10 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Update Your Kitchen
We’ve all been there. Your kitchen needs a major update, but it’s the most expensive area in your home to invest in. Kitchen trends are always changing which puts you in a position to make really difficult decisions when putting money into it. Do you completely remodel? Kitchens can cost anywhere from $50k to over $100k. Yes, it adds value to your home, but most people do not have $100k just laying around to upgrade their kitchen. Or, do you do some small upgrades that can have a big impact without spending a lot of money? Here are my top 10 ways to upgrade your kitchen without completely remodeling.
Change your lighting and possibly your light bulbs.
This may sound expensive, but with so many great options today, this can give you a huge upgrade for not a lot of money. Lighting is like jewelry for a room, so think of it like getting a new, fantastic accessory that gives your kitchen personality and is noticed by everyone that enters.
Here are some fantastic options for pendant lighting and chandeliers. Need help choosing the right lighting? I offer a lighting package!
Make sure you have the right light bulbs in your space. I use a warm light bulb throughout my home. I look for 2700-3000K for the perfect lighting. Proper lighting is important in each space, but especially in the kitchen and bath. If you use a daylight bulb and have white cabinets, it could make your kitchen look stark and institution like. Conversely, if you use a bulb that is more yellow and warm, it will reflect on your cabinets and make them look a warmer white. I prefer a warmer bulb most of the time in any space. Read more about light temperatures here.
2. Change your cabinet hardware.
Big bang for your buck here. You can find great hardware on Amazon or Etsy. This can really update a space. If you like a trend, but don’t see it as something that’s going to last forever, this is a great temporary way to get the look you want without a huge investment. Check out these looks.
3. Get a new rug.
Do you have a runner in your kitchen? First of all, if you don’t, you should get one. You likely either have tile, wood or a vinyl floor in your kitchen which makes it hard on your feet and back when doing dishes. A rug will not only soften the floor where you stand the most, it softens the kitchen visually as well. This is also a way to bring in some color and protect those floors from splashes of water from the sink and dishwasher.
4. Dress your window.
It is traditional to have a window right above your sink. This is what most kitchens have. If your sink is not directly below a window, I’m hoping it’s at least in your island, so you're not staring at a wall when doing dishes. Anyway, that argument is for another post which I’ve talked about before right here. A roman shade is a great way to shade the light from coming in, but it also is an opportunity to add pattern and color.
5. Clean off the area above your cabinets.
Hopefully, you’ve already done this, but if not, go ahead and take everything off the tops of your cabinets. At first, it can look a little bare, but the idea of filling this area with stuff is dated. Get rid of all of it and embrace the simple, open space up there. If open wasted space is not for you, consider extending your cabinets to the ceiling to eliminate having any space there at all.
6. Add a dimmer switch.
This is so easy to do yourself and gives you the ability to downplay your lighting to set a mood. Do you entertain in the evenings? Dim your lights for the perfect glow. If you’re cooking and want very bright light, you can brighten it.
7. Add undercabinet lighting and/or a mini lamp to your countertop.
You can do string LEDs under your cabinets that look really modern and clean. Or, add a mini lamp. Lamps have come a long way. You can find some really fun lamps that are battery operated, so no need for cords being in the way.
8. Add some glass cabinet doors.
Glass is a nice detail in a kitchen to display collectibles and china. You could also add metal venting to cabinets for a unique look or add overlays for mullion doors.
9. Add or change your backsplash.
When I see a dated kitchen, the backsplash is usually what gives it away. Unfortunately, tiles are a material that dates rather quickly. Try to go for something that is either really fun and unique, knowing full well it may look dated in 5 years or go with something classic and traditional that will really never fully go out of style.
10. Paint your cabinets.
Ok, this isn’t always a small investment. If you hire someone to do this, which I completely recommend, it can be a costly fix. Before you do this, consider living with the stain as stained kitchen cabinets actually are the “in” thing right now. However, if you have cabinets that are an orangey, honey oak, something very dark or just very dated cabinets that are at least 20 years old, and if replacing them isn’t an option right now, painting them might be the next best thing. And, don’t think your only option is white. Colors are back for cabinetry more than ever before, so don’t be shy, pick a color your love. If you decide to paint your cabinets yourself, there is no quick and easy way to do this, I’m sorry to say. Do tons of research, don’t skip on prep and materials, follow directions and get really good paint. There are some great Facebook pages you can follow to learn how to paint cabinets properly.
Are you doing some kitchen upgrades? I’d love to see what you’re doing! Join my Facebook Group, Fresh Traditional Home Décor for more tips, inspiration and advice from me and other like minded individuals.