Kitchens are one of the most commonly used areas in a house, and it is also more likely to get dirty due to cooking, spills, and heat from the stove, causing moisture to build up. In addition, it can wear down the cabinets, the wall paint, and the ceiling. This is why kitchens are more likely to be renovated than other house rooms.
While we all may dream of the perfect kitchen or have many photos pinned on a Pinterest board, a complete renovation may not be practical at this time.
Kitchen Update vs. Remodel
Kitchen updates are primarily DIY kitchen upgrades to refresh the look and feel of your kitchen space. Small tasks like painting your cabinets, changing the metalwork, and adding natural decorations can upgrade your kitchen even with a tight budget.
Kitchen remodeling has more extensive coverage and needs a bigger budget. Here are a few tips to modernize your kitchen without making significant changes.
Update Your Lighting
This easy kitchen update can revamp the feel of your whole space and make it much more leisurely to work in. People often overlook lighting; however, it may give your kitchen personality if used correctly. Furthermore, updating your kitchen lighting does not have to be costly, and you can find some reasonably priced lights. In modern kitchens, the linear lighting concept is also trendy. Here are some DIY kitchen updates for the kitchen lighting:
- Add pendant ceiling lights over your island or peninsula.
- Add a gooseneck or a dramatic pendant over the sink.
- Add puck lighting or a series of tiny LED lights underneath your wall-mounted cabinets to add ambiance. These lights are excellent for illuminating your countertop.
- Consider installing a dimmer switch for versatility while cooking or just settling for a snack!
Paint The Cabinets
Although painting your cabinets is a lot of work, it is also very inexpensive! You can give your old cabinets a new look with a can or two of paint and some elbow grease. Unfinished wood is the best surface to start with, but you can scrape up painted wood with sandpaper to ensure the new coat of paint sticks properly. With a couple of colors, you can change the ambiance and mood of your kitchen. Here are some tips on how to update your kitchen with the best colors:
- Find a color that looks great in natural and artificial light,
- enhances your theme;
- and compliments your fixtures, appliances, and countertops.
Add Some Decorative Elements
Your kitchen is a great place to add ornamental elements that bring a sense of nature and lifestyle into your home. Need some inspiration? Here are a few kitchen decor ideas.
- Place shelves on top of cabinets for plants and artwork.
- Showcase your favorite cookbooks or china sets.
- Put out a bowl of fruit for some color.
- Add nature to the kitchen.
A vibrant environment should be present in a residential kitchen. Plants can assist you in this attempt. For example, plants such as English ivy and Heartleaf Philodendron hang from windows and cupboards, and they help to purify the air and give off a refreshing vibe.
The most common indoor plants are Aloe Vera and tiny cacti. They're easy to maintain, thrive in low-light environments, and produce a pleasant aroma. You can also use artificial plants, and they may not provide the same health benefits as an actual plant, but they provide aesthetic appeal to the space.
Declutter
There are so many unnecessary items in today's kitchens. Countertops are cluttered with rarely used things. If that's the case, you'll need to organize these items with wall hangers or portable storage cabinets. Organize your essentials around your stove and countertop. The second type is suitable for use in cabinets.
On the other hand, the ones you use for special occasions should be stored away. Dishes are sometimes saved for special occasions such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, which can be kept in a showcase in another room. Decluttering your kitchen can not only save up space but also give it a minimalistic look.
You can add cabinet accessories for extra storage and easy accessibility to your ingredients, pans, bowls, and silverware. Few households invest in storage solutions beyond a dish organizer. Adding cabinet accessories can make life easier if you want to update your small kitchen.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Age is usually deciding what makes something considered "old." And for appliances, old means outdated. If you have older kitchen appliances, consider replacing them with modern, sleek-looking ones. The older a unit gets, the more likely it is to break down too. You can save yourself a future headache and modernize your kitchen simultaneously.
We're all trying to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint, and replacing your old kitchen appliances is a fantastic place to start. If you upgrade your appliances, be sure they're energy-efficient! Investing in ENERGY STAR-certified models is the best way to make significant changes and save money in the long run.
With appliances getting better by the year, so do your options. You can opt for appliances that blend seamlessly with your cabinetry and make your kitchen look more prominent. Refrigerators, dishwashers, wine coolers, and more come with different designs and innovative features that could complement your kitchen's theme. Though this could come at a higher price tag, think twice about it.
Consider changing plumbing fixtures as well, as low-flow kitchen faucets save a lot of water and electricity, which is excellent for the environment and your wallet. Updating your kitchen should not only improve its appearance; it should also help you save money and save natural resources.
Final Thoughts
There are several options for your outdated kitchen, from updating finishes and materials to adding color, lighting, and space. Pick out what's best to your liking and give your kitchen the face-lift it deserves.
Want more kitchen refresh ideas on how to update an old kitchen and decorate a simple, comfortable home? Check our blog list for more life hacks and advice for a cozy and ambient home. You can also call Home Alliance for home repairs and maintenance solutions!
