What would you do if your kitchen reno budget doubled overnight?

Couldn’t agree more about wiring. When we redid our kitchen, I thought the fancy backsplash would be my favorite part, but honestly, it’s the extra outlets and under-cabinet plugs that make life easier every single day. Used to have to unplug the toaster just to run the coffee maker - now everything has its own spot. If I had a bigger budget, I’d probably go for hidden charging drawers too. Makes a huge difference in how the space actually works.

Totally hear you on the outlets - it’s wild how much of a difference that makes. I used to think all the “smart” kitchen upgrades were just hype, but after living with too few plugs, I’d pick practical wiring over fancy finishes any day. If my reno budget doubled, I’d probably splurge on those in-drawer outlets and maybe some under-cabinet lighting too. The little stuff is what actually changes how you use the space, not just how it looks. Kind of wish I’d realized that before obsessing over cabinet colors...

If my budget doubled, I’d actually lean the other way - put more into high-end appliances and durable surfaces before worrying about extra outlets or lighting. Not saying wiring isn’t important, but buyers (and renters) always notice a pro-grade range or quartz counters first. Outlets are easy to add later, but swapping out a cheap stove or peeling laminate? Way more hassle. Guess it depends if you’re renovating for yourself or thinking resale down the line...

TITLE: If My Budget Doubled, I’d Probably Blow It On The Backsplash

I get where you’re coming from with the “go big on appliances and counters” logic. I mean, nothing says “this kitchen means business” like a six-burner range that could double as a spaceship control panel. But, funny enough, I once worked with a client who did just that - splurged on all the shiny stuff, but skimped on the lighting and outlets. Fast forward to the first dinner party: they’re trying to plug in the blender, the rice cooker, and charge a phone, and it’s like musical chairs with extension cords. Not exactly the vibe they were going for.

I’m not saying you need to turn your kitchen into a NASA command center, but outlets and lighting are like the unsung heroes. You only notice them when they’re missing... or when you’re crawling under the island with a power strip, muttering about “open concept regrets.” I’ve seen more than one “dream kitchen” end up with countertop appliances permanently exiled to the pantry because there’s nowhere to plug them in.

That said, I do love a good quartz counter. And don’t get me started on backsplashes - I once convinced a client to splurge on this wild, hand-painted tile from Portugal. She still sends me photos when she’s cleaning it, like it’s a new puppy. But if I had to pick, I’d probably split the difference. Go for the showstopper range or counter, but sneak in those extra outlets and dimmable lights while you’re at it. Trust me, future-you will thank you when you’re not prepping dinner by flashlight or running an extension cord across the floor.

Guess it all comes down to how you use your kitchen. If you’re a microwave-and-go type, maybe don’t stress the pro appliances. If you’re the next Top Chef, then yeah, get the good stuff... but don’t forget where you’re gonna plug in your stand mixer.

Totally agree about the outlets - my last kitchen reno, I thought I had enough, but nope. Ended up running a cord behind the toaster every morning just to make coffee. If my budget doubled, I’d probably go wild on custom cabinets, honestly. Anyone else ever regret not adding a pot filler? I always thought it was overkill, but now I’m second guessing...