We all have versions of our dream kitchen in our minds. But, a full-scale kitchen renovation isn’t always a possibility. People spend thousands of dollars on kitchen remodeling projects only after an extended duration of time or when they are planning to sell their house in the near future. But, even if you renovated your kitchen a few years ago, you may still feel as if it looks stale. Thankfully, it’s possible to update the look and feel of your kitchen without having to spend a hefty amount of money. Here in this post, we will discuss the top seven ways you can update your kitchen. Read on.

1. Update the Kitchen Lighting

Your kitchen is one place in your home where you’d always want form & function to overlap seamlessly. Upgrading the kitchen lighting is one of the easiest ways to add a new dose of style & substance to the space where you spend several hours each day.

Even if a major kitchen lighting upgrade isn’t feasible right now, you can always swap the lights. Updating the lights is an impressive yet inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen.

From dramatic pendant lights over the kitchen sink and puck lights underneath the cabinets to a dramatic chandelier in place of an ordinary ceiling lamp, recessed lights to brighten up the kitchen countertop, and flash-mount ceiling fixtures for multi-directional illumination – there are countless options available today. You can find kitchen lights that match your unique requirements and style preferences quite easily. Do keep in mind that some lights can only be installed by a skilled handyman.  

2. Install New Plumbing Fixtures in Your Kitchen

Over time, plumbing fixtures lose their luster due to rust. You may find that the finish on your kitchen faucet is cracking, no matter how many times you clean it. Your porcelain sink may appear as if it’s never clean.

Due to excessive wear & tear, various fixtures and plumbing systems such as water hoses, faucets, water filtration systems, garbage disposals, basket containers, etc. may develop leaks. While you can always hire plumbing leak detection specialists to keep your monthly water bill in check, it is a good idea to consider replacing some fixtures to preempt the inconvenience broken fixtures cause.

You can, for instance, install water-saving faucets, get a new dishwasher, or install a new sink. Many of these kitchen upgrades can be completed even when you are on a budget. The good news is that such upgrades also add to the value of your property. Also, here are some home maintenance checklists that can really help to make your sweet home long-lasting. 

3. Paint the Walls

Do you already love the kitchen cabinet color? Does it not blend so well with the rest of the kitchen? Well, you can punch up your kitchen’s ambiance with a new color on the walls.

Whether you pick a dark or bright hue, just make sure it goes well with your cabinets. Keep in mind that some shades such as red can feel intense in the kitchen. Cheerful (e.g. yellow) or calming (blue, green, white, etc.) shades generally look better in kitchens.

4. Upgrade the Kitchen Flooring

Are you tired of the traditional rolled vinyl and linoleum flooring? This time, you can opt for a more stylish and timeless material like stone, tile, or wood. These materials won’t just last longer; they will also boost the value of your property.

However, if you are looking for inexpensive options for kitchen flooring, you can still consider other, DIY-friendly materials as well. Laminate flooring, for instance, can mimic various premium floor coverings, including ceramic tiles, stone, or wood, but it isn’t an ideal option if you have a moisture problem. Also, it is susceptible to scratching and cannot be cleaned by wet mopping.

Ceramic tiles are among the most popular options for kitchen flooring; you get an elegant flooring surface that can last for decades. Ceramic kitchen floors are easy to clean but the hard surface can at times lead to fatigue. Ceramic tiles also feel cold on the feet. So, you may need to place a rug in the kitchen during the cold spell.

5. Get Rid of the Upper Cabinetry

Did you move into an old property a few months ago? Do you have an outdated kitchen with extended upper cabinetry to house cookware, dishes, and other stuff? People admired such kitchens decades ago but not anymore.

Extended upper cabinetry often makes your kitchen space feel cluttered. If you have been thinking of opening up the kitchen space, consider removing the old cabinets installed on the kitchen walls, near the ceiling.  If you still need some space to display some decorative items and stylish dishware, consider creating some open shelves in the same space.

6. Create a Seating Area

Your kitchen is likely to be the busiest area of your home. People bond easily when they cook and dine together. You may have noticed that nearly all modern kitchens have dedicated seating areas.  If you have enough space available, you can consider creating a dedicated lounge area in the kitchen with colorful and easy-to-clean fabrics. Even some countertop stools, a bench by the window, or a few seats at the breakfast bar can add a whole new appeal to your kitchen.

7. Add Some Decorative Elements

Your kitchen is an integral part of your dwelling. A well-decorated kitchen can inspire good conversations, tasty food, and memories. Not just open-plan kitchens, compact kitchens can also be beautifully styled. Since color plays a crucial role in the aesthetics of any space, consider establishing a harmonious color theme in your kitchen area. You can also create a focal wall in the kitchen to create a great first impression. Adding statement lighting, potted plants, breakfast bars, area rugs, glass doors, mirrors, etc., are some easy ways to increase a compact kitchen’s curb appeal without having to shell out a fortune. You can also place a few things on top of the appliances, ditch the unnecessary hardware, experiment with the wallpaper, or expose some of your stylish goods.