Your kitchen should feel fresh and inviting; the kind of space that you enjoy using to cook and entertain. But while you might have loved your kitchen a few decades ago, it’s probably now starting to show its age with outdated units and color schemes.
Here, we’ve shared 5 simple ways to upgrade a tired kitchen, without spending a fortune on a complete renovation.
Change the Handles
Can’t afford (or just don’t want) to refresh your kitchen units with new ones? Rather than ripping everything out and starting again, consider making a smaller change by replacing the handles on your drawers and cupboards.
New handles and knobs will give your cabinets a modern look and help you mold your kitchen design towards your current preferences. Some good handle finishes to consider include matte black, brass, or brushed nickel, which all work with most styles. If your cabinets look dated, making this small change can give them a new lease of life.
Paint the Walls
Nobody enjoys getting the roller out, but there’s no denying that a new coat of paint instantly lifts any space.
If your kitchen is still painted with outdated, dark shades, it’s time to brighten it up. Go for light colors like white, cream, or pale grey, especially if you have a small kitchen and want to make it feel bigger.
Bold colors like deep green or navy aren’t something you need to rule out as they can add character, but they’re best paired with white worktops and appliances to avoid making your kitchen look too dark. Choose a paint with a washable, moisture-resistant finish to keep the walls clean, and hire professional painting services for a top-quality job.
Update the Lighting
Good lighting is another simple design choice that can make all the difference in your kitchen.
If your kitchen is dim even with the lights on, consider swapping out old fixtures with poor-quality bulbs for pendant lights or LED recessed lighting. A modern lighting idea is under-cabinet lighting, which gives the room a cozy feel and makes it easier to see what you’re cooking.
Refresh the Backsplash
If you don’t want to go as far as repainting your entire kitchen, consider focusing on a smaller part of the walls: the backsplash.
Swapping out an outdated backsplash for a new one will bring your kitchen into the modern era without you having to do a full renovation. You can use peel-and-stick tiles if you’re not a fan of DIY and just want an easy, budget-friendly solution. If you can’t replace the tile completely, try painting over your existing backsplash with tile paint.
Replace or Paint Cabinet Doors
Finally, we’ve already discussed replacing the handles on your cabinets, but if you want to go one step further, consider replacing or painting the doors.
This is a good option if your cabinets are looking worn but still in good condition. If you’re considering painting your cabinets, go for white, sage green, or navy—and the whole kitchen will look brand new.
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