Upgrading your kitchen can make the space easier to cook in and increase the value of your home. Whether you’ve got a small budget or a windfall to spend on sleek kitchen upgrades, these projects offer value that you won’t want to miss out on.
Upgrade Appliances
Kitchen appliances including a dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator benefit from upgrading. Old appliances may not be energy-efficient, so, over time, you can recoup some of the financial investment here by paying less each time you run your dishwasher or perform other duties. If your appliances look dated or you’ve inherited old pieces that don’t match, sleek or new LG appliances may offer increased functionality in addition to improved energy efficiency. Stainless steel appliances are a must for a modern kitchen.
Add Backsplash
To brighten up your kitchen backsplash simply, all you need is some new paint and paint brushes or rollers. This is one investment that is very budget friendly. If you have a little bit more money and want to create a unique backsplash, add colorful or patterned tile behind your stove and on kitchen walls that will show off your new appliances. Tile backsplashes wipe down easily, so grime and grease won’t accumulate behind your stove.
Refinish Cabinets
If you can swing for it, replace old kitchen cabinets with newer, sleeker ones that have the length and width to store your dishes perfectly. Since cabinets are quite expensive, this may be beyond the budget. Consider utilizing a workaround instead. Find a company that will reface your existing cabinets. Many companies will remove cabinet doors, refinish the interior box and replace the door. Upgrade cabinet facing to stainless steel or update the color to a more modern look. At the very least, consider updating the hardware by replacing old handles for a few dollars per cabinet handle. This will transform the mood of your kitchen.
Update Countertop
Kitchen counters in marble and granite convey luxury. You don’t have to upgrade to one of these materials, but if you’ve got a dated countertop, consider giving it a face lift. Countertops in neutral colors are the best choice if you plan to sell your home down the road and will show off your sleek upgrades very nicely. Laminate countertops are fine in terms of looks and price and can help harmonize your new kitchen.
Enhance Flooring
Standard kitchen floors can be quite boring, and if you’re unfortunate enough to have linoleum, they can be downright ugly. Consider replacing old linoleum with fresh linoleum or upgrade even further by setting down tiles or laying a wood floor. Renewable wood such as bamboo may be a good choice for its eco-friendly status and slightly lower cost. If you have carpets in the hallways, steam clean them regularly.
Add Lighting
Light fixtures, particularly fluorescent, really affect the mood in the kitchen. To enhance your kitchen, add track lighting near the stove and above the counters and replace dated ceiling fixtures with modern pendant lamps. You’ll be able to see better while you cook and clean, and the space will be brighter and more modern looking. Who wants to cook in a dingy kitchen anyway?
When planning your kitchen upgrades, always begin with a budget, then prioritize. While your heart may be set on refacing the cabinets, if you countertop is chipped and cracking, it makes sense to start there. Tackle some upgrades yourself to save money if you’re on a tight budget, or hire someone to get the work done for you if DIY’s not your thing.
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