There are many reasons for wanting to do a kitchen renovation. Maybe the space is looking a bit out of date. It might not be as functional as you’d like. It could also just be that you need a bit of a change and would like to make a few improvements.
Whatever your reason, it is possible to update the heart of your home without embarking on a complete kitchen renovation that requires a lot of time and money.
Village Media spoke to Ashleigh at Heritage Home Hardware about a few easy ways you can remodel this space. You can indeed update the look and feel of your kitchen without spending a ton or having to live through an invasive kitchen remodel, she says. New colours, new finishes and a couple of easy updates to your lighting and cabinetry can all make a big impact.
Update the colour
Paint your walls or your existing kitchen cabinetry—or both—because new hues in the kitchen can pack a sizeable wallop in terms of style, even though the update is easy on your wallet.
If you go all white, Ashleigh says, you’ll end up with a kitchen that feels fresh, timeless and anything but boring. That’s because when you use white paint it allows bright or dark dramatic accents to draw the eye. Did you know that all-white kitchens also tend to boost resale value? It’s thought that the blank canvas of an all-white kitchen allows potential new homeowners to be able to envision changes better.
You could, of course, choose a bright colour instead. Certain classic hues, like cherry red and sunny yellow, are timeless. Red paint is known to spark appetites, while yellow paint is a mood-lifter. When these colours are used on the walls, red can make a large kitchen feel a bit cozier while a lighter yellow colour can make a smaller space feel larger.
Blue is now a popular colour for kitchens. The right shade of blue paint works just as beautifully on the walls as it does on cabinetry. Choose a pale blue when you’re hoping to create a fresh, clean space. Deep blue, on the other hand, can add drama and works in both traditional and modern settings.
Grey paint has been extremely popular in kitchens for several years now. Lighter shades create a cool, expansive feel, while dark grey kitchen cabinets can be a great complement to natural wood finishing.
Another great choice when you want to add some colour to your kitchen is green paint. It can add a natural, organic feel and is calm and inviting. Choose a fresh, leafy green to add vibrancy, an olive hue as a warm and sophisticated neutral or deep green for something a bit more traditional.
Install a new kitchen faucet
One DIY-friendly project that also happens to be affordable is to update your kitchen faucet. If you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, a vintage-inspired brass faucet would complement it nicely. If yours is a more modern space, try a matte black faucet.
In terms of functionality, some prefer a two-handle faucet, which can also add colour and texture to your sink area. If you prefer a hands-free option, opt for a touchless kitchen faucet. A pull-down sprayer kitchen faucet is very handy and adds a bold arch profile to your kitchen décor.
Put in a new kitchen sink
Don’t overlook your sink and the style that a new one can add to your space. If you’re planning to install a new kitchen faucet, it might be worthwhile to upgrade your kitchen sink too.
In terms of materials, if you’re looking for something timeless and easy to maintain, go with stainless steel. If it’s the farmhouse kitchen feel that you’re after, choose porcelain. If you were hoping to make your sink a focal point—and you don’t mind spending a little more—consider granite or copper.
The next element to keep in mind is the style of mount. Go with an undermount sink if you’re choosing marble, quartz or granite. For all other countertop styles? Drop-in sinks are a versatile option.
Add an affordable backsplash
A peel and stick backsplash is easy to install, affordable and removable. It mimics the look of real tile but at a fraction of the cost. Find it in a range of materials, from vinyl to metal, glass and stone; it comes in squares that have an adhesive backing.
You’ll want to make sure your walls are properly prepped first. Make sure you have the right tools to cut and trim the backsplash during installation.
Update your kitchen lighting
Changing your lighting is one of the quickest ways to update a space and give it a more modern feel. It’s a relatively small change that has a big impact. When replacing your kitchen lighting, think about the style you’re going for. If your kitchen has a rustic ambiance, look for chandeliers with some wood details to bring the space together and add warmth. If it’s a more modern look you’re hoping for, you can’t go wrong with pendant lighting done in a sleek chrome finish.
It’s not all about overhead lighting either. Be sure to layer levels of lighting for a more sophisticated look. Wall sconces are a great way to enhance the mood and feel of a space; they can be quite elegant and give the room a beautiful glow. You’ll also want to think practically about the specific areas where you might need some extra illumination. In this case, undercabinet lighting is great for tasks and to add ambiance at night.
Swap out your kitchen cabinet doors
You can easily change the look of your kitchen by swapping out your old cabinet doors yourself, as long as your cabinet boxes remain in good condition. Think about the style you’d like, from traditional shaker cabinets to sleek Danish slabs, and your material of choice, keeping in mind the following:
- Solid wood cabinet doors can be easily cut to size
- Thermofoil and MDF doors cost less and come fully finished
- Measure twice and then measure again before purchasing
- For the on-trend open shelving look, leave a few of your cabinet boxes doorless
Install new cabinet hardware
Another easy way to upgrade your kitchen is to install new cabinet hardware. Choose from an assortment of knobs, drawer pulls, hinges, latches and catches to accessorize your cabinets.
Here are a few tricks that can help. If you have a vintage kitchen, consider wooden knobs; not only are they budget-friendly, they’re paintable so you can match your décor. Even if you have a humble, unfussy space to cook in, you can add a feeling of luxury with metal door pulls in brass or cast iron. To create the illusion of custom cabinetry, try installing decorative cabinet hinges.
Add ceiling panels
We don’t often think about adding decorative details to our ceilings, but if your kitchen has a 9’ ceiling or higher, why not consider a panel or coffered ceiling?
You add sunken panels (also known as coffers) and either leave them plain or cover them with decorative ceiling tiles, which are then framed by a grid of faux beams. A classic architectural detail, it adds visual interest, making the space appear bigger.
Install new kitchen flooring
Nothing refreshes a space quite like new flooring. It’s an instant update that is sure to get noticed. Probably the easiest to install is vinyl flooring, which comes in sheets, planks and tiles. It is easy to clean, handles moisture well and comes in a broad selection of styles.
Another popular choice is laminate flooring. You can use this to convincingly mimic higher-end flooring, such as hardwood or natural stone, and it too is easy to install.
Add an island
Kitchen islands are versatile; they create a natural gathering space for family and friends but they also add a lot of valuable workspace too. Adding an island can make a large kitchen feel cozier and a small one feel roomier. There are lots of choices, from standalone islands to rolling carts and rustic butcher blocks.
Some tips to help you stay on budget
While refreshing your kitchen is definitely more affordable than a full-blown renovation, it’s still important to make and stick to a budget, looking for savings wherever you can. These tips can help:
Refresh or replace: Make a list of the things you can update rather than replace, as well as a list of items you’ll need to buy new. Now that you have your budget outlined, stick to it and don’t give in to impulse purchases.
Get savvy about sales: Inquire about sales and note the dates in your calendar. Check flyers and subscribe to mailing lists so you won’t miss out on any deals.
Reuse, recycle, refresh: Don’t forget to check salvage stores and thrift shops for reclaimed materials. You might find some great cabinet hardware or fun accessories that you can incorporate into your new kitchen design.
DIY or hire: Certain jobs you may feel comfortable doing yourself, like installing a new backsplash, while others you will definitely want to outsource to a professional.
Updating your kitchen is always a smart move and can only increase the value of your home.
To stay in the know about exclusive deals and event updates, visit Heritage Home Hardware or call 705-759-5101. You can also follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @heritagehomehardware.