When you walk into your kitchen, what do you see? Does a modern-inspired, beautifully-crafted room catch your eye? Or does the place need freshening up?
Start by doing this: See your kitchen through the eyes of an outsider. Pretend to be a visitor that is seeing your kitchen for the first time. Walk around the room, and ask yourself, “what catches my eye?” Are there focal points that need more attention to detail? Are there colors that need to be changed? Perhaps lighting that could be added? Jot down some ideas and work with them. If you have a budget, prioritize the areas that need more focus.
Start researching areas that need a change once you have your notes down on paper. Look up color palettes, try out light fixtures, and pick out new hardware. The goal here is to upgrade your kitchen décor the right way, with the allotted amount of money you have.
We know it’s not an easy task to get your kitchen up-to-date. The first step is knowing what you want to change, and the next step is changing those areas. We’re here to give you some helpful tips on the matter, in hopes that you’ll know what needs improving after you’ve finished reading this article.
Without further ado, let’s get this show on the road!
source: diynetwork.com
Table of Contents
1. Paint the Walls & Cabinets
First things first, choose a color dynamic. Many designers suggest that homeowners choose three colors to fill their kitchens, including an actual color that’s in the room, a neutral color that can work well with all other colors, and a new, unique color that will breathe life into the room. Usually, the actual color is present in the countertops or cabinets, so changing this may not be a priority just yet. A neutral tone will complement other areas of the kitchen, so aim to choose tan, brown, gray, or beige. The new and unique color will be best on accent pieces throughout the kitchen, like a vase or bar stool seat.
Once you’ve selected your color schematic, it’s time to choose your finish. If you want your kitchen to be eye-catching and shiny, go with a gloss finish. If you’d like it to be more modern and artsy, lean towards a satin finish. If you want somewhere in the middle, choose a semi-gloss finish.
What’s the best part about this helpful tip? It’s one of the most inexpensive ways to upgrade your kitchen.
2. Improve Your Lighting
source: pinterest
Updated lighting, whether it be task or ambient lighting, is another refreshing way to bring your kitchen up-to-date. Get rid of those old light fixtures and replace them with entirely new, modern styles.
Need an example? Add some under cabinet lighting. Not only will this add some extra light in areas you may need, but it will also add a design element that not many modern kitchens have just yet. If you don’t want to hire a professional to install an entire light system, purchase some plug-in LED lighting strips and adhesive strips to attach them under your cabinets where they fit best.
3. Remodel the Backsplash
The backsplash may cover a small area of the kitchen, but it is an important focal point when it comes to design. Its primary job is to tie the countertop and cabinet look together, but recently, it’s more so been used to add an element of surprise.
Replace your backsplash with glass tiles, mirror tiles, or laminate tiles. The small area will become the most attractive aspect of your kitchen, especially if you choose an extremely eye-catching look.
4. Choose Modern Hardware
Kitchen cabinet hardware can get old quick; that’s why it’s a good idea to replace the knobs and pulls every few years. What’s the best part of this upgrade? It’s inexpensive, depending on the company you choose to purchase from. You’ll also have a vast variety of styles, colors, and shapes to view online and in-store.
5. Replace Appliances
Replacing appliances may not be in your budget, but if it is, go for it. The upgrade will contribute to a better look, and it will improve the functionality of your kitchen.
Do your research and choose energy star certified appliances if you can, as this will use less energy and save you more money over time.
6. Change the Cabinet Doors
Painting cabinet doors does help bring your kitchen up-to-date, but removing them or re-facing them has the same effect.
If you choose to remove one or more cabinet doors in your kitchen, you’ll likely bring an entirely new design element to the room. Exposed shelves draw attention from outsiders and provide aesthetically pleasing designs for the homeowner to indulge in. Make sure you remove all the joints and hardware securing the doors in place, though, as this may look messy if you don’t.
You’ll spend a little bit more money on your cabinet door upgrade if you choose to reface them. Refacing cabinet doors will require you to completely remove the drawer fronts and add veneer to all visible areas. We encourage the use of a professional; making this a DIY project may bring you more stress than anything.
7. Add Some Plants
source: rentberry.com
If you want some natural color in your kitchen, add a few plants to the room. Always remember to add plants where access to light is possible; you don’t want them to wither away and die on you. If you don’t necessarily have an area to house a plant, purchase a hanging planter and attach it to the ceiling where it’s out of the way from everyday activities.
8. Update Countertops
If you’re looking to stay in budget, updating your countertops may not be the most reasonable option. However, there are ways around replacing your kitchen countertop entirely.
Try resurfacing your counters. This may not work with every countertop option, but it does work with most. If you hire a professional to get the job done, you’ll likely have a glossy surface afterward that looks nearly brand-new.
If you do have a bit of money to work with, check out your countertop options. Granite may be the most popular, but it is on the expensive side. Marble is softer and less durable, but it does have its upsides. Wood and stainless steel options are out there, too. To view all of your options, you can check out Marble.com.
Upgrading your kitchen décor can be a challenging task, but if you have an idea of what you want the room to look like after the remodel, you’re already halfway there.
Always remember your budget. If you have a little bit of money to work with, start by updating the colors in your kitchen. Changing hardware and adding plants can also be done with a low budget. If you have more money to work with, focus on the cabinets and countertops.
No matter what you choose, have fun with it! It may take time, but your modern, up-to-date room will be worth it.