Feeling the need for change every now and then is something everyone can relate to. And what better way to go about that than try to update the looks of your kitchen, a space you probably use more than you realise. However, you may be concerned that the makeover may come with a hefty price. Even if you may have seen some really cute appliances and furniture that you think would fit great in your kitchen, it’s better to do a bit of planning and digging around before jumping straight to it.
The first thing you should decide on is how big of a change you want to make. Do you just want to change the furniture, or are you thinking of a whole new layout? Perhaps you just want a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or you’re debating what kind of cabinets to choose out of those seemingly endless options. If you are undecided and would enjoy a little guidance or a starting point, have a look at some of the following tips.
Determine the best layout for your kitchen
The first thing to keep in mind when starting work on your kitchen is to have its overall layout in mind. They come into many types, and each comes with pros and cons. Knowing this information helps you maximise the space you have, know which type of colours or tones would be best suited to the area, as well as determine if the space can be utilised in another way than simple cooking and eating space. For example, island or parallel kitchens are more spacious and can come in handy when children are running around or if you’ve recently discovered a passion for cooking and feel like you need your space to be creative. If your living space is smaller, these options may not be suitable for you. Still, you may be tempted to look into an open kitchen with all types of spices at one hand distance, which incorporates the rest of the household, or a U-shape style that takes a more utilitarian approach and makes use of all the space you have. Being aware of the layout means you are more likely to avoid buying furniture that does not fit the kitchen, takes up too much space or hinders your daily routine. And so, you save yourself both money and trouble.
Update the cabinets
Who can blame you for getting a bit bored of seeing your same old kitchen cabinets and drawers day in and day out? When it comes to the cabinets, the sky is the limit, really. Sure, you can buy new ones because you think smaller cabinets suit you better now, or you saw some in an amazing shade of blue in a home décor magazine, but if you are just thinking of breathing new life into what you already own, know that’s also an option. Your creativity will be tested, and who knows, you may discover a passion for interior design because of it. You also get to control the process and customise everything as it fits your taste. Painting is a good way to start. You can choose to go for only one colour or feel like geometric or floral patterns fit you better. If you are a collector, cabinets may be a good way to display your prized objects. Whether it’s fine china, candles or fans, this may be their moment to shine. And the best part is that you don’t have to do all these arrangements on your own, you can always have friends and family help. They may even come up with some fantastic input. A makeshift creative workshop, quality time with loved ones and saving money? Sure, it sounds like a great time.
Change the kitchen cabinet doors
Doors see a lot of wear and tear. It may be easy to oversee this, but you’d be surprised what a good feeling you can get from seeing new, fresh doors on your cabinets. Kitchen replacement doors will make you see your kitchen in a new way. Cabinet refacing, as the connoisseurs know it, is generally cheaper than cabinet replacement. Normally, the cost amounts to between a third to half as much as the cost of a complete change. So if you’re working with a tighter budget, this is the go-to choice to make. What’s more, living in an age in which everybody is gaining awareness of sustainability, you may feel that removing cabinets that are in perfect shape is wasteful. And you wouldn’t be wrong to think so, considering recent studies show over 80% of furniture that gets thrown away ends up in a landfill, not a recycling plant. Refacing is also more comfortable, as you can still use the space in the meantime and don’t have to relocate your goodies until the new cabinets arrive. So consider this alternative. It’s the same old kitchen you’ve grown to love and feel comfortable in, but with a more stylish look.
Mix and match fabrics
Fabrics are the perfect way to bring a bit of a whimsical tone to your kitchen. When it comes to the type of fabric, cotton is great, especially the pure, worsted weight yarn, which helps with the heavy-duty work that gets done in the kitchen. You can choose from an array of prints and styles, get matching gloves and aprons to the mix and experiment with table cloths with all kinds of fun prints. You can also find new purposes for older cloths and towels by sewing them together to create new pieces, dyeing or tie-dyeing—a good DIY project to immerse into over the weekend.
Enhance the walls
Walls are very important, although they may be overlooked. Things such as platters, damage from steam or smoke are issues that affect kitchens only and, therefore, their walls. You can redocarte them along with the dining room wall decor. It doesn’t hurt to find new ways to smarten them up. You can use some wallpaper – maybe the removable type, as you may go through some trial and error before finding what you like best – as well as painting to freshen up the whole kitchen. Kitchen paintings are also a good idea.
Change the lights
Choosing kitchen lights that fit the space best can be challenging because there are so many shapes, sizes, and materials. And with sales always around the corner, it’s not difficult to strike a bargain. Linear suspension lights are a classy choice, and you can choose if you like them more minimalistic or more elaborate.
It can seem intimidating to start a project like this. But with a little bit of imagination and daring, you might just create your dream kitchen for a bargain.
