10 Ways to Update your Kitchen
(Without extensive construction)
Written By: Jada Carlson
Kitchens are a space families and friends have gathered in for, seemingly, as long as kitchens have existed. While their main function revolves around practicality, this doesn’t mean they have to lack beauty.
Replacing, or installing, a backsplash, replacing your countertop, and cabinets are the most surefire ways to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, but If it’s not the right time for such projects, here are 10 simple solutions to transforming your kitchen from bland to beautiful.
One of the simplest ways to refresh your kitchen doesn’t require any construction at all. Switch out all your mundane utensils and dishes with gorgeous substitutes, whether that be gold silverware, wood grain bowls, pretty cutting boards, and/or measuring cups. This is especially true if you don’t have much storage space for these items. If they must sit out on your counter, why couldn’t they be pretty to look at?
(photos: Center of design, Inc.)
Speaking of pretty appliances, let’s look at this on a larger scale. Your oven, your dishwasher, microwave are all pivotal aspects of a practical kitchen, but let’s be honest with ourselves- they’re ugly. The good news is, they don’t have to be! The appliance industry has recently taken to manufacturing these essential products with aesthetics in mind. Add a pop of color to your space with a bold colored refrigerator, replace your oven with a gold accented oven, or match your appliances to your hardware, backsplash or cabinets because who says that functional items can’t look pretty?
(photo: www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cute-kitchen-appliances/) (photo: www.enwoodhouse.com/kitchen-remodel-update-our-gorgeous-appliances/)
One of the simplest ways to update your kitchen is to replace your dated, scratched up cabinetry hardware. Go for hardware that matches your appliances, countertops, or faucets to achieve a cohesive look- if unsure which direction to go, gold hardware tends to be a subtle way to update your kitchen without committing to anything too risky.
(photos: Center of design, Inc.)
Kitchen’s tend to be lacking in the realm of décor. Since most of us don’t have huge spaces to work with we dedicate every inch to practical prep or storage space, but it really doesn’t take much effort (or space) to make your kitchen feel more like home. There is an easy formula to do this. Look for smaller items such as small framed prints, cookbooks, candles, and plants ,and why not free up some storage and display your functional items, such as cutting boards, pitchers, and/or utensils while you’re at it?
(photos: www.realsimple.com/kitchen-counter-decor-7966066)
Really don’t have space for décor? Add shelving! Not only are shelves another source of organization, but they become a unique focal point of your kitchen. As each season comes and goes, shelves offer a great space to continually switch between different décor styles. Feeling a vintage cottage look? Add pressed flowers and vintage prints. Want a modern aesthetic? Add a geometric print and a modern sculpture. Looking for something more rustic? Add galvanized décor. Shelves are the shape shifters of the design world. They provide a canvas for you to change up the overall feel of your kitchen- whenever you desire.
(photos: www.lizmarieblog.com/2018/02/cottage-style-kitchen-shelves-to-paint-or-stain/)
Don’t invest all your focus into the countertops and above. Kitchen rugs tend to be simple solutions when transforming your kitchen from bland to beautiful and yet they are often overlooked. Switch out your kitchen rugs for each season or every time you wanna achieve a different look.
(photos:https://www.rugs-direct.com/kitchen-rug-ideas)
Lighting is another factor that can drastically change your space. Updating your light fixtures is another way to spruce up your kitchen. Lighting fixtures can make or break your space. When choosing a finish take your appliances and hardware into consideration. When choosing the design of a light fixture, think about the style you’re trying to achieve.
(photos: Center of design, Inc.)
Don’t only consider the overall look of a lighting fixture- think about your lightbulbs. A white light bulb may make your kitchen feel too cold, choosing a warmer light bulb could give your space a more relaxed ambiance. If you want your kitchen to feel modern go for cool bulbs.
(photos:ledhut.co.uk/blogs/news/the-difference-between-warm-white-daylight-and-cool-white-led-bulbs
Sometimes no light fixture or lightbulb can compensate for the lack of natural light. Natural light just may be secret number one to achieving a beautiful space. Large windows, or many windows, are a must to keep your space feeling fresh, new, and inspiring!
(photos: Center of design, Inc.)
The final tip to update your kitchen is to declutter. Yes, this was not what you wanted to hear but sometimes, instead of adding things to a space, elimination is the answer. Go through and remove any old, broken, unused, and unloved items from your kitchen. If you don’t use an object, or if it doesn’t incite any sense of excitement or appreciation in you, dispose of it. Not only will this free up storage space, but it will make your kitchen look and feel new!
(photos: Center of design, Inc.)
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be solely sensible. There is a world where effectiveness and appeal can coexist. If you follow these tips, then you’re well on your way to achieving such a balance.
-Jada Carlson
(Center of Design, Designer & Marketing Rep.)
