Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Without Starting Over
Over time kitchens can become dull and look tired due to the amount of time they are used. However, it isn’t always obvious that your kitchen could do with a refresh when the time comes. If you start to notice surfaces are chipping, cupboards are breaking, or the kitchen doesn’t clean as well as it used to, then it could mean it’s due for an upgrade.
Kitchen upgrades can be very costly if you start over completely and get a whole new kitchen installed. However, there are ways to make a tired kitchen gleam again without splashing the cash. Use what you’ve got and make your kitchen look brand new with these ways to refresh your kitchen without having to start over.
Choose a color scheme that suits your kitchen
Before you start your kitchen refresh, assess your current kitchen and look for areas that can be improved. This could be obvious areas such as repairs needed to furniture or less obvious areas such as the color of everything within the kitchen. Look at the color scheme you have and decide if it complements and elevates your kitchen or if it’s mismatched and dull. It’s also ideal to factor in if you like the color scheme as the space is used regularly and should reflect your personal style.
If the color scheme needs updating, it is best to choose lighter complementary colors for furniture, paint, and appliances. This will help to give a fresher and brighter feel to the kitchen, instantly improving it.
Add a splash of color to the walls
A simple and easy quick fix to elevate your kitchen is to paint the walls or use wallpaper. This will instantly boost the feel of your kitchen and make it look less tired. Choose a color that brightens the room and a color you love too. If you want to use wallpaper, use it on one wall as a feature wall and make sure it isn’t a dull and dark color and the pattern matches your vision.
Fix and paint existing cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most visible areas of a kitchen and can be a major factor in a tired-looking kitchen. They can chip, break, and look dull over time and dampen the room massively. A way to revamp the kitchen is to fix any broken cabinets and paint them. Doing this without the need of fully replacing them is possible but it can also be a good DIY challenge for you.
If your kitchen cupboards are broken or chipped, you can replace the broken part quite simply. Many kitchen cupboards use MDF wood for the shelving, doors, and interior paneling. To refresh them without fully replacing them, you can simply purchase some cut to size MDF and use it for the interior or exterior of the broken cupboards. Make sure to properly seal the MDF with primer and top it off with high-quality paint to make the cupboard pop again.
Once you have patched up any broken cupboards, choose a high-quality paint that complements your color scheme to make them pop once more. If new hardware has been used, make sure to sand, prime, and then paint the cupboard for a longer-lasting finish.
Update hardware
Treat your kitchen to some new hardware where needed. This may be for the kitchen cupboards to give them a sleek finish. If the handles or knobs are looking dull and tired, replace them with new ones. It is best to use matching handles or knobs to create a uniform look across your kitchen. However, you can mix it up a bit to give your kitchen an edgy style, as long as it doesn’t look too mismatched.
Add open shelving
If you prefer the trendy unfitted and freestanding style, that is popular at the moment in kitchens, then you could always replace your cabinets with open shelving. Doing this will give your kitchen a more open look, making it feel bigger. Open shelving will modernize your kitchen and will double up for storage and display. If you have a lot of kitchen utensils, it could be best to keep some wall cabinets and add open shelves in a smaller section of the kitchen.
Change lighting
Lighting can make or break a room and can instantly change the look and feel of your kitchen. Replacing the lighting is fundamental in order to refresh your kitchen. For a more contemporary feel, choose simple lighting and for a sleek look choose industrial-style lighting. You can even have more modern jewel pendants and chandeliers for a grand look if you wish. Swapping the lighting out will instantly change the room in the best way. Whichever lighting you choose, make sure to have the same temperature bulbs that you have throughout your home.
Replace countertops
Replacing countertops isn’t as expensive as it may seem, especially for an average-sized kitchen. It is actually quite inexpensive, easy, and quick to do. Replacing your countertops can make an outdated kitchen sparkle once more. If you paint your kitchen cabinets too, your kitchen will look like a brand-new one that’s just been fitted!
If you like a warm tone for your kitchen, oak and walnut are great materials to use while if you’re looking for a sleek, modern look, try darker countertops or marble-style ones.
Update flooring
The floors in kitchens are used heavily and can get easily damaged. Plus, staining can occur making your kitchen floor look dull and dirty. Updating the flooring can easily brighten the room back up. Wood and wood-effect flooring is an excellent choice to elevate a kitchen instantly. Darker shades provide a lovely contrast with lighter cabinets and countertops. However, porcelain and marble tiling are also a great choice to update your kitchen.
If you want to create a more homely feel, add in a stylish rug to bring the kitchen up to date. When choosing a rug, make sure the color complements the theme in your kitchen and the rest of your house to create continuity throughout your home.
Purchase or make new furniture
Another simple and effective way to refresh your kitchen is to purchase new furniture. This doesn’t have to be expensive as you can easily get modern, stylish, and perfect-condition second-hand furniture. Adding a new table or bar stools can transform your kitchen instantly and revamp it to its former glory.
If you’re a whizz at DIY, you can also make unique and edgy furniture. This can be whatever your imagination creates such as a uniquely shaped stool or a water-resin dining table!
Try some of these ways to refresh your kitchen without having to start over from scratch. You can easily and quickly change the look and feel of your kitchen to create a modern, sleek, and stylish space again that you love!
Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development and strategic planning.
