5 Easy And Efficient Kitchen Updates DIYers Should Know

Updating your kitchen can be an easy weekend project. Updates like painting your cabinets, installing a new backsplash, replacing your hardware or faucet and adding drawer and shelf storage solutions are quick ways to give your kitchen a facelift.

Bring in a little color, texture and surprising functionality to make your kitchen an enjoyable place to prep, cook and spend time with family.

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Kitchen Update vs. Remodel

A kitchen update includes several DIY ways to refresh the look and feel of cabinets, appliances and walls. Low-risk projects like painting and replacing drawer pulls and knobs are great ways to spruce up your kitchen on a tight budget and schedule.

Kitchen remodels have a more extensive scope and budget. A remodel includes tasks best left to professional contractors, such as:

• Removing a wall to make the space bigger • Moving the stove, sink or refrigerator to create a “work triangle” • Adding plumbing fixtures like a pot filler or island sink • Adding electrical outlets, recessed lighting or switches • Installing stone countertops

A well-remodeled kitchen can sell a home or increase its value. Get the most out of your investment by hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor to get the project done safely and according to inspector standards.

1. Paint your Cabinets

Painting cabinets is one of the best ways to modernize a kitchen. From white to blue to two-tone looks, you have nearly endless color options.

Bring home samples and examine them in the light throughout the day. How does it look in natural and artificial light? Find a color that looks great in both, enhances your theme and compliments your fixtures, appliances and countertops.

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Painting cabinet boxes, doors and drawer faces is one of the most time-consuming DIYs (totaling about three days when you include curing time). Still, it is one of the most noticeable and gratifying updates if you’re willing to do the work.

2. Replace Hardware

Replacing builder-grade knobs and drawer pulls with new or vintage hardware adds character to your kitchen. In just a few minutes, you can quickly transform outdated doors into seemingly new cabinets.

Hardware doesn’t have to match the finish of your sink and appliances. Mixing metals—like brass pulls with black appliances—adds visual interest to your kitchen design.

Most homeowners handle drawer pulls and cabinet door knobs every day. So, choose a style that is easy to clean and matches the old hardware’s drill length (the distance between drill holes) for quick installation. If needed, you can fill holes or drill new ones to change the style.

Look for a hardware design that is as functional as it is beautiful. Ornate styles might catch on loose clothes while novelty pulls turn off prospective buyers. Consider whether the style you choose is suitable for family members with arthritis or limited dexterity.

(Note: All details and prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

3. Find New Fabrics

A kitchen hardly feels like home until there’s a towel draped in front of the oven. Fabric finishings, like hand towels, rugs or upholstered barstools, add softness to the space.

A well-placed runner or rug helps make standing at the sink or counter easier on your feet. Consider adding a slip-resistant mat underneath to keep it in place and add extra cushion. You can also buy washable rugs to keep your updated kitchen looking like new.

4. Add Cabinet Accessories and Drawer Organizers

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It feels like half of the time we spend in the kitchen is spent fetching ingredients, pans, bowls and silverware. But few households invest in storage solutions beyond a flatware organizer. If you’re looking to update your kitchen, this is your reminder to add cabinet accessories that you’ll use every day.

Install roll-out trays to take advantage of all the space in your cabinets. Lazy susans, corner pullouts or blind-corner organizers keep everything you need within reach. Add door mounts, under-shelf baskets, racks, and dividers to keep lids, utensils, spices and cookware organized.

5. Install a Backsplash

Add pattern and texture to your kitchen with a new backsplash. These days, a new backsplash can be as easy as peel-and-stick.

Among the most popular styles is white subway tile, but you can choose virtually any size, shape and color. Most are made from either ceramic, porcelain or glass.

TIP: The smaller and more textured the tile, the harder it will be to wipe clean.

If you choose tile, the next choice to make is grout color. Generally, something close to the tile itself will look good, but you can add contrast by choosing something darker, lighter or metallic.

Designers sometimes capture the vertical space above range by using a herringbone or vertical lines. Why stop with the minimum three-inch sink splash? Install the backsplash all the way to the upper cabinets or ceiling for a contemporary look. Consider edging exposed sides with metal trim.

You can also install spatter-proof wallpaper for a pop of color or dramatic backdrop. Hang it on an accent wall or paper it all. Be mindful of how you want to balance color and pattern throughout the room.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens