Kitchen & Bath Upgrades That Add Real Value: Must-Have Features for New England Renovators
When it comes to home renovations, it’s easy to get caught up in surface-level style. But the smartest upgrades don’t just look good — they last. These are the features that enhance daily life and boost long-term value.
Whether you’re planning to stay for decades or preparing to sell, strategic upgrades pay off. In New England homes, well-chosen features can have a big impact. They improve function, increase buyer appeal, and help your renovation stand out.
If you’re working with a fabricator like Rumford Stone or designing your next project, here are the kitchen and bath upgrades that truly deliver — in style, performance, and return on investment.
Full-Height Backsplashes
Extend your countertop material up the wall for a clean, continuous look. This design eliminates grout lines, protects against moisture, and delivers a modern, high-end finish. It works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Photo: Cambria
Waterfall Edges 
A waterfall edge continues your stone vertically down the side of an island or vanity. Waterfalls turns your countertop into a bold design feature. It’s a sleek way to showcase stone movement and elevate the room’s style.
Photo: Viatera / LX Hausys
Integrated Stone Sinks & Drain Boards
Streamline your space with a sink carved from the same material as your countertop. Add drain grooves for a cleaner look and easier maintenance. This upgrade is visually striking and highly functional.
Photo: Rumford Stone
Countertop Heating 
Bring hidden comfort to your stone surfaces with FeelsWarm®, a discreet heating system for overhangs. Ideal for chilly New England mornings, it adds a cozy touch to vanities, desks, and breakfast bars. It’s safe, low-voltage, and energy-efficient.
Photo: FeelsWarm
Wireless Charging Built Right Into Your Countertop
Skip the cords and clutter. With Free Power, you can charge your phone wirelessly just by setting it on the stone. The system installs underneath and works through most natural and engineered surfaces. While it’s not standard and comes at an added cost, it’s a smart upgrade. Especially for kitchen islands, desks, or nightstands where devices tend to pile up.
From full-height backsplashes to integrated sinks and wireless charging, the right upgrades can make your kitchen or bath more functional, beautiful, and valuable. These thoughtful details don’t just elevate your space — they enhance the way you live in it.
To explore more ways to personalize your project, visit the Rumford Stone website for a full list of available options and upgrades.
