To renovate or not to renovate: that is the question on homeowners’ minds as we move closer to spring …
And while there are times when a renovation is required, perhaps what your kitchen needs is simply a little revamping to bring it into 2014. Here are some great ways to freshen up your kitchen and make it feel like new (without breaking the bank).
Paint the Cabinets Painting cabinets can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. Very dark cabinets can feel dated, while an all-white kitchen may border on clinical. Painting cabinets a new shade can add warmth and character to your space. Navy and other shades of blue are very popular right now. Tip: Hire a professional as they will ensure the paint is applied correctly and with the proper finish.
Change the Hardware If you are happy with your cabinets, a simple switch of drawer pulls can have a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. Investing in higher-end pulls will give your kitchen a more polished feel. Tip: The pulls you choose have the same hole placement as your previous pulls.
Install a New Faucet Updating your faucet will not only increase your kitchen’s style factor, but a good quality faucet that pulls out for easy rinsing can really make dishwashing more enjoyable. Tip: Choose the right style faucet for your kitchen. If you have a farmhouse style kitchen, for example, do not choose an industrial style faucet.
Update the Backsplash Changing the backsplash in your kitchen is an easy and inexpensive way of creating a new atmosphere as well as adding value to your home. Tip: Chevrons, glazed ceramics, retro graphic prints, classic subway tiles, stone slabs and stainless steel are all on trend right now.
Add a Rug If your kitchen feels a little bland, a great colourful rug – like this Kilim example – can really spice things up and add a bit of character. Tip: Kitchens are messy. Choose a rug that doesn’t cost you a fortune so you won’t be devastated if it gets a stain.
New Barstools Since there are an abundance of barstools on the market, this is one area where you can really let your personality shine. Consider the look you want to create, the size of your kitchen and the back height you want. Mixing vintage stools with modern cabinets also creates an interesting contrast. Tip: If you have a small kitchen, avoid large bulky stools as they will only decrease the size of your room and may interfere with traffic flow.
New Light Fixtures Maybe you are happy with your kitchen but still feel there is something missing. As a rule, a good kitchen design will include three types of lighting: general, task and accent. Installing under-cabinet lighting can make quite a difference in the ambiance and functionality of your space. Placing interesting pendant lights over an island or one large statement fixture can also transform the look of your kitchen. Tip: If you have an open concept, do not let your kitchen lights compete with your dining room chandelier, they should blend together seamlessly
