When you want to upgrade your kitchen, it doesn’t mean having to fork out for a full kitchen renovation or the need for a large budget.
There are small and practical changes which can make your kitchen feel cleaner, brighter and more modern, without disrupting how your kitchen works day to day.
Refresh Cabinets With Paint
You can give your kitchen an instant face lift by just repainting the cabinets instead of just replacing them. Start off by choosing a new color for your cabinets, that will brighten the entire room and will work with your current counter tops and backsplash.
Ensure you clean every surface, remove the doors, label the hardware, lightly sand and fill in any dents, so your paint will go on smoothly and is more likely to last.
Choose a paint type that is made for cabinets or trim, as they’ll level better and be more resistant to chips. Primers that block stains can help any old wood look fresher too.
If you like more DIY techniques, you can try rolling broad areas and brushing the edges, or you can try experimenting with light distressing on a test door first, before you commit to doing it to every door.
Compare your finish options, as satin will hide imperfections, a semi-gloss will wipe clean easily, and a gloss will give you a sleek and contemporary look.
Update Handles And Knobs
You can swap out dated hardware within your kitchen, and it’ll transform your kitchen faster than almost any other update.
Choose a handle material which matches how you use the space, like sturdy stainless steel for heavy use, a warm brass for a more classic look, or matte black for a sleek and modern look.
Match your metal tones to your taps or light fixtures, or match the colors from your cabinets to give you a more cohesive look.
Add Peel And Stick Backsplash
Tiles can be off-putting, as they take a lot of effort to install, but peel and stick backsplash panels let you refresh your kitchen walls in minutes, without worrying about grout, mess or contractors.
Compare the thickness, adhesive strength and heat resistance as part of your budget considerations, so you don’t end up overpaying for features you won’t even use.
Before you start sticking anything, make sure you clean and de-grease the wall/surface thoroughly.
You can stagger the seams for a more natural look, and align any repeating design patterns carefully around your outlets and the corners.
Improve Lighting For A Brighter Space
When your backsplash is looking fresh, the next upgrade with a smaller price tag but big impact is better lighting.
Maximize your natural light by keeping window treatments light, clean and simple, so the sunlight can brighten the work surfaces. If your kitchen feels dark at night, layer the light sources instead of relying on one single ceiling light.
Install some budget-friendly under cabinet lighting strips to eliminate shadows on your countertops, making food preparation or reading recipes easier.
When you choose a few statement fixtures, like a bold pendant or a distinctive mount, it’ll give your kitchen a focal point, without having a full (and expensive) remodel.
Adding dimmer switches to your key areas make a massive difference too. They let you shift from bright task lighting whilst you cook, to softer and more relaxed lighting for meals, while saving energy too.
