says.

The better made they are, she says, the smoother your daily routines will become, and the less likely you will experience leaks in your home or have to deal with mold later on. Just take care of this project now and thank yourself later.

“Upgrading here is an investment in peace of mind,” the designer says.

Solid Wood Interior Doors

Have you given much thought to your interior door quality? If you haven’t yet, you should! Solid wood interior doors are something worth making a priority during your reno, Gruver says.

“They are a smart everyday upgrade that pays off in durability and comfort,” she says.

What are their main benefits? In addition to helping to conceal noise between rooms, solid wood doors will also hold up well over time and make a home appear more complete, the designer notes.

Heated Bathroom Floors

Tripodi likes to sing the praises of heated bathroom floors, which you may have only ever experienced in a hotel. If you live in a cold or four-season climate, these are certainly worth the investment, in her view. 

“Radiant heat beneath tile or stone will keep your bathroom inviting and cozy,” she says, adding that it will feel like an indulgence every time you set foot into the space on a chilly day.

Thoughtful Lighting

Both Gruver and Tripodi agree that lighting is one feature of the home that is worth addressing during a renovation. Gruver mentions that you will want to keep color temperature, layering, and fixture placement top of mind as you develop your home’s lighting scheme.

“If your house is not lit well, it will not live well,” she says.

Tripodi specifically highlights the significance of dimmers.

“None of us are meant to run at the same speed all day, and neither are your light bulbs,” she says.

By investing in dimmers, you can tweak your lighting scheme as often as you wish to ensure it best meets your needs throughout the course of a given day.