Today I’m thrilled to share with you tried and true ways to update a tired kitchen from the experts at Zillow. The kitchen is such an expensive area of the home to update and renovate. So when Zillow asked what subject my readers would be interested in, this was the first thing that came to mind.
If you are like me you try to find ways to work with what you already have. It may be because the budget is tight or a full blown remodel is just too complicated. I implemented each of their suggestions in my own mini kitchen update.
Our big splurge was new counters (Allen Roth Solid Surface Countertop Review), we added board and batten trim to the peninsula and a DIY subway tile backsplash. We also aged the cabinets, added knobs, installed a pendant over the sink, and fresh white paint on the walls. Maybe you could incorporate a few of these ideas in your own home too. We would love to know what you think so leave us a comment below…
4 Inexpensive Ways to Update a Tired Kitchen
By Erin Holdgate
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of a home, serving as both a social gathering space and a frequent workspace. More than just a setting for everyday meals and parties, the kitchen is often the nucleus of the home, with high foot traffic, bustling visitors and constant wear and tear. Thus, it’s no wonder many homeowners consider major kitchen renovations at some point in their ownership.
If your dated kitchen needs some attention, but you aren’t ready for the major commitment a renovation requires, don’t fret. There are plenty of do-it-yourself projects—both big and small—that can give your tired kitchen a fresh look. Below are just a few examples that don’t require a general contractor.
Give cabinets a facelift
Whether your style is shabby chic or modern minimalist, you can paint your way to your dream kitchen, starting with the cabinets. The best tools for this job are a paintbrush and a small roller, and you’ll want to give the cabinets a thorough scrub to remove any grease or residue beforehand. If needed, update any knobs or handles to better match your newly painted cabinets.
For a modern spin, remove the doors from the upper cabinets completely, and paint the back walls of the cabinets with a contrasting color. Open shelving like this provides stylish and accessible storage for colorful dishes at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry.
Incorporate mood-boosting colors
Make your updated cabinets stand out further by adding a little panache to the walls surrounding them. While the color red is said to stimulate appetites, jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue are a hot home design trend this year. Get creative with these rich, saturated hues by incorporating them into accent walls and other décor.
If you’re not the adventurous type when it comes to paint, opt for a sophisticated warm beige or cheerful creamy yellow.
Add texture with a backsplash
You can easily incorporate color and texture in your kitchen by installing a backsplash for an instant update. If you don’t feel comfortable using grout on your own, you can always opt for a less expensive, more temporary makeover by using peel-and-stick tiles. These adhesive accents are very popular for many home DIY projects, as they require minimal experience and effort.
If your current backsplash looks straight out of the ’80s, you can give it a fresh look by painting over the tiles. Keep in mind that the tile and grout will be the same color once painted, so a neutral, bright white is a safe choice for this project. Clean the surface thoroughly before painting, and be sure to allow extra time for the wet grout to dry since it’s more absorbent than the tiles.
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Set the tone with lighting
It’s important to find a happy balance of function and comfort when it comes to lighting the kitchen. For this reason, opt for bulbs that give off warm, golden light—this will provide sufficient light without being overly bright. In addition to updating bland ceiling fixtures, you can further enhance the feel of your kitchen by adding more levels of light. Pendant lights over a kitchen island or above the table offer extra illumination, and lighting strips under the cabinets provide vital task lighting for cooking and chopping.
Though a simple swap of light fixtures and a fresh coat of paint might be all it takes to bring life to your kitchen, other kitchens might require more work. Take the time to assess your needs and decide if you need to plan for a larger project.
Thank you Erin for those great ideas and tips!!!!
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