In the process of refurbishing our homes, we often tend to overlook the kitchen. The general perception is that kitchen upgrades require a lot of permanent changes, a big budget and a longer timeline. But what if we tell you there are ways to upgrade your kitchen easily without burning a hole in your wallet? That’s right! Refurbishing your kitchen does not have to be a long-drawn and complicated process that might hamper your space’s functionality for weeks at a stretch. In this article, we will explore some easy steps you can take to amp up your kitchen space in the most cost-effective way possible.
See also: Improve your Indian kitchen with these simple upgrades
Paint or refinish cabinets
Applying a new coat of paint or a finish to your cabinets is probably the simplest way to give your kitchen a fresh look. Start by removing the cabinet doors and hardware and clean and sand the surface thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion. It is also recommended to prime the surface. Then apply at least two coats of high-quality durable paints suitable for the material.
For refinishing, make sure to remove the old finish completely and sand the surface before applying the new coat. Use a wood stain or clear wood finish as preferred by following the product instructions. Achieve a better and deeper look by applying multiple coats and finishing with an extra layer of protective topcoat.
Update cabinet hardware
Removing old hardware and replacing them with newer, more contemporary designs is pretty straightforward and can go a long way in enhancing the look of your space. Measure the existing holes to ensure that the new hardware fits correctly. If not, use an adaptor plate to make it work. Brushed nickel, matte black or gold are some design ideas you can opt for for a fresh look.
Add a backsplash
Amp up the bare walls of your kitchen with something more visually appealing. Backsplashes are a great way to add interest to your kitchen. Go for peel-and-stick tiles that are designed to imitate traditional tiles but are much easier to install. Clean the wall surface and measure and cut the tiles as needed. Then simply peel off the backing and press the tiles into place. For any gaps, use a grout pen to fill them up.
You can also consider applying a fresh dash of colour to the walls to enhance visual interest. Opt for high-quality, washable paint, preferably with a semi-gloss finish. Achieve clean lines and neatly paint adjacent surfaces by using painter’s tape. If you want some texture, consider using a stencil or sponge painting technique.
Change the lighting
Changing up the lighting a little is an underrated yet functional way to refurbish your kitchen. Replace outdated fixtures with modern designs. Think pendant lights over an island or sink that can provide sufficient illumination without compromising style. Moreover, energy-efficient LED fixtures can result in savings on electricity bills and also reduce the heat in the kitchen area.
Further, brighten up countertops and add ambiance by installing LED strip lights or puck lights under cabinets. These are available in adhesive backing and clip varieties for easy installation and removal.
Install a new faucet
Look for faucets with updated designs to replace your regular faucet. Those with a pull-down sprayer or touchless features are some options you can consider for enhanced functionality and style. However, make sure the design you choose matches your sink and is compatible with your plumbing.
Before beginning the installation process, make sure to shut off the water supply. Remove the old faucet carefully and follow the instructions provided for installing the new one. The process typically involves fitting the faucet into the sink, connecting the plumbing and securing it with nuts.
Update countertops
Contact paper is an easy way to refresh your countertops and break the monotony. Opt for a design that resembles granite, marble or wood. Clean and prep the surface thoroughly before application and carefully apply it, smoothing out any bubbles and wrinkles as you proceed.
While involving a slightly more complicated and tedious process, tiles nevertheless provide a durable and more permanent solution. The installation involves measuring and cutting the tiles to fit your countertop and pressing the tiles into place by applying a thin layer of tile adhesive. Once the adhesive sets, grouting the seams is necessary for more professional results.
Add open shelves
Create some visual interest and break the monotony by sprucing up your cabinets. Remove the doors or sections of some upper cabinets at regular intervals to achieve open shelving. Complement them by installing floating shelves or brackets made of wood or metal that goes with your kitchen decor. You can use them to display dishes, glassware or decorative items.
Refresh the floor
Refreshing your kitchen floors does not have to be complicated business. Vinyl planks and tiles are easy to install and available in various designs, resembling the looks of materials like wood and stone. Simply clean the existing floor, prime if required and lay down the vinyl planks according to the instructions. Removing the existing flooring is not required.
If you are looking for a temporary flooring solution, area rugs are the ideal choice. Select the rug that is durable and easy to clean and place it in high-traffic areas to add a dash of colour and comfort while protecting the flooring.
Accessorise well
While not a common practice, installing curtains on kitchen windows can be a functional addition if done keeping in mind safety considerations. Opt for fabrics that complement your kitchen’s decor scheme and keep the length short to prevent them from coming in the way. Simple tie-top or grommet curtains are recommended as they are easy to install and change.
Place more decor items, such as plants, artwork or a stylish fruit bowl, on the countertop or open shelves. You can also go for displaying cutting boards and decorative jars to maintain the functionality of the space.
Organise and declutter
Organising and decluttering are essential to keep any space in order. Same goes for your kitchen. Consider using organising tools such as drawer organisers, shelf risers and storage bins to keep items neatly arranged in place. Clearing off countertops after every use and organising pantry items can significantly help the kitchen feel more spacious and functional.
DIY projects
While seeming subtle, adding or updating trim around windows, doors and cabinets can make a big difference to your kitchen space.It is recommended to use a pre-cut moulding or create custom designs with wood trim and a mitre saw. If you have sufficient DIY skills, you can even go for slightly more complex projects like wall colour changes, cabinet painting or stencilling for adding design elements.
Repurpose existing items
Unleash your creative potential and come up with ways to repurpose existing items to transform your kitchen into a more functional space. A great example of this is a pot rack ladder, made by sanding and painting an old wooden ladder and mounting it to the ceiling to hold pots and pans. Additionally, you can sand, stain or paint an old door and attach it to existing cabinets or a base to achieve a unique countertop or workspace.
FAQs
What are the most cost-effective ways to refresh kitchen cabinets?
Painting or staining are the easiest and most cost-effective ways of refreshing kitchen cabinets. The process involves cleaning, sanding, priming and application of paint or stain.
How can I update my kitchen backsplash on a budget?
Opt for peel-and-stick tiles that can be easily applied on walls or use washable paint to achieve a colourful or textured backsplash.
Should I invest in new countertops on a tight budget?
Instead of changing the countertop, you can consider more affordable options like contact paper or tile overlays to refresh it.
How can I upgrade my kitchen lighting without spending too much?
Replace existing fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options like LED bulbs and go for under cabinet lighting for a modern and stylish look.
What are some affordable alternatives to replacing kitchen flooring?
Use vinyl planks or tiles that imitate natural materials, are easier to install and can be installed over existing flooring. You can also opt for area rugs or a DIY floor painting project.
How can I give my kitchen a fresh look without major renovations?
Focus on smaller changes like replacing cabinet hardware, updating light fixtures, adding a new backsplash or decorative elements and regular reorganising and decluttering.
Are DIY projects for the kitchen a good idea for cost saving?
If you have the required time and skills, you can save a lot of money by undertaking tasks like painting, installing backsplashes or updating hardware on your own.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
Was this article useful?😃 (0)😐 (0)😔 (0)
Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
Source link
