Home improvement expenditures are expected to soar to a whopping $317 billion this year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, a report generated by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Essentially, this means that more homeowners are pulling the trigger on home improvement projects.

Are you one of them?

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most common rooms homeowners choose to remodel. According to the Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling Magazine, smaller renovations generate an average of 74% Return On Investment (ROI), as compared to a 64% ROI when remodeling an entire room. This means it’s best to start small!

An easy way to make a noticeable change in your kitchen or bathroom is to upgrade the cabinets. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t have to be an expensive project! Here are some of the trendiest ways to update your kitchen and bathroom cabinets:

Kitchen

• 50 shades of gray (and white). The popularity of gray started to rise last year, but it’s not going anywhere in 2017. Light grays, along with white and off-white neutral colors are being seen in kitchens across the nation. According to the expert Concord, NH painters, many homeowners are choosing to paint their cabinets a solid color instead of staining them. The light grays and whites make the room feel open and airy as opposed to darker options.
• Easy steel. Metal cabinets add a modern feel to the kitchen and are super simple to upkeep and install. In addition to being easy to clean, they won’t ever need to be refinished, and they look sleek and stylish. Metal cabinets are a no-brainer when it comes to a low maintenance kitchen upgrade.
• No secrets. Open shelves are a hot new kitchen commodity. Replace solid wood with a glass panel to give your kitchen the same effect as an open shelving unit. Then, neatly organize your plates and glasses to create a beautiful display.
• Get smart. We live in a technology loving world. Cabinets today are featuring built-in charging stations for your smart phones and portable devices. There are also stands, hooks or shelves to rest one your devices on while you cook. Even microwaves and refrigerators are being built into cabinetry. If you are tech-savvy, check out the options that are available to you that can make day-to-day life easier.
• Real simple. Without a doubt, the most simple and effective way to change the look of a cabinet is by replacing the handles and knobs. Gold hardware is a trendy choice this year. Minimalism is also coming into play. Small, sleek door handles are being shown and admired, so remember to keep it simple when you upgrade!

Bathroom

While many of the kitchen cabinet trends can translate to your bathroom, here are a few updates unique to your bath and powder rooms:

• Nature’s calling. If you are looking for a way to add warmth to your bathroom, get rid of your old cabinets and replace them with natural wood. Bringing in natural, earthy pieces to your bathroom can give you a spa-like feel. Plus, it will add texture and coziness in a room that is normal tiled and cold.
• Unique upgrades. This trend will make any organized person jump for joy: customizable bathroom cabinets. Instead of having your toiletries, appliances and towels tossed about, you can now design cabinets that come equipped with a storage spot for all of your needs. Pull out drawers and dividers are just a few of these options.

Excited about one of the 2017 kitchen and bathroom cabinet trends? Implement them in your home today!