If you feel like your kitchen looks dated and drab, you may want to consider upgrading it. Most people will tell you that it would cost a fortune to revamp their kitchen into something more modern and contemporary, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are ways to turn that old-fashioned kitchen into something you’ll be proud to show off to your friends and family. Follow these simple tips to get the kitchen of your dreams, without breaking the bank.
1) Take a look at the kitchen layout. Are you satisfied with the overall plan of your kitchen? If the answer to this is ‘Yes’, then you can save yourself a LOT of money. Using your basic kitchen layout means a lot of expense can be avoided, so consider whether you can live with the existing layout or at least consider leaving some things where they are.
2) The first thing to do is to convert your old cabinets into something more modern. If your kitchen has seen better days, there are inexpensive ways to revitalize old kitchen cabinet doors. Small changes can make a big difference. First, get rid of dated cabinet handles. You can buy door handle sets in very contemporary styles, from brushed nickel or aluminum to antique brass. Just swap your old handles for new ones. However, don’t stop there. You’ll have to do something with the cabinet doors. If the doors are made of real wood, why not sand them down and use a dark wood stain to keep the wood looking its best? If your doors are made from wood chip pads or something similar, a coat of paint will make them look shiny and new, enhancing the new handles nicely.
3) A quick and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new feel is to brighten it up completely. This can be achieved quickly and easily by using a new light source. The long fluorescent strip is out! Consider adding focused track lighting or some form of halogen spot lighting. If you’re feeling brave, you could go for something more elaborate, like a chandelier, to liven things up.
4) With your new lighting setup, you’ll want to illuminate the rest of your kitchen, so it’s time to focus on the ceiling and walls. A white ceiling will be ideal, as this will help reflect light back into the kitchen. The color of your kitchen wall will depend on the other rooms in your house. Try to make the walls blend into the next room so that the kitchen flows with the rest of the house. Avoiding harsh or clashing color transitions will give the entire kitchen a fluid and welcoming feel. Your choice of paint for the walls should be carefully considered, especially if you have children. Choose a paint that cleans up easily and is highly durable to help keep things looking clean and fresh.
5) The next stop is the kitchen floor. In any old kitchen this will probably look very tired and worn, but don’t despair. As long as the floor is fairly level and doesn’t need any major structural work, you can easily turn it into something to behold. The best way to achieve this is by using a vinyl floor. These come in a plethora of patterns, faux tile, simulated wood, planks, and more. The variety of vinyl flooring available means you’re sure to find something to suit your new kitchen. You can buy it by the roll or use individual floor tiles that are easier to lay and cut into difficult corners. Very easy to do, this makes it a viable option for a new kitchen floor that is highly durable, attractive, and best of all, inexpensive.
So, if you’ve got your heart set on renovating your kitchen and you don’t want to break the bank, these tips will help you get the kitchen you deserve at a fraction of the cost.
