Splurge or Save: 10 Kitchen Essentials for Your First Home

Amr's bold choice of a maroon hue adds warmth and depth, creating a kitchen that is both sophisticated and inviting. Try Farrow & Ball Preference Red No.297, Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy, or Clare Paint Vintage to get the look. Always test a sample to make sure the color suits your specific lighting situation.

"The maroon hue does more than complement the natural wood — it elevates the entire space, turning it into a focal point that’s as visually stunning as it is functional. By embracing contrast, we’ve crafted a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also feels like home," he says.

"I love Sherwin Williams Dark Knight," Lauren Reyes says, principal designer + owner LA-based LVR Studios. "We’ve used this for my own kitchen’s cabinetry – it’s not a typical navy blue like we’re used to seeing as it has rich hues of dark blues and greens."

Another favorite is Farrow & Ball’s Joa White, a light and clean taupe. "It's a nice way to achieve a “white” kitchen, but a lot warmer and very sophisticated feeling," Lauren says.

Sue recommends Sherwin Williams'Thunderous SW 6201 for an earthy nature-inspired look. I think this is my pick too! "Dark yet calming, it is ideal for this space since it complements natural elements like wood and metal very well," she says.

Sue is also a fan of the wine-colored trend. She recommends Carnelian SW 7580. "To add some drama and mystery into a kitchen, this deep saturated violet with warm red undertones is a beautiful choice. Although it might seem like a bolder choice, it’s easy to pair with clean neutrals, thanks to its muted tone."

Amanda Leigh at House of Rolison seconds the redder tones for a warm and stimulating color. Her favorite? Benjamin Moore Nicholson Red. "We love coordinating a cabinet color to the vein of the slab we choose. It helps marry the materials we use without being too coordinated," she says.

Amanda's other favorite is also in the greige family, Farrow and Ball's Drop Cloth.

If you want to lean more green in your greige, Whearley & Co.'s Cooking Apple Green is a lovely neutral with a bit more tint.

Sue adds to her fave list Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2024: Upward SW 6239. "This light and breezy blue that creates a beautiful coastal chic vibe to an all-white kitchen. Homeowners can take this aesthetic one step further by adding wooden accents to the space."

Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors in Atlanta recently refreshed a 15-year-old kitchen with its original cabinets using Benjamin Moore Advance Paint in Marine Blue (on island) and London Fog (in cabinets).

Theresa also used Benjamin Moore White Dove to refresh this traditional kitchen.

Theresa also recommends Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue (a muted blue-green shown above), a soothing Ocean Air, and Peale Green, an earthy forest green, for kitchen cabinets. Love the idea of forest green too!

Something in the Ocean Air family is the Tranquil Waters Tintable Cabinet Paint from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.

Our Place – Up To 40% Off Sitewide

Always Pan 2.0

This aesthetically satisfying pan tackles 10 jobs in one with a totally toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating. You can save $40 on it during Our Place's Labor Day sale!

Perfect Pot

This "family-sized" nonstick pot will be a total lifesaver come soup season. Plus, it's gonna look very pretty on your stovetop. save $35 now!

Cookware Set Pro

If you're ready to press 'reset' on your entire kitchen setup, this set comes prepped with a titanium Always Pan, the Perfect Pot, the Mini Perfect Pot, and the Mini Always Pan to cook a variety of dishes. This set is a whole $215 off for Labor Day!

Caraway – Up To 15% Off + Exclusive Bundles

4-Piece Cookware Set

Another fantastic cookware set, this Caraway bundle is fully rid of toxic coatings and forever chemicals to ensure your cooking and health is high-quality. This 4-piece consists of a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and a handy lid holder for super convenient storage. Save $150 during Caraway's Labor Day sale!

Dutch Oven

This 6.5-quart pot will be able handle all the soups and stews you're about to chef up this winter. It's very durable throughout, boasting a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior. This blue pick also adds a playful pop of color to your stovetop!

11-Piece Bakeware Set

This fully-fledged bakeware set is ready to go with a whopping 11 pieces of equipment, but zero harmful chemicals. Save $150 on it during the Labor Day sale!

Xtrema Cookware – 20% Off Sitewide

Signature Series Set

Made of non-toxic ceramic, this set ensures safety at every point of the cooking process. It comes with a 9-inch signature skillet, three long-handled saucepans with lids, and two 100% organic cotton handle potholders! Plus, it's 25% off right now.

Saute Pan with Lid

For a quick upgrade, opt for a sauté pan. It's likely the most-trafficked cookware piece in your cabinets, so it can wear and tear a lot faster than your other tools. This sleek black pan comes in an 8-inch or 10-inch diameter to suit your personal needs. Save 20% off now!

Round Dutch Oven

You can do a multitude of things in a Dutch oven, including baking bread and roasting meats. We love a multitasker, and this one's 20% off!

Great Jones – 25% Off With Code 'POPCORN'

King Sear Cast-Iron Skillet

Great Jones brings the fun to cookware with tons of bright colors! This royal blue cast-iron skillet will be the talk of your next dinner party (and every meal after that) for its ability to look good and cook good.

The Fry Family Nonstick Pan Duo

This pan duo is maybe one of the most stylish upgrades you can get for your kitchen. They're made without PTFE and PFOA chemicals, which means cooking with them is healthy for you and the planet. The duo is $30 off right now!

Holy Sheet Duo

My sheet pans really need replacing from all the sheet pan dinners and cookies I make, and I am heavily eyeing this colorful set from Great Jones. These pans are durable and easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick ceramic coating they're crafted with. Keep one for savory stuff, and the other for sweets. They're currently $5 off with the Labor Day sale.

American Kitchen – 20% Off Sitewide With Code 'LABORDAY'

Nonstick Casserole Pan

This deep pan boasts two layers of professional-grade stainless steel wrapped around a layer of super durable aluminum, all which help your food heat up evenly and stay hot. The best part is the handles on the sides and lid stay cool while you chef it up! Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

Cranberry Color Cast Wok

Woks are an excellent piece of cookware to have in your kitchen if you enjoy making stir fries and fried rice. Woks heat up their contents super quickly and evenly, producing the best heated-through results. As opposed to a cast-iron construction, this wok is made from thick cast aluminum with a nonstick exterior coating and interior nonstick coating. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

5-Piece Starter Cookware Set

This set is the perfect gift for someone who just moved into their first apartment or home, if you're not shopping it for yourself. It comes complete with a 2-quart stainless steel lidded saucepan, a 10-inch stainless steel sauté lidded pan, and an 8-inch nonstick skillet so you can cook a multitude of meals. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

Made In – Up To 25% Off Best-Sellers

6-Piece Tailgate Kit

Get on the grill with ease using this convenient 6-piece set! It comes with Made In's pre-seasoned Carbon Steel Griddle, a two-sided maple wood Butcher Block, a chef knife, grill press, their 1/4 Sheet Pan, and a 1/2 Sheet Pan. With their Labor Day sale, you save $131!

10-Piece Stainless Set

Your kitchen will never look more seamless than with this stainless clad cookware set scattered around. Each piece is compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. You'll save a whole $235 when you snag this set during the Labor Day sale!

3-Piece Back To School Kit

This basic cookware set is perfect for college kids since it comes with everything you need to start out on a great home-cooked meal. The Non Stick Frying Pan, Chef Knife, and 1/2 Sheet Pan trio is unbeatable, and you can snag it for $204 (was $273) with the sale.

A New Day Clothing Finds

Button-Front Vest

Vests totally became the official-unofficial cool girl uniform over the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't wear one well into winter. Pair this pick with matching trousers and kitten heels for an unforgettably sleek outfit!

Long Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress

The bubble hem on this midi dress feels oh-so fancy for special occasions like dinner parties and cocktail hours. I think the off-the-shoulder moment is super flattering, too!

Maxi Slip Skirt

Channel your inner '90s fashionista with this $28 slip skirt that comes in 8 different stylish colors. You can style it with practically everything from sweaters (for colder months) to tank tops (for warmer months).

Classic Trench Coat

Put on a trench coat once, and you'll instantly feel like that girl. This $45 jacket is the perfect excuse to layer up this winter!

Slim Fit Long Sleeve Ribbed Boat Neck T-Shirt

This long sleeve tee is quite literally perfect. The boat neck is flattering and feminine, plus I love that the overall fit isn't too tight nor too loose – just comfy enough! You can wear it with everything this winter and spring.

Faux Fur Jacket

Yeah, this jacket is it. Not only is it gonna make a statement, it'll keep you quite cozy and warm!

Faux Suede Midi A-Line Skirt

This $35 faux suede skirt had me fooled for real suede, making it one of the best luxe-looking A New Day finds at Target right now. The paneling is super neat, adding a good amount of visual interest to this gorgeously unique terra cotta color.

Long Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses are in their prime this time of year, but it can be hard to find one that checks off all my boxes. Luckily, this $40 knit one is just modest enough, but has plenty of playful details to make it feel more elegant: the leg slit and turtleneck look adorable.

Ballon Long Sleeve Tie Front Blouse

This Scandi-style tie-up top is ideal for work outfits and low-key weekend outings. I will never get over the bows! It also comes in a serene purple color and a bold zebra print, if that's more your vibe.

High-Rise Wide Leg Pleated Front Trousers

The extra-wide legs on these pleated trousers are right in line with today's trends, plus, they're uber-flattering for any figure. I love the idea of wearing them with ballet flats or chunky boots for a sophisticated 'fit!

Long Sleeve Knit Ballet Maxi Dress

You can do all the swirling and twirling in this cute maxi dress! The length hits right around the shins so you can still show off your favorite winter boots.

A New Day Shoe Finds

Gigi Embellished Slingback Kitten Heels

Now onto the best part – shoes! A New Day carries a ton of trendy styles, one of which is these sparkling kitten heels. The mesh + rhinestone combo can't be beat, Plus, they're only $30 – perfect for picking up ahead of holiday party season.

Donna Ankle Boots

You can't ever go wrong with a solid pair of black boots. These ankle booties feature a bold pointed toe and block heel to keep every step comfortable.

Jordan Loafer Flats

Put some preppy-ness in your step with these chunky loafers! Their limited black and white color palette allows you to easily match them with any outfit.

Issa Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

These mesh ballet flats are everything. They feel super bougie but will only run you $35, which is a fraction of what similar designs go for elsewhere.