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Kitchen Makeover

By Deborah C. Gerbers

A kitchen is oftentimes called the heart of a home—it’s where meals are made, people gather, and where many come together. Is your kitchen space an ideal place for life to happen, or is it out of date and in need of a makeover? Even if you don’t have the time and budget for a complete kitchen overhaul, there are a few small ways to freshen up your kitchen without breaking the bank. Look through professional design magazines and Pinterest posts for inspiration and ideas to do it yourself.

Add a Little Color

Take a look around at your kitchen walls. Are there dated color palettes or faded wallpaper? Maybe some dull golden oak cabinets you’d rather be more modern? No problem. A fresh coat of paint on the walls in a neutral color can complement just about any type of wood finish or flooring. Or, consider a bright, unexpected statement wall in a pop of green or red. Old wallpaper can be steamed off and walls sanded, primed and painted in a weekend’s worth of work.

For a fresh look on your cabinets, you can sand off years of old varnish, and either re-stain in a cherry or walnut finish, or experiment with a paint color of your choice. Black or white cabinets can give a neutral modern look, or muted blues or violets can bring a softer look against white or cream wall color. Simply remove cabinet door hinges and either replace the hardware or soak in a cleaning solution to remove grime and grease.

New Appliances

Is your refrigerator as old as you are? Perhaps a new model in white, black or stainless steel is just the ticket. Look for sales and coupons at big box retailers, and keep your eyes open for discounted floor models or scratch-and-dent items to save money. Just one new appliance can make a huge difference in a kitchen.

Countertops + Backsplash

If it’s in your budget to replace your countertops, it’s a great way to completely change the look of your kitchen. Look for slabs of granite, marble, butcher block, or whatever your heart desires. To save money, you can buy individual granite squares or porcelain subway-style tile and lay them yourself with a colored grout. Or, try laying broken pieces of old colored dishes from a thrift store and make your own unique mosaic style countertop. The same goes for a new backsplash — individual glass or porcelain tiles or mosaic pieces from broken pottery can all make for an interesting backsplash.

More Small Changes for Big Impact

If your budget will not allow for major upgrades, there are smaller, inexpensive ways to freshen up your kitchen. Replace old switch plates, hardware for cabinets and drawers, and outdated light fixtures. You can also hang some new pictures on the walls, add a statement clock or sculpture, or some hanging plants. A few little changes can brighten up the overall look of any kitchen.