Guest Post: by April Linville
8 Easy Ways To Update the Kitchen
If you are like me, your kitchen is a well-used room; a room of many purposes. When we entertain family and friends, it seems to be the place where everyone gathers. We have an open concept floor plan, and the kitchen is visible from our living room. Our kitchen was in good condition and a good size for our family, but it seemed a little dull and out of date. The first time I thought, can we afford to update the kitchen, I immediately stopped myself. What was I thinking? A remodel was way out of our budget. A few months and a few good ideas later, I decided to give it a face lift and I was able to do it without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas of how to update the kitchen on a budget:
Declutter
Remove the things that don’t belong. Kitchens are used daily by every member of the family and often any of their guests. This high traffic area tends to accumulate every thing from newspapers, magazines, home work or office work, to laundry baskets, brief cases, book sacks and back packs! Ensuring the things that actually belong are organized and in their proper place allows the room to show its true size and makes it easier to keep clean. Once you declutter you can really see the space you are working with.
Paint
Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways to make a sagacious change to your home. Painting your kitchen in a well-chosen color can make it look fresh and clean. Lighter colors make the room feel bigger and more airy. Darker colors make the room feel cozy and add warmth. Take into consideration the color of the floor, cabinetry, and counter-tops to choose a nice complementary color.
Crown Molding
Crown Molding adds distinction to any room. Prices vary, but there are plenty of affordable crown moldings to update the kitchen. Because moldings require a degree of expertise to install, this project can cost a bit more than the others, but it can make an ordinary space feel elegant. In my opinion, it is worth the added cost to have crown molding professionally installed, especially if you are adding it to other rooms as well. Once you see the finished product, I think you will agree!
Backsplash
Backsplash can add a nice design element to your kitchen. If you have a mostly white kitchen, backsplash is a great way to add a pop of color. It can also add detail and texture while keeping a clean sleek look.
Change your hardware
Changing out the hardware on your kitchen drawers and cabinets doesn’t seem like much, but it can make a huge difference. A new faucet, new light switch covers and outlet covers are also an inexpensive way to update the kitchen.
Cabinets
If you have white kitchen cabinets, that aren’t so white anymore, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint. If painting the cabinets is not something that interests you, try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to get them sparkling white again. (Always read the instructions and test a small area of a surface with any cleaner before continuing, to avoid damage)
Window Treatments
Invest in quality blinds or window treatments. Thicker blinds are more durable, easier to clean and are more aesthetically pleasing than smaller blinds. If you have nice big windows, consider opening your blinds to allow the natural sunlight in. The extra light will brighten the room and the sight-lines will make it feel bigger.
Make Your Floors Shine Again
If you have tile or laminate floors, try cleaning them with this solution.
- ½ cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water
NOTE: NEVER MIX VINEGAR WITH BLEACH OR PRODUCTS CONTAINING BLEACH
Mopping your floors with this solution will not only leave them clean and shiny, but also streak free!
After doing these few projects, I realized that I could indeed update the kitchen without spending a fortune. Now, it is not only the most used room in our home, it is also my favorite!
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