Your kitchen is looking outdated or a little tired, but there’s no money in the budget for an expensive renovation. Here are some inexpensive ways to jazz up that kitchen to make it look fresh and modern.
1.Display art or photographs on walls, backsplashes, or shelves
As well as displaying some of your favorite art and photos, why not frame treasured mementos and keepsakes, such as wedding invitations, travel tickets, and old family recipes. Choose colors and themes matching the rest of your kitchen. If you have the space, you can dedicate a whole wall to one large photograph. Get a family portrait printed onto canvas. You can even do that yourself as an art project. What better place for a family photo than the heart of the home.
You could even use framed pictures to perk up a tired backsplash. Any food splatters are easily wiped off. If you don’t want to use hammer and nails on the backsplash, or any other place to hang pictures, use command hooks instead. This is a good solution for renters as well who don’t want to damage walls. Make sure the hooks you choose can hold the weight of what you’re hanging, and that they match the type of surface you’ll be using.
2. Update your lighting
Pendant lights are very popular right now. A pendant light is a single light fixture that hangs from the ceiling by a chain, metal rod, or cord. Often they’re hung in multiples in a straight line. There are many styles to choose from, with prices to suit every budget. Pendant lights should be hung a uniform distance from each other, based on the amount of available space. The standard is 30 inches apart, measuring the distance between the bulbs. Place them 28–34 inches above the countertop, 30–36 inches above a kitchen island.
Whether you’re replacing or adding new lighting, this would be a good time to also update your switch plate covers.
3. Paint an Accent Wall
An accent wall is one wall in a room that’s painted a different color. Now you just have to decide which wall and what color. The accent wall is generally the first one you see when you walk into a room. However, that doesn’t always work if there’s more than one entrance. You might choose a wall that isn’t mostly concealed by cabinets, counters, or large appliances because you want the accent color to stand out in the room. There are many opinions on what colors are best for a kitchen accent wall, but because this is your kitchen, you should choose the wall and color you think will create the effect you’re going for.
4. Replace your knobs and pulls
Before rushing out to buy new hardware, consider the number and types you’ll need. Are you replacing knobs with knobs and pulls with pulls? Do you want the same size so the holes match up when you install the new ones (did you check measurements)? If you’re replacing with a different type of hardware (e.g. knobs for pulls), the old holes won’t line up and you’ll have to fill them, then paint or stain. Buy a few extra knobs or pulls in case something breaks later and that type of hardware is no longer available.
If you’re replacing the hardware with a different size, make sure the new size won’t be hitting another object when you open the drawer or door, or that they’ll be catching on your clothing. Also, will the new hardware be easy for all family members to use?
5. Add a rug
A rug protects the kitchen floor, adds color, and helps to create a cozy, welcoming space. You can add a smaller rug in front of the sink (also more comfortable for standing), or a much larger rug if you have the floor space. Why not add both if you find a good sale? Indoor/outdoor rugs are great for the kitchen because there’s high traffic and the floor is likely to get wet. The family dog or cat will also enjoy the comfort of a rug rather than the hard floor.
6. Use Small Appliances as Decorations
This is an inexpensive and simple way to add life to your kitchen. These days, small kitchen appliances come in all styles, sizes and colors. Wouldn’t it be fun to make toast in a bright red or tangerine toaster? How about a royal blue counter kettle or a grass-green stovetop kettle to boil water for that yellow teapot? Slow cookers, toaster ovens, water purifier pitchers, blenders, coffee and espresso makers, have all undergone a color evolution, providing you with a decorating choice in addition to their practical function. Display them on your countertop and swap them out when you want to refresh your kitchen with different color accents.
7. Add a backsplash
Adding a backsplash doesn’t have to be expensive. One method is to use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles. They look like ceramic tiles, can be installed over an existing backsplash, can be cut to fit, are resistant to heat and moisture, and can easily be removed. This is a good choice for renters wanting to spruce up their kitchens. There are a number of materials to choose from, such as vinyl, metal, glass, and stone.
A mirror makes a great backsplash if your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of light. It will brighten the room, as well as make it seem larger.
Other methods of adding a backsplash include: peel-and-stick wallpaper, reclaimed wood (seal the planks and use removable adhesive putty to attach the wood to the wall), and pegboard. Pegboard is inexpensive, easy to install, and can be painted any color you like. It can also do double duty as an organizer because you can hang pots, frying pans, cutting boards, knives and other kitchen items on it.
8. Add a Chalkboard
One way to add a chalkboard to your kitchen is to paint a chalkboard wall, using special chalkboard paint. You now have a huge surface to write grocery lists, menus, messages, chore schedules, and monthly calendars. The whole family can have fun using it.
If you have a kitchen island, you can paint the side of it instead, although it will be more kid-friendly at that height.
Of course, the easiest way to add a chalkboard is to mount one on a wall or the inside or outside of a cabinet door.
Your major appliances are the most important part of your kitchen. Keep yours in peak condition. Call C&W Appliance Repair at (214) 358-1496 or (855) 358-1496 for all your appliance repair and maintenance needs.
