Whether your kitchen is colossal or small, there are always ways to elevate its style and functionality. From adding a simple runner to displaying beautiful serveware and using decorative planters, these upgrades are quick, easy, and cost-effective.
Kitchens can also benefit from hidden storage solutions and new cabinet hardware. Brass and brushed nickel finishes are currently popular and offer a modern flair.
Upgrade Your Light Fixtures
It’s easy to overlook your kitchen lighting, but a fresh new fixture can add an instant dose of style. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest kitchen upgrades you can make.
Romantic farmhouse chic is still a popular look, which you can easily carry into your light fixtures by choosing pieces that hone in on wood frames, forged iron, and even faux candlesticks or reused jars. Single-hanging Edison bulbs are also a staple of this design trend and can be grouped to create a unique lighting centerpiece.
As more homeowners use their kitchens as gathering/living spaces, framed artwork and canvases are a common addition. To show off this art, Whitehead recommends using recessed, adjustable, low-voltage fixtures to highlight it. Similarly, he suggests installing modern plinth lights under bottom cabinets to illuminate dark areas and create the illusion of floating cabinetry.
Replace Old Appliances
Doing away with outdated appliances makes your kitchen look fresh and new. New fridges, ovens, and dishwashers have sleek designs that can add more style to your space. They also have many options, such as fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, to prevent smudges and prints. You can find a wide range of options at your local home improvement store that suit any budget.
Kitchen appliance trends with the help of the Home Depot promo code may come and go, but the ones that work stay true to your style. According to real estate broker and consumer trends expert Beatrice de Jong from Opendoor, modern stainless-steel appliances are still a safe bet for homeowners wanting to increase their homes’ value when they remodel their kitchens.
Shelving and cabinet organizers can help you keep your spaces uncluttered. You can also mount peg boards on the wall to store and display your cookware. Adding plants and flowers to your kitchen brings in natural color, promotes healthy air, and can make your home feel more cozy and welcoming. Choose plants in various shapes and sizes to create a unique look. Add pottery pieces in earthy tones and textures or hang macrame wall hangings for a bohemian vibe.
Add Some Plants and Flowers
While it may seem counterintuitive to implement decorative accents in the kitchen, they can help a room feel fresh. Aside from a clean and modern appearance, they also give the space warmth and character. Plus, they can easily evoke an upscale aesthetic, which is ideal for the home improvement products that you use in your kitchen.
A backsplash is a great way to add color and texture to your kitchen, says Walton, adding that you can choose from various materials such as shiplap, tile, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and even mirrors. However, he recommends avoiding absolute marble countertops, which have a higher price tag and are less likely to yield a return on investment. Instead, opt for quartzite materials that are both durable and visually appealing.
Another essential kitchen upgrade is a stylish new faucet, which you can find in various styles and finishes. Reynal suggests choosing a product in a warm-toned metal, such as brass, to complement your home and kitchen look. Touchless faucets are also trending, allowing you to avoid cross-contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Display Some Decorative Oil and Vinegar Bottles
As helpful as a kitchen might be, it’s also a space that calls for decor that adds personality and inspires cooking. Hang a piece of artwork above the stove or display an antique platter to give the room a sense of character. Add a touch of warmth to the room with earth-toned tile or lay concrete floors that are easy to clean.
If you’re looking for a sleek way to display your oil and vinegar, try these chic bottle dispensers crafted from premium stoneware with a fun silhouette. The straightforward design makes it easy to see when the bottles need refilling, and the narrow spout provides spill-free dispensing.
A few simple updates can transform an uninspired kitchen into a space that looks and feels new. By upgrading light fixtures, adding a pop of color to the backsplash, and displaying a few decorative items on open shelving, you can take your kitchen from builder-basic to beautiful. Stylish new faucets are another major upgrade that’s a must-have for your modern kitchen, as they instantly make the space feel more upscale and up-to-date.
Add Some Open Shelving
Even if you’re not a fan of the open shelving trend, a few well-placed shelves can add visual interest to your kitchen. Rather than filling them with everything you own, be selective about the items you display. For example, this blogger at Inspired Kitchen Design suggests storing the dishes you use frequently (like tea mugs) near the water boiler while putting more decorative pieces (like silver platters) on higher-up shelves.
Open shelving is also great for displaying a favorite accent color or collection. The copper mugs and green glass bottles shown in this kitchen by Pardon My French Blog pop against the wood shelves, making them the focal point.
If you want to make more dramatic changes, replacing your cabinet doors with Shaker-style ones can help modernize your kitchen and make it look bigger. Installing task lighting in dark corners and revamping your backsplash are other easy and affordable upgrades. They’re much less expensive than a complete kitchen remodel, but they can still make a big difference.
