A kitchen update can increase the resale value of your home, provide a healthy return on your investment, and breathe new life into the most popular room in the house.

Whether it's a new countertop or an appliance upgrade, here's how to make your kitchen look as gorgeous as you've always wanted it to. Plus, if you decide to sell in the future, your new kitchen will be a showstopper for potential buyers.

1. Repaint and Remodel Cabinets

If your cabinets are looking shabby, replacing them isn't your only option - try repainting them. Not sure which color to use? White is always a safe choice because it goes with everything and will appeal to most buyers if you choose to sell.

You can also replace or eliminate cabinet doors altogether, or remove sections of wall-mounted upper cabinets to provide open shelving.

2. Swap out your cabinet hardware

Are the knobs and knobs on your cabinets looking a little worn or outdated? It's time to replace your hardware.

Cabinet and drawer hardware is the jewel of your kitchen, and changing it is an easy way to dramatically change the look and feel of your space without a lot of work or expense.

3. Install a new faucet

A new faucet can do much more than simply upgrade the functionality of your sink, it can also change the look of your kitchen.

Faucets have an instant impact on the design of a space.

Regardless of your budget, I recommend purchasing a reputable and trusted brand. This will make the upgrades a great selling point when you decide to sell and give buyers the confidence to know that these upgrades are beautiful and will last.

4. Upgrade your countertops

When it comes to kitchen renovations, is there anything more exciting than picking out new countertops? Just make sure you choose the type of material that suits your lifestyle.

Quartz, granite and butcher block countertops are by far the most popular choices, says Steckel. Marble is a timeless, beautiful countertop choice, but this type of natural stone is notoriously high-maintenance.

Also, make sure your new countertop is a complementary color to your backsplash and cabinets.

5. Dress up your island

Countertops take up a lot of visual space in the kitchen. For those looking to change the look of their kitchen on a budget, the most common design is to simply replace the surface of the kitchen island.

It is naturally a focal point and gathering point for the kitchen, so adding a beautiful surface will go a long way".

6. Add shiny new appliances

You can replace your plastic dishwasher with a more durable stainless steel model, which will prevent fingerprints. Get rid of your white refrigerator and opt for a black stainless steel product with French doors, or a smart refrigerator.

If you have a single wall oven, talk to an electrical contractor to create more space in your kitchen for a double oven.

7. Reconsider your lighting

Good lighting is essential in the kitchen, so make sure you introduce a variety of fixtures.

Give the room a new glow by installing rope lights along the bottom of the upper and lower cabinets.

A pair of decorative pendant lights creates a sense of warmth and sophistication while anchoring the space.