17 Exciting Ideas for Your Next Kitchen Renovation

Thinking of having a kitchen renovation? Whether you’re sprucing up a condo in Manila, updating your family home in Cavite, or planning your forever house in the province, a well-planned kitchen renovation can make a huge difference.

In this post, we’re sharing 17 practical kitchen renovation ideas—with tips that work especially well for homes here in the Philippines.

1. Open Up the Layout

Breaking down unnecessary walls can make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter. An open layout also encourages better flow between cooking, dining, and living areas.

For example, one of our clients in Antipolo had a narrow galley kitchen. We removed a non-load-bearing wall, connecting it to the dining area—instantly making it feel more spacious and welcoming.

2. Add a Pot Filler Faucet

A pot filler faucet is one of those kitchen upgrades you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Installed right above your stove, it lets you fill large pots directly where you cook—perfect for dishes like sinigang, nilaga, or even big batches of pasta.

No more carrying heavy pots of water from the sink to the stove, which can be especially helpful for seniors or families with small kids moving around the kitchen.

3. Add a Kitchen Island or Bar Counter

A kitchen island gives you more prep space and doubles as a breakfast nook or WFH spot. If your kitchen is narrow, a slim bar counter is a great alternative.

For countertops, granite and quartz are popular in the Philippines because they’re durable and low-maintenance. On a budget? Polished concrete or HPL on marine plywood works well, especially in our humid climate. Add a touch of character with narra veneer or patterned tiles on the island sides for that warm, local feel.

4. Switch to Modular Cabinets

Modular cabinets are now widely available in the Philippines and make renovations faster and more affordable. If you want to explore different options, check out our modular kitchen design ideas or view our cost guide to see how modular cabinets can fit into your budget.

In Las Piñas, we swapped old plywood cabinets for a modular system. The homeowner loved how it made the kitchen look cleaner and gave them the flexibility to reorganize shelves and drawers later.

5. Upgrade to Quartz or Granite Countertops

These materials are not only heat- and scratch-resistant, but also very easy to clean—just wipe and go, even after heavy cooking. They’re perfect for our Filipino kitchens where dishes like adobo, kare-kare, and fried food are often on the menu.

Prices for quartz and granite vary depending on the design and thickness, but many local suppliers (like Wilcon) offer affordable options that balance beauty and durability. If you’re looking for a long-term upgrade that combines function and style, this one’s a no-brainer.

6. Add Open Shelving

Open shelves are great for everyday items like mugs, spices, or décor. They’re both functional and stylish.

7. Maximize Vertical Storage

Build cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. Store rarely used appliances, holiday trays, or bulk groceries on top shelves to keep your counters clutter-free.

8. Incorporate Built-In Appliances

Built-in appliances like ovens, microwaves, and induction cooktops aren’t just for high-end homes—they’re becoming more popular in Filipino kitchens for good reason. They help save space, create a sleeker look, and make your kitchen easier to clean and navigate. Everything has its place, giving you a clutter-free, organized feel.

In one of our 12 sqm kitchen projects, we integrated the microwave and oven into a custom cabinet. This simple change freed up the entire countertop, giving the client much more room for meal prep and daily cooking tasks.

9. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

LED lights under cabinets help you prep safely and create a cozy glow at night. They’re affordable, easy to install, and energy-efficient.

10. Integrate Plants Into Your Kitchen Design

Bring life to your kitchen with herbs like basil, rosemary, or even tanglad. Use vertical planters, window sills, or hanging pots to add a refreshing touch.

In a project we also encountered, a homeowner created a mini indoor herb garden by mounting recycled wood shelves near her kitchen window. She now picks fresh basil and mint straight from her shelf while cooking.

11. Create a Pull-Out Pantry Rack

Perfect for small kitchens—pull-out pantry cabinets maximize narrow spaces and help organize canned goods, sauces, and snacks.

In a Makati condo kitchen, we added a slim 30cm pull-out rack beside the fridge. It now stores their entire collection of canned tuna, instant noodles, and condiments—neatly tucked away but easy to access.

12. Plan for a Walk-In Pantry (If You Have Space)

Have a spare utility room or corner? Convert it into a walk-in pantry to store bulk items, cleaning tools, and those backup appliances we all have.

13. Create a Small Dining Nook

Add a built-in bench with drawers underneath and a small table. It’s a perfect space for coffee, homework, or light meals—and it adds charm and function.

14. Install a Proper Range Hood

No one wants their whole house smelling like tuyo. A good range hood removes smoke, heat, and odors, keeping your kitchen cleaner and more comfortable.

15. Upgrade to a Multi-Purpose Sink

Modern sinks come with built-in accessories like cutting boards and colanders. This saves you prep space and helps keep things organized—perfect for busy households.

16. Try a Pop of Color with Backsplash Tiles

Inject personality into your kitchen using patterned, geometric, or even locally handcrafted tiles. It’s an easy way to refresh your kitchen without major structural changes.

17. Try a Two-Tone Cabinet Scheme

Pair light upper cabinets with darker lower ones for a stylish look—like cream and navy or white and walnut. This contrast makes your space visually interesting without being overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—it just needs the right ideas and guidance. Whether you’re upgrading your space for functionality, style, or both, these tips can help you create a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle here in the Philippines.

If you’re thinking about installing modular kitchen cabinets or planning a full kitchen renovation, we’d love to help you get started. We offer a free design consultation where we can talk about layouts, costs, and practical options that match your space and budget.