I always thought that adding value to your home meant going all in on a huge renovation. But it doesn’t have to be that much work. In fact, real estate pros say one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel more modern (and even help it sell faster) is just by changing the lighting up. That’s it! No demo, no chaos — just better lighting.
More specifically, under-cabinet lighting and a fresh pendant or two can transform the look and feel of the space. As Alfie Tolli, a real estate agent and salesperson with Compass Real Estate in New Jersey, puts it, “Lighting updates make a noticeable impact on how buyers perceive a kitchen. When a kitchen is well-lit — with modern pendant lights or subtle under-cabinet illumination — it instantly feels more inviting and high-end.”
A couple of simple tweaks can make any kitchen feel fresher and brighter without doing a full makeover. “I’ve seen kitchens with older cabinetry or laminate countertops come to life simply by adding modern lighting,” says Tolli. “Under-cabinet lighting gives the illusion of a custom kitchen and highlights the backsplash, while new fixtures over an island or dining area help pull the eye away from dated features.”
How to Upgrade Your Kitchen Lighting in a Snap
If your kitchen feels a little dark or dated, under-cabinet lighting is such an easy fix. You can get a two-pack of rechargeable LED lights for under $20, and they basically take zero effort to install. Just stick them on, and they’ll light up automatically when you walk by. Plus, they’re dimmable!
Pendant lights are one of the year’s hottest kitchen design trends and another quick upgrade you can handle yourself. If you’ve got an island or a little dining nook, adding pendant lights is a great way to bring some style and help define the space with minimal effort.
And in case you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon, buyers notice these details more than you’d think. “I’ve had buyers walk into a kitchen and specifically mention how much they love the pendant lights or how the under-cabinet lighting makes the space feel high-end,” says Tolli. “It might not be the only factor in their offer, but it absolutely adds to the ‘wow’ factor that can tip the scale between two homes they’re considering.”
If you’re looking to get the most for your home, this is the kind of update that can really pay off. “Lighting is one of the best budget-friendly upgrades for sellers who want their kitchen to pop online and during showings,” Tolli explains. “A well-lit kitchen feels larger, cleaner, and more inviting in photos.”
Even if you’re not thinking about moving or selling anytime soon, it’s still a smart place to start if you want to elevate your home’s vibe. To make your kitchen feel a little more up-to-date — and get you some extra cash in a sale — swapping out the lighting might be all it takes to give the whole space a refresh. No contractor or splurging needed!
What do you think about this lighting swap? Let us know in the comments below!