5 Kitchen Upgrades You Should Always Splurge on, According to Interior Designers

“High-quality countertops, such as quartz or granite, instantly elevate the kitchen’s aesthetic and durability,” says Sarah Brady, founder and principal designer at Salt Design Co. A material like butcher block may be more affordable and attractive at first, but you’ll have to contend with stains, scratches, and drying out if you’re not keeping up with its high-maintenance requirements.

If you’re thinking about resale value, it’s worth looking at what kind of countertops homes currently on the market have. For example, some demographics prefer something more low-maintenance like quartz, while others will deal with more maintenance for the natural beauty of marble.