Posted: 08 Mar 2015 08:58 PM PDT
Whether you are ready to put your home on the market or just want to enhance your home’s value and functionality, the kitchen is one of the best places to focus your attention.
But if a complete renovation does not quite fit your budget or you simply don’t want the disruption to your daily life, there is still good news. There are many things you can do to breathe new life into a tired kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are five ideas to consider when you want to increase the “wow” factor for that prime gathering spot in your home.
1. Shortcut a cabinet redo.
Image credit: ginsburgconstruction via pixabay.com
New kitchen cabinets can eat up over half of the total renovation budget. But there are several tricks you can do to give your old cabinet’s new life even without a complete remodel. Often, you can replace just the doors on your cabinets or reface the door surfaces. If you decide to paint your cabinets, be sure your choice of color can adequately cover the wood beneath. For an extra update, replace a couple of doors with cabinet doors of frosted glass or remove them completely for a European look. Even switching out your hardware can make an awe-inspiring difference.
2. Treat yourself to a new tile and fresh paint.
image credit: Woodstock Floors via Flickr.com
Replace your backsplash with new tiles to spruce up the entire room. Try a new glass or metallic tile for a trendy update, and run your backsplash a full 18 inches in depth for a more gourmet look. Top off your eye-catching tile work with a fresh coat of paint elsewhere in the room. Just like it does in other areas of your house, a fresh coat of paint in kitchen can renew tired decor and give the area a fresh look. For easier maintenance, choose eggshell rather than a flat paint finish, if possible, since the area is more prone to splashes from spills.
3. Go stainless.
image credit: Nancy Hugo CKD via Flickr.com
If you have been living with a mismatched or outdated range, dishwasher or refrigerator, treat yourself to a new set of stainless steel appliances. Consider professional-grade, if your budget allows it and you enjoy time in the kitchen. If a whole new set of appliances isn’t quite in your budget, opt for a new refrigerator only. Consider a stainless steel model with French doors for a truly updated look—and greater functionality.
4. Table your island needs.
image credit: Chalon Handmade via Flickr
If you have always wanted a kitchen island, but don’t want the expense of a custom-built one, consider purchasing a stainless steel table from a restaurant supply store. Choose one with shelving beneath. Adding a few wood cutting boards to the top will complete the look. Or, opt for a similar solution using a table with granite top.
5. Finish with faucets.
image credit: Phil Roeder via Flickr
For a finishing touch, consider switching out your faucets. While there may not be a variety of metals to choose from, there are plenty of styles. Begin by choosing a finish, then look for an updated faucet that. You will be surprised what a valuable style-setter a faucet can be in your kitchen.
About the author: Lori W. is an active Realtor in Central Kentucky and has 20 years of experience in marketing and communications for a variety of clients, including real estate brokers, mortgage lenders and property investors.
But if a complete renovation does not quite fit your budget or you simply don’t want the disruption to your daily life, there is still good news. There are many things you can do to breathe new life into a tired kitchen without breaking the bank. Here are five ideas to consider when you want to increase the “wow” factor for that prime gathering spot in your home.
1. Shortcut a cabinet redo.
Image credit: ginsburgconstruction via pixabay.com
New kitchen cabinets can eat up over half of the total renovation budget. But there are several tricks you can do to give your old cabinet’s new life even without a complete remodel. Often, you can replace just the doors on your cabinets or reface the door surfaces. If you decide to paint your cabinets, be sure your choice of color can adequately cover the wood beneath. For an extra update, replace a couple of doors with cabinet doors of frosted glass or remove them completely for a European look. Even switching out your hardware can make an awe-inspiring difference.
2. Treat yourself to a new tile and fresh paint.
image credit: Woodstock Floors via Flickr.com
Replace your backsplash with new tiles to spruce up the entire room. Try a new glass or metallic tile for a trendy update, and run your backsplash a full 18 inches in depth for a more gourmet look. Top off your eye-catching tile work with a fresh coat of paint elsewhere in the room. Just like it does in other areas of your house, a fresh coat of paint in kitchen can renew tired decor and give the area a fresh look. For easier maintenance, choose eggshell rather than a flat paint finish, if possible, since the area is more prone to splashes from spills.
3. Go stainless.
image credit: Nancy Hugo CKD via Flickr.com
If you have been living with a mismatched or outdated range, dishwasher or refrigerator, treat yourself to a new set of stainless steel appliances. Consider professional-grade, if your budget allows it and you enjoy time in the kitchen. If a whole new set of appliances isn’t quite in your budget, opt for a new refrigerator only. Consider a stainless steel model with French doors for a truly updated look—and greater functionality.
4. Table your island needs.
image credit: Chalon Handmade via Flickr
If you have always wanted a kitchen island, but don’t want the expense of a custom-built one, consider purchasing a stainless steel table from a restaurant supply store. Choose one with shelving beneath. Adding a few wood cutting boards to the top will complete the look. Or, opt for a similar solution using a table with granite top.
5. Finish with faucets.
image credit: Phil Roeder via Flickr
For a finishing touch, consider switching out your faucets. While there may not be a variety of metals to choose from, there are plenty of styles. Begin by choosing a finish, then look for an updated faucet that. You will be surprised what a valuable style-setter a faucet can be in your kitchen.
About the author: Lori W. is an active Realtor in Central Kentucky and has 20 years of experience in marketing and communications for a variety of clients, including real estate brokers, mortgage lenders and property investors.
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