Kitchen Updates You Can Make On a Budget
You probably assume that creating your dream kitchen is financially out of reach. However, turning your kitchen from drab to fab is easier and cheaper than you think. Applying a few minor changes can make a huge difference in your kitchen's overall appearance while not being overly harsh on your pocketbook. Rather than tearing out countertops and buying brand new appliances, consider making some easier changes. Here are some ways you can update your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Paint the Cabinets
If you want to change the look of your kitchen completely, paint the cabinets. Popular kitchen colors are constantly changing, so you can select something fashionable by today's standards or choose a different shade that you've always wanted. If you’re planning on selling your house eventually and going through that sales process, find a color that you think will make your kitchen cabinets pop and catch the seller's eyes.
Because you have to take the doors off of each cabinet to paint them efficiently, it's easy to mix up which door goes where. To avoid this dilemma, create an organizational system such as labeling each door. Another option is to lay plastic down in front of the cabinets and paint each door right beside its correct location.
If you're not looking forward to using a paintbrush to make these changes, try spray paint. This method works better for hard-to-reach corners and raised panels, and it often leaves the cabinets with a smooth finish. Remember to cover doorways and tape off the areas around the cabinets before starting the process to avoid getting paint and fumes throughout your house.
If you're afraid that the color of your kitchen walls will clash with your new cabinets, paint the walls, too. Consider using white paint because it will lighten up the room and match any cabinet color you choose now or in the future.
Change the Hardware
Something as small as changing the handles on your cabinets and drawers can impact your kitchen's appearance. Choose from brass, aluminum, bronze, porcelain or even leather. Since there are also so many different styles to pick from, check them all out before making that final decision. If you liked the style you had before, such as a bar-kitchen handle, find a similar option. However, you might discover that you prefer round knobs on the cabinets around the kitchen and square knobs on the island cabinets. If this is the pattern you like, go for it!
Other hardware pieces you might consider changing are hinges and drawer slides. Switching out the cabinet hinges isn't a big deal unless they're broken, worn out or squeaking. You can't see the hinges from the outside of the cabinet, so it doesn't matter whether they match the new handles. If you find that your drawers are starting to stick, it's time to attach new drawer slides.
Add New Lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in your kitchen. If your lighting is too dim, you probably have to squint just to read a recipe's ingredients and instructions. Poor lighting also makes it difficult to see whether dishes are properly clean. Avoid these issues by purchasing newer, brighter lights or adding more lighting throughout the kitchen.
There are several lighting options to consider. One of the most popular solutions is to add recessed lights. They are small, yet they provide a lot of extra light in most kitchens. However, these lights only help with illumination. To focus on particular tasks, you'll want to install track or under-cabinet lights. These systems are meant to help you focus on anything you're working on at the counter. Additionally, you may want to add decorative lighting. Look into different table lamps, wall mounts, pendant lights or chandeliers to give your kitchen a fancier feel.
Hang Up Artwork
If you like photography or paintings, put them in frames and hang them on your kitchen walls. Choose a kitchen-related theme such as fruit and wine or sunflowers. Look for artwork that stands out against the color of your walls. For example, if the wall is white, put up colorful artwork. Don't stop the decorating process at paintings alone; find matching curtains, towels and oven mitts.
Add a Backsplash
Older kitchens don't generally have backsplashes. However, they are worth getting because they prevent water and grease from splashing onto the walls, incidents that can damage or discolor paint, wallpaper or wood paneling. With a backsplash, If something gets splattered onto the wall, you can easily wipe it off. Backsplashes also add an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. Luckily, there are many affordable options, which range from a peel-and-stick version to tile. An alternative is to purchase waterproof wallpaper. Generally, you can find wallpaper in any shade or design you can think of, so be creative!
If you cook a lot, think about purchasing a patterned backsplash rather than one that's a plain color. A backsplash with an intricate design can easily hide liquids that splash onto it. Your dinner guests won't notice your slight mess, and you'll be able to clean it up after supper.
Give Old Appliances New Life
If your appliances are still working well, don't bother getting new ones. After all, buying a refrigerator and stove are expensive purchases that aren't worth making until one of them ceases to function. However, you can make your old appliances look new by painting them with stainless steel paint.
Painting your appliances may sound like an odd suggestion, but if you've only ever had a black, white or yellow stove your whole life, you probably want a new look for that appliance. Stainless steel products match anything else you have in your kitchen and give it an updated feel. Choose from brush-on or spray paint. It may take a few coats to get the desired appearance, but the finished products look authentic if done correctly.
Replace the Flooring
Do you have florescent-colored linoleum floors in your kitchen that look like they came straight out of a 1970s horror film? Maybe your flooring isn't quite that bad, but you still might want to update it. Once you're done making all of the other kitchen alterations, concentrate on updating the floor. You'll want to wait until after you've made the other changes so the new flooring doesn't get ruined from moving things around or accidentally dripping paint on it.
When looking into which flooring type to buy, choose something that you can easily clean. Hardwood floors are an appealing choice, but they are also expensive. Instead, try laminate or vinyl, both of which mimic wood floors. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also durable and waterproof, and they come in several colors and patterns.
Conclusion
Updating your kitchen doesn't need to be expensive nor difficult. Decide what changes you want to make and dedicate yourself to working on those alterations over the following weekend. After just a few days of work, you'll have a completely new kitchen.
