When was the last time you updated your kitchen? Better yet, when was the last time you felt inspired when you were in the kitchen and happy with the way the room looks and functions? Considering the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the entire house, it must be a space that works for you and that reflects your style. And while a kitchen renovation can yield stunning results, it’s not always within the budget or necessary.
If you’re not prepared to take on a massive renovation, here are some ways you can update your kitchen simply by purchasing some must-have items. They will do double duty in that they will make the room feel more stylish and they will provide a functional purpose.
Swap Out the Old Hardware for Modern New Pulls and Handles
Replacing the kitchen cabinets can create a huge impact on the room, but it’s also quite expensive to do and labour-intensive. A more budget-friendly option is to take a look at all the modern hardware available today. This small item can have a huge effect on the cupboards, making them appear new.
When shopping for new hardware, you can choose the same item for all cupboards and doors or go for a customized look, choosing different hardware for the uppers versus the lower cabinets, or the doors versus the drawers. Replacing the hardware is also a DIY job, which means there’s no need to hire a contractor.
Update Your Small Appliances – Choose Modern Looking Models
While you may not have the budget or the desire to replace the large appliances in the kitchen, small appliances can be a great opportunity to bring a modern vibe into the décor. From the finish to the style and colour, there are plenty of small appliances that are practical and necessary yet look beautiful in the kitchen.
A Fellow kettle provides a fresh new take on the typical and traditional design kettles tend to have. It looks very modern, sharp, and clean, making it perfect for a wide variety of décor. Fellow’s products can be found here, where you’ll see different models that meet your needs. Whether you want a tea kettle, electric kettle, or French Press, each one has the modern Fellow features that will stand out in your kitchen.
And it’s not just the kettle that you can update; pretty much any small appliance you have that’s more than a few years old could likely do with a refresh. That includes such things as your coffee machine/maker, stand mixer, blender, toaster, toaster oven, microwave and so forth. As you shop for new ones, think in terms of the overall look, and how that appliance will blend in with the décor. Don’t be afraid to choose pops of colour too as they can end up being a fun focal point in the kitchen.
Install New Taps and Sink
The kitchen sink is something that is used multiple times a day and plays an important role in the kitchen. If it’s not the right size or shape, it can hamper the functionality of the space. This is another opportunity to make a modern design change by installing a new faucet and sink.
If you plan on doing the job yourself, you’ll want to stick to the same size so that it’s a simpler project. Changing the size and shape of the sink means you’ll be dealing with countertop issues, which is a bigger and more expensive project.
In terms of what’s trending in the world of sinks, the farmhouse sink is still having a moment. These are very large sinks that often have two sections in them. They tend to be very deep and wide, making them perfect for large kitchens and large families.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Lighting in the kitchen also plays an important role. You want to be sure that all areas and surfaces of the kitchen are well-lit so that meal preparation is smooth. One tip is to install under-cabinet lighting. Again, it will refresh the look of your cabinets, bring out the colours and textures of your countertop, and even bring attention to the backsplash. It’s a simple project that has a ripple effect on the overall feel of the kitchen.
There are different styles of under-cabinet lighting, most of which can easily be installed by the homeowner. The most popular types of under cabinet lighting are:
- Puck lights
- LED strip lights
- LED light fixtures
- Fluorescent fixtures
No matter what you pick, the lighting will elevate the look of the kitchen, making it feel customized.
If you don’t have the budget to gut your kitchen and start from scratch, each of these updates will help to modernize the space and make it feel stylish and new again.
