5 Great Ways to Update the Look of Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank
I’ve been into many kitchens over the years and I have truly come to know that the struggle is real when working to update a dated space. I also know that for many people, a full kitchen renovation is simply not in the cards financially. The important thing to know is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There are some very small yet impactful improvements that you can do if you know that a full renovation won’t be in the cards for at least a few years. Here are five easy and inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a little refresh so you can get through the waiting period and feel happier with the space you have.
1. Paint
It goes without saying, but an updated colour palette can work miracles on a tired, dated space. For example, an old oak kitchen (the most common type that I encounter) can benefit greatly from a paint job. I’m not even advocating for a total paint job because I actually think that some oak tones can be really nice and worth keeping a bit of. Painting the lower cabinets an interesting colour can really elevate the space.
It’s also a great opportunity to try something bold. You know this won’t be your forever kitchen, so why not try something that you may be too nervous to try on a whole new kitchen? For example, an ultra-dark hunter green would look rich and sophisticated with a wheat toned oak upper cabinet. Another great thing about it is that if just the lowers aren’t a dramatic enough update, you can always paint the uppers as well. If you’re really looking to transform the space, I suggest choosing a light tone for the uppers.
Source: Jaclyn Peters Design
‘Jack Pine’ by Benjamin Moore
As you can see in the above photo, the oak open shelves next to the green cabinet are a match made in heaven. This can also be done with minimal prep work using Annie Sloan chalk paint. You won’t need to do much in the way of sanding or priming, which is a big time saver. Additionally, their colour palette is gorgeous so you’re sure to find some great options. Locally, Annie Sloan chalk paint is available for purchase at North Bay’s The Painted Penny.
2. New Decorative Hardware
This is such a small thing that can have a major impact. Going with something clean-lined and minimal (regardless of your existing door style) will really elevate and modernize your space. I believe that mixing metals is a great thing and adds interest and textures, so don’t worry if your appliances are white and your lights or sink are stainless steel - go for that industrial black handle or the faintly brushed gold knob.
What is very important to consider is the drill pattern of your existing handles. What you’ll need to do is look at the screws for your existing handle on the back of your door and measure the distance from the center of one screw to the center of the other. That is what’s known as the drill pattern. This will determine the options you have for new handles. When you know the drill pattern, you can call a kitchen designer like myself, who will be able to give you an endless list of handle options that will fit your drill pattern, voila!
3. Add Open Shelving
If your ‘shelfie’ game needs some work then this is a perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills! I recommend taking a look at your existing kitchen to see if there’s a natural place where you could remove one or more of your existing cabinets in lieu of open shelving. That alone will really transform the look, and also offers a perfect opportunity to show off your style and personality. My strategy for styling open shelving is as simple as this:
● Something functional, e.g. - mixing bowls, pestle & mortar, salt & pepper
● Something decorative, e.g. - vase, sculpture,
● Something vintage, e.g. - old cookbooks, glassware, platters, jugs
● Something artistic, e.g. - painting, artwork
4. Backsplash
Backsplashes offer you the biggest opportunity to update your kitchen space - it’s often the first thing anyone sees when they enter the room. You also have plenty of options to get it updated, and not all of them involve major work.
If you currently have no backsplash, hooray! You just eliminated one step in your journey towards an updated kitchen. If you currently have old ugly tile that you don’t want to go to the expense of tearing out, then don’t despair - there are still lots of options.
Firstly, there are now amazing vinyl stickers widely available. Yes, you read that right - vinyl stickers. These stickers can be installed directly over your existing backsplash tile. A few companies that I have found and taken the time to vet are available here:
I have personally ordered samples from this company, and the shipping was fairly quick and the product was durable. They offer their products in various tile sizes so you’re sure to find one to fit what you have, giving you a great solution.
5. Rugs
Rugs can do so much for a space. They can help cover up floor tiles that perhaps you don’t love, but can’t afford to retile immediately. Rugs also give a nice layered look to a room, adding warmth and helping pull together any aesthetic you want to accomplish. For example, Persian and patterned rugs will add an interesting, old-world feel. A natural fibre rug can add warmth and texture with a boho vibe. Finally, a geometric patterned rug can add a contemporary feel to what may be a traditional space.
The bottom line is that by adding all of these layers to an existing kitchen, you’ll end up with a space that you can be excited about and inspired to spend time in again. Good luck in your affordable kitchen update journey!
Need more ideas on how you can update the look of your kitchen without breaking the bank? Our team has the experience and interior design knowledge needed to completely transform your kitchen while keeping a reasonable budget in mind. Get started on your journey today by contacting the interior design experts at Kitchen Gallery!