Are you in the market for a major kitchen remodel? Maybe after some research and even getting a few quotes you realize that it may be out of your budget for the moment. A mini kitchen makeover might be all you need to freshen up and update your kitchen.

Here are a few easy and inexpensive things you can do to breathe new life into your kitchen:

1. Paint cabinetry instead of replacing them. Cabinets are undoubtedly the big ticket item in a kitchen. Instead of replacing them altogether, painting them might be a much easier and less expensive solution…especially if they are good quality hardword. Perhaps they are the shorter 30″ or 36″ cabinets? A good finish carpenter can add cabinetry above the existing ones and tie them in with glass inserts or another decorative insert to look like they’ve always been there. Of course you have to have the space above your existing cabinets. Even if there is a bulk head, there may be hidden space above, so be sure to check.
2. Add an island if you have room. It doesn’t have to be a large one; A 28″x48″ island is just the right size to add some extra storage and convenience in your kitchen. A good finish carpenter can add one for you very inexpensively or you can purchase a ready made one. It’s also very visually appealing to paint or stain the island a different color than the other cabinets and adding a different type of surface.
3. Upgrade countertops to granite, quartz, corian or concrete. These can be very pricey, but sometimes you can find great deals if you shop around.
4. Update light fixtures and add more lighting if at all possible. Undercabinet lighting strips that plug in are quick and easy to install and make a huge difference
5. Adding hardware to cabinets. This may seem like a simple idea that won’t make a difference, but I am here to tell you that adding the right hardware to cabinets makes a huge difference! Hardware dress your cabinetry like jewelry does a little black dress
6. Consider replacing appliances with quality commercial grade appliances. These can be very expensive but may be worth shopping around for a bargain. There are scratch and dent stores in some cities where you can purchase gently used or store display appliances for alot less. Good quality appliances will last a very long time, so when you are finally ready for the big renovation, you already have them and won’t need to purchase them again!
7. Consider Open Shelving in place of some cabinets. Open shelving is not for the feint of heart – it has its downside. You have to stay organized and dust regularly, but they are beautiful to look at it. They are great for visually “breaking up” a long bank of cabinetry. Consider putting a great looking, colorful or textural wallpaper or even paint behind the shelves to add interest or a focal point in the kitchen. This is a great place to highlight and group a collection like ginger jars or china
8. Consider replacing some cabinet doors with glass inserts. Much like open shelving, they “break up” the look of a long bank of cabinets. You can also add wrought iron, chicken wire or even fabric inserts instead of glass.
9. Hang a pot rack above the island or backsplash as a convenient way to get to your favorite cooking utensils. The better looking the pots are, the better
10. Add window treatment. Kitchens have so may hard surfaces and hard lines. A great way to introduce some softness and color is to add a window topper or panels if you have large windows. Layering window treatments is also a great idea in a kitchen. For example, you can add a natural woven shade for privacy and a pair of drapery panels as a decorative layer.
11. Update the backsplash. One of my pet peeves is walking into a kitchen with no backsplash (drywall for a backsplash). There are so many products available that can be used for this purpose…the sky is the limit! The most common backsplashes you will find are ceramic tiles, travertine tiles, porcelain tiles, slate tiles and mosaic tiles. Anyone of these options is fine, just be sure to make sure it coordinates well with your countertop.

So there you have it, 11 things you can do to freshen up your kitchen. Doing them all might be just as overwhelming as a full remodel, so pick a few from the list and go forth and decorate!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon