Of the renovations you should make to increase the value of your home, updating the kitchen can get you the most bang for your buck.

While it can be tempting to go all out with a kitchen reno, adding expensive fixtures and flashy appliances, your best bet is to keep it simple. You can design to your style but you should focus on spending money on those things that will make the space more functional.

Counters
Counter space plays a prominent visual and functional role in any kitchen, regardless how little of it there may be. Swapping out your old counter for a new style will instantly upgrade the look of your room.

If money is no object, natural marble and stone are always popular choices. Durable and sturdy, they are a beautiful, unique feature that really add value to a kitchen, but they are also relatively expensive. If you’re working to a budget, you might want to consider quartz instead – it’s virtually indestructible and much more cost-effective.

Laminate is an easy alternative, though they are subject to more wear and tear than stone or quartz. For an even more budget-friendly, DIY solution, try this durable and industrial concrete counter top project.

Cabinets
The easiest way to date your kitchen is to hold onto original cabinetry. It may be functional but it can also be an eyesore. A quick fix – reface them. When you don’t want to or can’t afford to replace the entire cabinetry unit, simply removing the doors and refinishing them with a fresh coat of paint or varnish will immediately upgrade the look of the space. Alternatively, allocate part of your budget to high-end hardware, which can help older style cabinetry look more modern.

Backsplash
Your kitchen can really gain (or lose) a lot of character with the right backsplash. Functional or purely aesthetic, classic subway tiles or DIY solutions using reclaimed wood, there are so many options to choose from that suit any budget. But don’t ignore this strip of space between the counter and the cabinets or it can end up costing you (style wise).

Flooring
House-wide, investing in beautiful, durable floor will always up your value, but there’s no need to break the bank on flooring material. Tile or wood will always leave a lasting impression, but there are many types of vinyl and laminate flooring options that look beautiful and resist the normal wear and tear you expect from such a high traffic area.