Oct 01 2009
5 Tips to Redo Your Kitchen
Is your kitchen totally out-of-date or does it just seem to be lacking something? No matter your budget, there are several inexpensive ways to update the look of your kitchen. You’re probably stuck with your floor plan, unless you have thousands of dollars set aside to completely redo the entire kitchen. But even with the kitchen you have, there are many ways to accentuate the positive and really spruce up the room.
Add New Cabinet Hardware
This might sound really simple, but adding new hardware can have a large effect on the scheme of your kitchen. An ordinary cabinet can be turned into something decidedly more stylish by simply taking off the old cabinet hardware (if it even had any) and adding new handles and pulls. Silver or brushed nickel handles can lend your kitchen a more contemporary look. Cabinet pulls and handles can really differ in price, from around $0.50 a pull to upward of $20. So know your budget and be sure to account ahead of time for all the hardware pieces you will need to complete the project.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
An inexpensive way to instantly change the look of your kitchen is with paint, especially if you have a small kitchen or not that much exposed wall area. If you have wallpaper in your kitchen, painting can provide an instant facelift. Remember, though, to factor in the time it’ll take to tear down the old wallpaper. Pick out a color scheme for your kitchen that’s update and fresh but which still goes will with the look and color of your cabinets. If you can’t stand the look of those cabinets anyway, perhaps this would be a good time to repaint or stain them as well. Don’t forget about your ceiling. A paint job might be just the thing, especially for those sporting ugly yellow grease marks.
Freshen Up Your Kitchen by Adding Some Green
You’ll be surprised how the simple addition of a plant or flower arrangement to your kitchen can make such a big difference. Don’t clutter the plants or flowers. One on top of a cabinet or in the corner of the room will be enough to create a pleasing effect in your space. If you choose a real plant or flowers, make sure you’ll be able to take care of them on a daily basis or it will be a waste of your money.
Add a New Light Fixture
You can instantly update your kitchen with the addition of a new light. Light fixtures can vastly differ in price, but you shouldn’t have a problem finding a great light fixture for under $100. If you still have recessed fluorescent lighting, that is definitely something you want to update. Try something different and place a chandelier in the middle of the kitchen. Or consider track lighting, which will give you the light you need in the areas of the kitchen you need it the most, such as the stove. Not only is a new light fixture function, but it can also add a new design element to the room.
Put Your China on Display
If you have beautiful china but have it hidden away in a cabinet or hutch, consider displaying it in your kitchen. A glass door could easily replace one of your regular cabinet doors. By arranging the china in the cabinet to show it off, you will have created an attractive display for your kitchen. A wall shelf is another great place to display your china and isn’t difficult to install. Just be sure to fasten the china to the wall so it doesn’t fall.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money updating your kitchen. Using the resources you have and a little creativity, you can add instant style to your kitchen. In a a future post we’ll be be talking about getting a beautiful oak dining table and a matching wood dining chair to help enhance the look of your home and compliment your kitchen makeover.