These Are the Best Kitchen Upgrades to Make in 2026

If you’re looking to make a giant splash in your kitchen but don’t have the time to renovate, take on a simple kitchen upgrade and refresh your table and chairs. Those old chairs might be past their prime, or maybe it’s just time for something new. Either way, swapping them out for something fresh can give the kitchen a whole new feel.

There are a few great reasons to upgrade your appliances in January. Firstly, anyone with resolutions to become more eco-conscious will find upgrading to efficient appliances does the trick. Plus, some sellers may offer discounts on select appliances (usually those from the previous model year). So, there may be savings on the energy bill and the purchase.

Want to add storage and prep space in the kitchen? If there isn’t already an island in the room, it might be a good idea to start there. You can DIY your own island from cabinets and countertops, or you can opt to purchase an entire island to totally transform the space.

Depending on the amount of sunlight your kitchen receives, adding new lights to the space can be one of the best kitchen improvements possible. You can swap out an old fixture, install some recessed lighting, or run wires for a new pendant light over the island to make that kitchen really shine.

This January kitchen upgrade is all about ease and staying inside on a cold winter afternoon. Cabinet and drawer hardware upgrades can give kitchen cabinets an all-new appearance. They’re usually easy to install, but you can purchase a jig if you need one to simplify the installation. Just note that cabinet hardware rarely goes on sale, so expect to pay full price.

Is your backsplash screaming for an upgrade? If so, give it the new look it deserves this winter by installing a DIY-friendly backsplash. This not only protects the walls but also makes messes easier to clean (or contain)—something bound to happen in most kitchens.

Some retailers have significant sales on faucets over the winter, saving shoppers up to 40% off original prices. Hence why changing out the faucet is one of the best kitchen upgrade ideas to tackle in January.

If those old cabinets are feeling tired and worn, it might be time to dress them up with a fresh coat of paint. It’s much less expensive than replacing those perfectly good cabinets.

Kitchen towels might not sound like an earth-shattering upgrade, but since towels and linens often go on sale in January, it’s a great time to buy them. There are lots of designs, colors, and options to pick from. Choose a set that matches the kitchen’s color palette or ones that add a pop of color.

If you have a permanently-installed island, you can make the most of your workspace by installing a prep sink. This is handy for washing fruits and vegetables during prep work or for washing hands while preparing meats. It does require a bit of work running the plumbing and drainage to the sink, but it’s worth it. Plus, there are some great January deals on sinks.