What Reddit Users Actually Love About Their Remodel

We replaced just a few cabinets and installed new counters to update this kitchen and keep the budget lower.  See the whole project here. 

Popular Remodeling Ideas: What Reddit Users Actually Love About Their Projects

Real-world insights from Reddit's DIY and remodeling communities

Summary
We analyzed hundreds of posts across Reddit’s most active remodeling subreddits—r/HomeImprovement, r/kitchenremodel, r/bathrooms, r/DIY, and r/Renovations—to identify what homeowners actually love (and regret) about their renovation projects.

Spoiler: It’s not just pretty finishes. The top-rated upgrades consistently focus on function, comfort, and long-term performance.

How We Gathered the Data
We compiled and analyzed over 50 Reddit threads covering:

• • “Favorite features” and “most-loved upgrades” posts
• • Before-and-after reveals with commentary
• • “What I’d do differently” and regret posts
• • Expert DIYers sharing hard-won lessons

This article organizes the most upvoted, discussed, and appreciated renovation details—by room and theme.

If you're planning a full kitchen remodel in Tallahassee, our complete kitchen remodeling guide is worth a read alongside this one — it covers everything from layout to process so you go in with the full picture.

What Makes a Kitchen Remodel Great?

Reddit's Top-Ranked Kitchen Upgrades

All-Drawer Base Cabinets

Hands down, Reddit users rave about replacing lower cabinets with drawers. It's the single most loved kitchen upgrade.

Why drawers win:

• No more bending or digging—everything’s visible and accessible

• More storage capacity in the same footprint

• Built-in organization options (dividers, utensil trays, etc.)

• Soft-close slides feel premium and prevent slamming

Pro tips:

• Mix drawer depths for flexibility (shallow for tools, deep for pots)

• Invest in quality drawer hardware that can hold real weight

• Plan for organizers upfront—not after the fact

"All drawers, no lower cabinets. It’s the thing I’m happiest I did." – r/kitchenremodel user

Rethinking Upper Cabinets

Many experienced remodelers now recommend reducing or eliminating upper cabinets. Alternatives like open shelving, pegboards, or clean open wall space create an airier feel.

Upsides Reddit users report:

• • Makes smaller kitchens feel bigger

  • Encourages better organization habits

  • Shows off backsplash tile

  • Easier to clean without grease-trapping doors

Strategic uses for upper cabinets:

• • Glass-front uppers for glassware display

  • Vertical storage around fridge for trays, pans, etc.

  • Skip uppers above islands to keep sight lines open

Watch the video

Appliances That Actually Get Used

Double ovens and induction cooktops consistently earn high praise:

• • Double wall ovens = ergonomic + entertaining flexibility

  • Induction ranges = faster heat, safer surface, easier to clean

Island advice? Keep it simple. Reddit says skip sinks/cooktops—use islands for prep, serving, and gathering instead.

Kitchen Lighting: The Silent Hero

Redditors rank lighting as one of the most undervalued design elements. The most satisfying kitchens use a layered approach:

• • Undercabinet task lighting to eliminate shadows

  • Pendants over islands (hung to avoid glare)

  • Recessed lights aimed at work zones, not your head

“Undermount lights changed everything—no more working in my own shadow.” – r/HomeImprovement user

Material Wins: Beauty That Lasts

• • Quartz countertops: the most beloved surface for durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance

  • Tile floors: easy cleanup, moisture resistance, and timeless look

  • Custom cabinets: users who upgraded never regret avoiding builder-grade options

Bathroom Upgrades That Redditors Swear By

Heated Floors

Over and over, users say radiant heated floors are their favorite splurge:

• • Toasty toes on cold mornings

  • Helps dry moisture faster (reducing mildew risk)

  • DIY-friendly electric mats available

  • Feels luxurious, adds resale value

Shower Upgrades

Small changes = big daily improvements:

• • Rainfall heads for a spa feel

  • Clear glass enclosures to open up the space and show off tile

  • No shower curtains—they trap mold and look dated fast

Smarter Storage

Space-saving wins include:

• • Wall-mounted vanities (cleaner look + easier floor cleaning)

  • Recessed shower shelves

  • Lighted medicine cabinets with real storage

  • Hooks + towel bars planned with purpose

Comfort Features That Stick

• • Smart toilets with bidets, heated seats, and night lighting

  • Dimmers for relaxing baths and better lighting control

Lighting Layers

Smart renovators install multiple lighting types:

• • Ambient (overhead)

  • Task (reading, cooking, grooming)

  • Accent (mood, décor)

  • Automated systems (timers, motion sensors, smart control)

Common Regrets: Learning from Others' Mistakes

What Users Wish They Had Done Differently

Reddit users generously share their renovation regrets, providing valuable lessons for future projects.

Planning and Design Regrets:

• • Not planning enough storage, especially in kitchens
• • Choosing trendy finishes that quickly became dated
• • Skimping on lighting design and installation
• • Not considering traffic flow and daily usage patterns
• • Rushing decisions without living in the space first

Material and Quality Regrets:

• • Choosing builder-grade cabinets to save money
• • Installing white grout that shows every stain
• • Selecting light-colored flooring in high-traffic areas
• • Not investing in quality hardware that gets used daily
• • Choosing form over function in design decisions

Process and Timeline Regrets:

• • Not ordering all materials before starting work
• • Underestimating project timelines and complexity
• • Not having backup plans for essential systems
• • Attempting complex projects without proper skills or tools
• • Not budgeting for unexpected issues and changes

Key Takeaways from Reddit's Remodeling Community

The collective wisdom of Reddit's home improvement communities reveals several consistent themes that transcend specific project types or budgets:

Function First Philosophy

Successful renovators consistently prioritize functionality over aesthetics. The most beloved features are those that improve daily life: better storage, improved lighting, and enhanced comfort systems.

Quality Over Quantity

Users who are happiest with their renovations invested in fewer, higher-quality improvements rather than trying to update everything at once with budget materials.

Storage is King

Across all project types, adequate storage receives the highest satisfaction ratings. Users consistently wish they had planned for more storage, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Lighting Transforms Everything

Proper lighting design and installation consistently ranks among the most impactful improvements, yet it's often overlooked in favor of more visible upgrades.

Small Details Matter

Features like soft-close drawers, quality hardware, and proper spacing between elements significantly impact daily satisfaction with completed projects.

Plan for the Future

The most satisfied renovators considered long-term needs, accessibility, and changing technology when making design decisions.

Learn from Others

Reddit communities provide invaluable real-world insights that complement professional design advice. The collective experience of thousands of homeowners offers practical wisdom that can't be found in magazines or showrooms.

Want Remodel Advice Backed by Real-Life Experience?

At McManus Kitchen & Bath, we blend professional design with homeowner-tested strategies to help you create a space you’ll love for years—not just the day it’s done.

Our Remodeling Process Can Save You Time, Stress and Money

It start with clear, accurate pricing and our design and budget consult