Upgrading the kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to your home.
It also tends to be the most expensive room to renovate due to the cost of appliances and cabinetry.
So, what if you aren’t planning to sell and want to breathe new life into your kitchen without breaking the bank?
Here are some fantastic tips to make your kitchen look brand new without too much time or money.
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Refresh Your Wall Paint and Textiles
One of the easiest ways to revitalize a room is to apply a fresh coat of paint and add new window curtains.
This low-budget update will make your kitchen feel like a new space.
If you have an older home with dark or outdated paint, using a fresh neutral shade can modernize your kitchen and make it feel more spacious.
White kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years as the light reflection does wonders for small kitchens.
Adding a touch of pale blue or gray has the same effect with a bit of flair.
Using neutral paint will help you avoid feeling the need to repaint in a couple of years.
Use your textiles— curtains, rugs, placemats, tea towels, etc.— for a pop of color.
Paint the Cabinets
To take your painting project to the next level, consider painting your cabinets.
This project is a great way to transform and modernize your kitchen without the expense of new cabinets.
While you’ll have to dedicate at least a weekend to having no kitchen for this project, it will save you thousands on new cabinetry.
Matte and vintage tones have been an ongoing trend in recent years, adding an air of elegance and taste to old oak cabinets.
You can also use a high gloss paint for better light reflection, especially if you’re following the two-tone cabinet trend.
Using a bold or dark color on the bottom cabinets and a lighter tone on the top creates drama and dimension without making the space feel overpowered or cramped.
Add New Art
Kitchen art is long overdue for an upgrade. People tend to use generic, thematic prints and pieces for kitchen decor— for example, faux coffee shop signs and that giant wooden fork and spoon everyone had in the 80s.
When choosing art for your kitchen, think outside the box. Opt for something that suits the emotion or theme you hope to convey in the kitchen.
For example, if you’re using emerald tones in your kitchen, an acrylic painting of jungle greenery on black velvet would fit perfectly.
Alternatively, display photos of your family or favorite places in your kitchen.
Choose something that draws the eye rather than fading into the background (which is what generic kitchen art is designed for).
Update the Flooring
The kitchen floor goes a lot of wear and tear over the years. Updating a tired floor might be just the thing for making your kitchen look brand new.
Generally, ceramic, vinyl, and laminate are the best options for a kitchen due to their resilience.
Many designers have also been using stone or concrete flooring for a luxurious faux marble look.
If you have hardwood, consider having it resurfaced and possibly stained.
Hardwood holds its value over the years; it would do more harm than good to tear it out or cover it.
Swap Out Faucets and Hardware
Sometimes the smallest changes make the most significant difference. Swapping out the faucets and hardware is a great way to refresh your kitchen.
If you have an outdated kitchen, this simple change can make a big impact. Replace old cabinet doorknobs and handles with something shiny and new.
Add value to your sink by adding a hands-free or extendable tap.
While this can be a low-budget project, new hardware has a way of adding up.
If you’re working with a limited budget, you can purchase last year’s discontinued faucet models at a discount.
They’re still sleek and modern but not as costly as the newer, “better” model.
If you have neutral hardware (i.e., not time-bound to past trends), consider sanding it and painting it with a metallic coating.
This is a quick, cost-effective way to update your hardware.
Add Statement Lighting
Kitchen lighting is another design aspect that tends to blend into the background.
Consider your light fixtures as another piece of art, and choose something that makes a statement.
For example, you can install a stunning series of pendant lights or a bubble chandelier for an enchanting glow.
Consider your favorite cafes or restaurants and emulate their lighting to bring a taste of that atmosphere home with you.
For an added touch, you can install lighting under or inside cabinets.
While this project takes a bit more time and money, it’s well worth the ambiance— especially if you’re adding a new coat of paint.
Refresh the Backsplash
Despite fading into the background, the backsplash makes a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a kitchen.
Consider installing a new backsplash if you don’t have one or refreshing the existing backsplash.
If you’re considering a new backsplash, you can’t go wrong with white subway tiles.
This timeless decor element goes with any design theme and helps reflect light to make your kitchen feel larger.
Try Open Shelving
Adding a few open shelves will create an opportunity for creative displays while adding functional storage to your kitchen.
Many designers are displaying dishes and utensils artistically on open shelving to create storage that doubles as art.
The key to making this design idea work is clarifying what will be displayed and keeping the area tidy.
Add a Pot Rack
As an alternative to open shelving, consider adding a vintage-inspired pot rack either overhead or along an open wall.
Again, this addition adds a unique design element while expanding your functional storage options.
With these simple upgrades, you can revitalize your kitchen and transform the space.
Stick with one simple change, or choose a few of these upgrades for a cost-friendly to remodel that will help you fall back in love with your kitchen.
