KITCHEN FIXTURES
Upgrades to your kitchen are one of the most impactful ways you can update the interior of your home. While kitchen renovations are notoriously expensive, there are some low-cost changes you can make that will improve the appearance of your kitchen and, ultimately, increase the value of your home. Simple changes can modernize the space, improve its functionality, and appeal to potential buyers. By prioritizing updates that highlight quality and design while balancing cost, homeowners can effectively elevate the appeal of their kitchen and increase home value without major renovations.
Rather than focusing on major upgrades like new appliances or layout changes, it is best to focus on areas where you can do the work yourself with materials that are budget-friendly. Focus on small updates that improve highly visible features and also address key touchpoints to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere that is more aligned with current trends.
Paint the Cabinets
Cabinets take up the most visual space in the kitchen, so even if you can not replace them, painting them will give them a new look for a fraction of the cost. Start with a high-quality paint that is designed specifically for cabinets. Popular finish options for the kitchen are satin or semi-gloss, which are both ideal for wiping down because they are resistant to wear.
Before you begin to paint, thoroughly clean the cabinets to remove grease and grime. Lightly sand the cabinets to ensure better paint adhesion. Use a primer undercoat, especially if the cabinets have a previous finish of stain or paint. To get a more professional finish, consider removing the doors so that you can paint them on a flat surface. Consider using a paint sprayer, which gives a smoother finish than a paintbrush.
Replace Kitchen Hardware
Kitchen hardware is like jewelry that adds sparkle and shine to a kitchen space. Replacing hardware can immediately make your kitchen feel more modern. Choose a style and finish that fits the new vibe you want to create. Silver and chrome are trending now and look fantastic in contemporary homes, but brass still looks lovely in traditional and glam spaces. Better yet, go for a mix of finishes throughout the kitchen so that it doesn’t get boxed into one style.
To make the replacement seamless, make sure the new style fits the size and hole spacing of your existing hardware. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the old hardware. Clean around the hole before installing the new hardware, as this is an area that attracts grime and grease.
Upgrade Light Fixtures
Replacing a few light fixtures with more impactful or modern options is a great, cost-effective way to update the look of the kitchen. Rather than replacing all of the lights in the room, concentrate on the areas with the greatest visual impact, such as the lights over the island or the chandelier over the eat-in kitchen.
Look for light fixtures that blend with the style of your house but also push the style in a fresh direction. Opt for dimmable bulbs to ensure that you can tailor the amount of light in the space to make the mood in your home more inviting.
Replace the Faucet
The faucet is arguably one of the most essential features of a kitchen. Outdated faucets do not have the functionality that people expect in their kitchens today. When selecting a new faucet, consider the finish, functionality, and design. Look for a finish that resists fingerprints. For functionality, consider a high-arched spout to accommodate large pots and pans as well as a pull-out spout for convenience. There are also touchless options that work well for busy kitchens.
Be sure to choose a faucet that corresponds to the holes that are in your countertop for the most seamless swap. You can also invest in a deckplate to cover unused holes if you are set on a faucet with fewer holes than your current design.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Refreshing the window coverings in the kitchen will upgrade both the style and possibly the functionality of the space. Opt for simple, modern treatments that fit the aesthetic you want to create rather than fussy options. Tight-fitting roller blinds, bamboo blinds, or linen shades are cost-effective and stylish. Layer them with straight panel curtains to provide more light-filtering capability. Cafe curtains are a fun way to dress the windows in the kitchen, especially if the windows are part of a kitchen nook or above a countertop.
Install a Backsplash
Backsplashes quickly become outdated, so replacing them can help you update the look of your kitchen. Neutral backsplashes are a classic choice, while bold colors and patterns will make the backsplash pop. Consider the style and color in light of the other materials in your kitchen and the style you want to project. If you are handy, consider installing an updated tile. This can quickly become costly, so be strategic about which areas you want to cover.
Some great budget options include using wood paneling like beadboard, which can be an excellent choice for a modern farmhouse or traditional kitchen. Other budget options include peel-and-stick tiles, heavy-duty wallpaper, or painted plywood.
Declutter, Clean, and Organize
One hack for upgrading the look of your kitchen that won’t cost you a penny is to declutter, clean, and organize the space. Sort through your pantry and cabinet and discard items that you do not use, are duplicates, or have expired. Clean your kitchen from top to bottom, including difficult-to-clean places like the vent hood, the appliances, and the tops of the cabinets. This will make your space sparkle.
Consider ways to increase the organization in your cabinets and pantry using baskets and bins that are on hand. Combine like products with similar items so that they are always easy to find, even for someone not familiar with your kitchen.
Add an Open Shelf (or Two)
Open shelves remain a controversial topic in the kitchen renovation conversation, but they are definitely still a presence in today’s kitchen, and this is not likely to change soon. Even just one open shelf is an excellent way to add more visual interest in the kitchen. If you have an upper cabinet that is rarely used on a separate wall, consider how open shelves might work in that space. They can also look great in the large space above the stove.
You can use them to store kitchen essentials, but they also make ideal display settings for small pictures, sculptures, or other treasures.
Repaint the Walls
Giving your walls a fresh coat of paint can have an outsized impact on the look of your kitchen. Choosing the right color is one of the most important for setting the mood you want. Light neutrals like pale greige or tan will give your kitchen a fresh, airy, and modern look, while dark colors like navy or burgundy can make your kitchen feel moody and intimate.
Before you paint, prep the walls by filling old nail holes, cleaning the surface, and applying a quality primer if necessary. Use a high-quality paint that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen and frequent cleanings.
Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting will not only improve the look of your kitchen; it will dramatically add to its functionality as it will provide light for countertop tasks. LED strips are a good choice for this type of lighting because they are easy to install as well as energy efficient. Many LED strips include adhesive backing, making installation as easy as peeling off the back and sticking them into place. You can find hardwired, plug-in, and battery-powered options.
Consider options that are dimmable so that you can adjust the lighting to fit the task or the mood you want to create. Make sure to check the color of the lights to ensure they are not too warm or cool. Many experts recommend a lighting temperature of 3000K, which is a warm white but not overly warm.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories are the finishing touch in the kitchen. Displaying different pieces can transform the look of an outdated kitchen by directing attention toward more exciting pieces. Consider adding stylish yet functional pieces like wooden cutting boards, a large bowl of fruit, or matching containers for food items like flour and oatmeal. Fresh flowers or the display of large branches can bring like to the countertop or a window sill, while a patterned rug introduces color and texture. Displaying cookbooks or vintage finds like a pottery jug or a set of copper pots can give your kitchen more personality.
