The kitchen is one of those spaces that you spend way more time in than you’d think. It isn’t usually considered one of the main entertainment areas and as such, it isn’t given the decorative priority of spaces like the living room, or an entertainment area. Transforming and redecorating the kitchen might seem like quite a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. You could gut it and redo everything, but you could also make a few little changes to completely reform the space. Keep reading for a few ideas about how you can transform your kitchen.
Paint Your Cabinets
Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to refresh your kitchen. With a plain neutral background, it’s easy to give your kitchen a fresh feel by choosing a few newer colours to bring it into the modern age. If you plan on painting your cabinets, be sure to prime them first. Kilz sells an array of oil-based primers for a variety of surfaces. If you don’t prime your hard work will crack and peel off of the surface which is just no good.
Replace doors
If painting is not your thing, you can look at replacing the cabinet doors as well as drawer fronts. Rather than buying a whole new fitted kitchen replacing the front of the cupboards with new doors can give the whole space a brand new look on a budget.
The finish (matte, high-gloss, wood, or acrylic) also affects the space, so keep these elements in mind when trying to achieve a certain look.
Change your handles
If changing doors and drawers is too costly, or time-consuming, and your basic kitchen structure is in good condition, changing the handles can offer a new look. A different color, better quality, or different material can really give the space a sophisticated facelift.
Change the tap and faucet
Your taps can add character to the kitchen and you can make the space suit your aesthetic. Whether this is copper for a modern look or ceramic handles for a farmhouse/ boho look, this little change can be a real statement.
Buy a new statement appliance
New appliances can refresh your kitchen without changing any of the other features. Before buying something, make sure that it fits! A brightly colored statement piece, or matching stainless steel appliances are great ways to make the space look cohesive and exciting.
Spruce up old appliances
If you can’t afford new appliances or a fridge and really want to give your kitchen a splash of color, cover the front of it with a leftover roll of wallpaper or vinyl plastic to add texture.
Install new worktops
If the budget allows for it, replace your existing worktops. Laminate is the most cost-effective to purchase, but you can opt for acrylic or anything else that appeals to you and your budget. Consider adding extras. Heat rods can be fitted into the surface for a permanent pan stand or make a built-in draining board.
Update your kitchen floor
If your floor is what’s letting your kitchen down, don’t waste money trying to make everything else look good. You technically don’t have to tear up your old floor to lay a new one. You could tile, add wood, or laminate it. There are even non-permanent vinyl tile stickers that are a renter-safe option.
Improve your kitchen storage
Organize your kitchen cupboards. Clear your worktops so that your space looks less crowded and tidy. These are both 100% free and make a huge difference. If you have lots of space, but not enough storage, consider putting up shelves and hanging rails to make use of available space.
You can put up your own pan rails or invest in a ceiling rack for your big and bulky pans to get them out of the way, but make them easily accessible to you when you need them. You can even soften the look and make it a statement by decorating it with dried flowers, rustic baskets, and live plants.
Install extra lighting
You should have task lights, such as spotlights, over your counters. Halogen bulbs and overhead lighting in a dining area can really lift the space, and create a certain mood. You shouldn’t install extra lighting on your own unless you know what you are doing. Get a certified electrician in to do it for you.
Make a statement with lights
In a budget kitchen, dramatic ceiling lights can make such a difference. Oversized metal pendant lights are a great way to make a statement and introduce that industrial feel. Choose appropriate lighting for your aesthetic. Put them over a table or island to create a focal point, so that they can act as both task and mood lighting. For a smaller design hang them in sets of threes for maximum impact.
Introduce vintage furniture
It’s easy to introduce a completely different feel to your space with vintage furniture. Take a look at charity shops, boot sales, yard sales, reclamation yards, your parents’, or grandparents’ garage. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You can style some old bar stools with a row of pendant lights to create a stylish bar.
Create a feature wall
A feature wall is a great way to add color and life to an old kitchen. You can either paint, cover the entire wall with wallpaper, or use something like vinyl tiles to create your feature wall. Your medium obviously depends on your budget. Make sure that whatever you use is appropriate for the space, as kitchens tend to get hot and steam up when you cook.
Thoughts to take away
Your kitchen can be so much more than just a few appliances, cabinets, and countertops. The kitchen is responsible for more entertainment than you think. It only makes sense that you’d want it to be just as bright and colorful as the food that comes out of it when you cook or have visitors. Cooking in a satisfying space that makes you happy, just makes the food taste better. Get creative and give your kitchen new life.
Photo by Roam In Color on Unsplash
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