How to Update your Kitchen without Remodelling

The kids are back at school, the weather’s taking a turn for the worse and you’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, there’s a less sunshine but you can enjoy cozy evenings at home with a bowl of comforting food.

Autumn is the perfect time to think about updating your kitchen and making it a great space to prepare warming meals and also to entertain guests at a party.

If your kitchen is looking a little dated or you are just ready for a change, you don’t have to remodel to get that new, updated look. In fact, there are lots of smaller changes you can make to this space to transform it into something entirely new or add some function and interest.

Whenever you work on home projects, wear the proper safety equipment. Things like closed-toed boots, safety glasses and a mask can protect you from flying debris and dangerous fumes.

The trick to updating your kitchen is to identify an area that isn’t working, earthier functionally or aesthetically, and make some changes. Whether you are just bored with the wall colour or your kitchen doesn’t have enough storage space, there are do-it-yourself projects you can use to solve the problem.

Install a New Faucet

Believe it or not, the style of your kitchen faucet speaks volumes. If it’s old and outdated or doesn’t match the style in the rest of your home, it will stand out and bring the entire room down.

Installing a new faucet is a very simple project anyone can take on. Start by removing your current fixture and then take it to the hardware store so you’ll be sure to find a new one that fits your sink.

Go with short, traditional handles for a classic look or choose something sleek and clean for a more modern upgrade. This is an affordable but dramatic change that can really help you update your kitchen.

Redo Your Existing Cabinets

One of the major elements in your kitchen is the cabinets. They are the first things you see when you walk into the room and the way they look sets the tone for the entire kitchen. If you aren’t happy with their current look, give them a makeover.

You can easily remove the cupboard doors and sand them down. Then use a paint spray system to cover them with a new cheerful colour or a warm, cozy hue. You can also paint the knobs and drawer pulls or install brand new ones to complete the look.

Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to updating your cabinets. You could use one colour for the upper cabinets and a complementary colour for the bottom ones. Or, you could paint features, like crown moulding, a different colour to make them stand out and add contrast.

You can also change the way the cupboards work. For example, you could leave a cupboard door off for open shelving or replace a few of the front panels with glass to give part of the room a new look.

Build a Custom Storage Unit or Island

If you feel like your kitchen is lacking storage space, add some! With some boards, an electric screwdriver and a lick of paint, you can build a custom piece that will fit anywhere you want it. You can also get a beautiful built-in look with this project, adding some interest to your kitchen.

Whether you want to go all out and build a custom hutch or just want to add some floating shelves to a wall, the result is the same: some extra storage and a new look.

You can also add a DIY kitchen island with cupboards or drawers in the base for storing dishes, linens or small appliances. This option has the added perk of bringing in some extra counter space.

Create a Tile Backsplash

Get creative and design your own tile backsplash that adds colour to your kitchen. This project is actually very easy, and the results are stunning. Take some measurements and then sketch out your backsplash on a piece of graph paper.

Draw your design first so you can make sure it fits and figure out how many of each kind of tile you will need. Then, use a tile cutter, adhesive and grout to make your work of art a reality.

With the huge variety of tile colours, shapes, finishes and styles out there the possibilities are endless and you can create a backsplash that matches your kitchen’s style perfectly.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can breath new life into your kitchen. There’s something about newly painted walls that makes an entire room feel clean, fresh and new.

Go with a lighter shade if you want to make the room feel bigger and lighter and a warmer colour if you want to make it feel cozy. Also keep in mind that you can use different techniques to add interest.

Use a different colour, pattern or finish on one wall to make it an accent wall or add some bead board, a chair rail or crown moulding that you can paint a different colour for some contrast and interest.

Rethink the Decor

One of the easiest changes you can make is updating the decor in your kitchen. All the little elements like accessories, curtains, chair cushions and rugs all work together to create a feeling and theme in the room. If you’re ready for something different, these things are easy to change and still make a big statement.

Think about replacing just one element or completely redoing the room’s decor. This can also be a slow process that you work on over time, adding pieces as you find them, so keep an open mind about what you decide to add to the kitchen.

Install New Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference in any room, especially a kitchen. You can just update existing features so they match the room’s decor and new style or you can go big and install new light fixtures.

Some great places for lights in the kitchen include ceiling lights in the centre of the ceiling, hanging fixtures above an island or table, spotlights underneath counters or even small lights inside open cupboards.

Use lighting to add function to the room, make it feel more airy and to add some depth and interest.

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to lead to a complete remodel. When you take on just a few projects you can make a dramatic change that makes the whole room feel like new.

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