So, Why the Kitchen?
This is the one place in the home where all of us spend the majority of our time, and it really should be a place where you want to spend time too. The kitchen really is the heart of the home, so if it isn’t something you are particularly happy with, it is really time to take action. Other than the cooking equipment and potentially not having to cook as often, what exactly can be improved about the kitchen? We’ve put a few quick and easy suggestions, that can help you improve your kitchen design.
The Budget Basics
Some of the best small kitchen upgrades are actually quite simple and can be achieved on a tight budget. We don’t always want a complete overhaul of our room and sometimes we don’t have the budget to achieve this, so making sure we know what we want to achieve and on what budget, is essential. Right down what you want or how you want your kitchen to look. Get a pen and paper (or spreadsheet) and start budgeting.
Modernize your Kitchen
Kitchens are so often overlooked as a possible addition to a home. Perhaps it’s the rough brickwork or the industrial appliances or perhaps it’s because the kitchen is simply taken for granted. They’re rarely thought about and there are many ways to update them to bring them into the 21st Century. If you’re just starting out, a dramatic renovation can be hard to manage, but you still want to add a few touches to bring it up to date…
Add a Splash of Colour
If you have a predominantly blue kitchen, a splash of colour on the walls will make a huge difference to the mood. It will also create a focal point, whether that’s using wallpaper or painting. Adding a splash of colour also adds to the area’s identity. Paint the walls of your kitchen in a contrasting colour. You don’t have to change the colour too drastically to make an impact. A colour with blue or grey undertones would do the trick. Just make sure the colour you use stays the same throughout the rest of the kitchen, and that you pick a tone and paint that’s easy to keep clean.
Add a Bar or Breakfast Counter-Top
If you love baking or simply make more than the space you have now can accommodate, you can easily add a breakfast bar into your kitchen by putting one up. A good place to start is putting the breakfast bar along one side of the kitchen. Placing it next to your hob and sink can make meal prep a breeze, as you can fit a morning cuppa alongside cooking up a big batch of pancakes. The addition of a breakfast bar can really give any kitchen that new era look.
Update Your Kitchen Equipment
Kitchen appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are the most commonly used and yet the least attractive aspect of any kitchen. Why? Because they look dull, are often painted off-white and in need of an upgrade or two. The easiest and cheapest way to make a kitchen more attractive is to purchase a matching appliance set. Replace off-white appliances with matte white, matte black or metal finishes to give your kitchen that well-deserved upgrade.
Replace Old Appliances With New Ones
As well as your washers, refrigerators and ovens have been with us through thick and thin. Perhaps it’s time to replace these too? The more modern the appliances are, the more efficient the kitchen will be. Modern stainless steel appliances will also look great and save on electricity bills. A new dishwasher is a perfect way to increase the efficiency of your kitchen, and allow you to save money on your utility bills. New appliances come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s one for everyone. Shop around to find the best deal and price, and wait for your sales to see if you can get them for free or half price.
Update Outdated Cabinets With New Ones
A good way to improve your kitchen is to modernize the cabinetry. Replace the old, outdated cabinets with the most up to date versions. New styles are available in most hardware stores. By simply giving your cabinets a facelift, you can really change the look and feel of a room.
Another way you can achieve a modern look, is by upcycling old cabinets, giving them both an attractive, elegant look, as well as keeping the original character.
Finish off With Little Decor Ideas
Finally, look to finish off with the little pieces – the icing on the cake. Potted plants, pictures and art on the wall and shelving. All these fine details can help change your kitchen and bring it up-to-date.
